By Gordon Cruise McBride
For RV travelers who chase sunshine, wide-open landscapes, and a relaxed resort atmosphere, the Southern California desert holds one of the West’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the peaceful valley of Borrego Springs, The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course offers a rare combination of luxury RV camping, golf, wellness amenities, and spectacular desert scenery.
Surrounded by the vast wilderness of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the Springs at Borrego feels like a true oasis in the desert.
A Resort Experience for RV Travelers
Many RV parks advertise themselves as “resorts,” but the Springs at Borrego genuinely delivers a resort-quality experience. I sat down with Paul Goodrich, Regional Manager of BoaVida Parks & RV Resorts, which manages The Springs at Borrego along with 18 other unique vacation properties, and he shared some insight on all of the features and amenities to be found in this peaceful community RV resort.
From the moment guests enter the property, it is clear that attention has been paid to every detail. Wide palm-lined roads, manicured landscaping, and sparkling lakes give the park a polished and welcoming atmosphere. The surrounding desert mountains create a dramatic natural backdrop that reminds visitors they are truly in one of California’s most beautiful desert regions.
Paul says the resort features 197 spacious, full hook-up RV sites, designed to accommodate everything from compact travel trailers to luxury Class A motorhomes and large fifth-wheel rigs. Each site includes full hook-ups, generous space between sites, picnic tables and outdoor seating areas and beautiful views of the golf course and surrounding desert. The roomy layout is particularly appreciated by long-term visitors and full-time RV travelers who want a sense of privacy and comfort among the palm trees during extended stays.
Paul mentions that for guests without an RV, The Springs at Borrego also offers a small collection of comfortable park model homes that provide a convenient alternative while still allowing visitors to enjoy the resort’s amenities.
Golf in the Desert (why not?)
Golfers visiting the Springs at Borrego quickly discover that the resort’s nine-hole championship golf course is one of its most appealing features. The landscaped course blends beautifully with the surrounding desert environment. Lush fairways contrast with rugged desert terrain, creating a visually striking playing experience, with scenic water features and lakes, a memorable island green and spectacular mountain views, including famous Indian Head mountain. The course offers enough challenge to keep experienced golfers engaged while remaining friendly and accessible for casual players to enjoy a relaxed pace of play. And keep an eye out for a sauntering coyote as he heads over to one of the many water features…
One of the amenities that truly distinguishes the Springs at Borrego from many RV parks is its strong focus on wellness and relaxation.
At the heart of the resort is a modern recreation and wellness center where guests can take advantage of a wide variety of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness center, a large heated swimming pool, a soothing hot spa, Yoga and exercise classes and massage therapy services
Perhaps the most unique offering, however, is the resort’s natural mineral baths. Fed by a deep underground source, the warm mineral water pools offer a soothing place to relax after a day of golf, hiking, or exploring the desert. Many guests say a soak in the mineral baths quickly becomes part of their daily routine.
Active Desert Living
While relaxation is easy to find at the resort, active travelers will also discover plenty of recreational opportunities. The Springs at Borrego offers an impressive list of outdoor activities including:
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts and leagues
- Horseshoes
- Lawn bowling
- Catch-and-release fishing in the resort lakes
Pickleball has become particularly popular among RV travelers, and the resort’s courts are often buzzing with friendly matches and organized tournaments.
For pet owners, the resort also features three spacious dog parks, making it a welcoming destination for travelers who bring their four-legged companions on the road. I brought my Standard French Poodle to the large breed dog park (they have separate doggy play areas for small and large breeds) and met several seasoned RVers who return every year to The Springs with their furry friends. The resort has even installed a convenient ‘dog washing/grooming’ station at the dog park, which campers really appreciate.
Stargazing Like Nowhere Else
When the sun sets in Borrego Springs, the real magic begins at The Springs. Borrego Springs is one of only two designated International Dark Sky Communities in California, meaning outdoor lighting is carefully controlled to protect the natural night sky. For RVers arriving from brightly lit cities, the result is breathtaking. On clear nights, thousands of stars fill the sky, and the Milky Way stretches across the desert like a glowing river of light. Guests frequently gather outdoors in the evening to enjoy the view, and the resort occasionally hosts astronomy events where visitors can explore the night sky through telescopes. USA Today ranked Anza-Borrego Desert among the top 10 stargazing locations in America!
For many travelers, these quiet desert nights become one of the most memorable parts of their stay. The resort regularly hosts community events that encourage guests to meet and connect with fellow travelers. These include campfire gatherings, live music evenings, wine socials and group activities and clubs. For Canadian snowbirds who spend several months in the desert each winter, the resort offers a warm and welcoming sense of community.
Exploring Borrego Springs
While the resort itself provides plenty to do, the surrounding area of Borrego Springs offers unique attractions that fascinate guests of The Springs.
One of the most famous local highlights is the extraordinary collection of large metal desert sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda. These massive life-size works—depicting prehistoric animals, wild horses, and mythical creatures—are scattered across the desert landscape and have become a must-see attraction for visitors, all accessible at no charge.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also want to explore the nearby trails, canyons, and scenic drives within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Why RV Travelers Keep Coming Back to The Springs at Borrego
I asked Paul where all his happy campers came from, and he quoted a few figures: 20% from Canada / the Netherlands / Austria / Australia / UK / Switzerland / Germany, with an average length of stay 36 nights; 64% from California – 4-night average; 16% out of State – 15-night average, with many returning year after year.
For RV campers and vacationers looking for sunshine, scenery, and a relaxed resort environment, The Springs at Borrego offers a uniquely satisfying destination. Its combination of spacious RV sites, a scenic golf course, excellent wellness facilities, and a friendly community atmosphere makes it stand out among desert RV resorts. Add in the incredible stargazing, proximity to California’s largest state park, and the quiet charm of Borrego Springs itself, and it becomes easy to understand why so many travelers return each winter. As Paul assured me, it’s a place to unwind, connect with fellow travelers, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life under the wide-open desert sky. And my French Poodle can’t disagree…
The Springs at Borrego RV Resort
