Camp and Soak
Agua Caliente County Park
JANUARY 8-11, 2026
Discover the beauty of Agua Caliente County Park, one of San Diego County’s desert gems. This 910-acre park, set within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, has a long history—once home to indigenous peoples and later a stagecoach stop and health resort in the 19th century.
Today, visitors can enjoy camping and RV sites, scenic hiking trails, and three naturally heated geothermal pools. The park is a true desert oasis, complete with a historic ranch house and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature exploration.
Other amenities include the coin-operated pay showers (50 cents in quarters per 4 minutes), flush toilets, potable water, and shuffleboard and horseshoes. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries, ice, and firewood.
We have reserved sites in the section with full hookups, including electricity, water, and sewer. Cost reflects those accommodations. 2 tents can be supported on one site, but be aware that there is no shade in this area. The campground is on Agua Caliente Springs Rd, off of the Great Southern Overland Stage Route (highway S2) map here
Schedule
Thursday Jan 8th
- 2pm Check in
- 5pm Meet n Greet (communal site #89)
Friday Jan 9th
- 7am Coffee with bagels and pastries (site #89)
- 9am hike from camp
- pm hike or soak
- 6pm dinner
- 7pm campfire
Saturday Jan 10th
- 7am Coffee with bagels and pastries
- 9am Drive to Dos Cabezas train station (4x4) and hike on track ~3mi.
- pm hike or soak
- 6pm dinner
- 7pm campfire
Sunday Jan 11th
- 7am Coffee
- 12pm check out time
Some ideas for activities
Off-road to hike, Dos Cabezas station and train track through old tunnels, story here and map here.
Hike to Bailey's Cabin on AllTrails 2.7mi; hike to Rainbow Canyon on AllTrails 4.9 mi; both near Vallecito County Park. From the campground there is Moonlight Canyon trail details here
Ocotillo is located where S2 hits the I-8 and has a gas station and a decent outdoor-seating restaurant.
TRIP LEADERS: Cliff C email here and Joey D email here
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NOTE that the nearest towns are Julian, 35 miles to the North (several food choices and food), and Ocotillo 27 miles to the South (very little other than a gas station).
Campground Rules and Regulations
A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2017_Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL.pdf
Here are some of the more common rules:
Dogs must be restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails. There may be a $1/day fee per dog, payable at the park.
Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM
Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM
Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park.
Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.
Cell Phone Service Is not available in the park, but can be found by driving a mile or 2 from the campground.
Cancellations: Any cancellation for refund must be received by December 31, 2025, and will be charged a $10 fee. Write the trip leaders to cancel.
Health Problems/Allergies
It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.
For full Agua Caliente County Park information - View the Agua Caliente County Park brochure or map at the following links:
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/AguaCalienteBrochure.pdf
http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2016%20Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL_9_13_16.pdf
