California’s largest state park, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, sprawls across 600,000 mountainous acres in Borrego Springs, covering about one-fifth of San Diego County. The landscape here is dramatic—weathered badlands, desert washes, and mountain ranges stretching in every direction, especially striking during spring wildflower blooms when the entire desert floor turns gold and purple.

Dogs can’t join you on the trails, which is worth knowing upfront if you’re planning a hiking trip. But they’re welcome in the campgrounds and picnic areas, so you can still spend time out here together. The campgrounds scattered throughout the park range from developed sites with amenities to more primitive spots where you’re basically alone in the desert. Tamarisk Grove Campground and Borrego Valley Campground are two main options. From any of these, you’ll have access to the open spaces and scenic vistas the park is known for—plenty of room to walk your dog around the camp areas and take in the landscape.

The park’s real draw is the sheer scale of it. A quarter million acres of protected desert landscape creates an almost overwhelming sense of space and silence. Clear night skies make it popular for stargazing. If you visit in spring, the wildflower displays can be exceptional, though timing depends entirely on winter rainfall.

Picnic areas give you another option for a day visit without camping. You can set up for a few hours, let your dog stretch out, and experience the desert’s raw beauty without the commitment of staying overnight.

The nearest town is Borrego Springs, about 30 minutes from San Diego but genuinely remote once you’re out here. Cell service is spotty. Bring water—lots of it. The park office can answer specific questions about current campground conditions and any temporary trail closures before you head out.