Book these campsites near L.A. now to bask in wildflowers come spring

On a Sunday morning in March 2019, I invited my wife to join me on a spontaneous road trip. I decided to keep our destination a secret, although I was aware that as we traveled along the 15 Freeway, we were bound for a breathtaking expanse of wildflowers.

At that time, I was employed as a night reporter. Mary Forgione, a veteran writer for Wild, had informed me that Walker Canyon near Lake Elsinore was experiencing an extraordinary bloom of poppies.

As we approached our exit, my wife gazed out the window and remarked on the vibrant orange color adorning a nearby hillside. At that moment, I could no longer contain my excitement and revealed that we were about to immerse ourselves in a sea of poppies.

We easily secured parking amidst a modest crowd of visitors. However, in the ensuing weeks, that magnificent bloom of bright orange poppies garnered increased attention, leading officials in Lake Elsinore to describe it as a “poppy nightmare” due to the reckless behaviors of those eager to witness the natural spectacle. Approximately six weeks later, Lake Elsinore announced the conclusion of the superbloom, prompting me to compose a tongue-in-cheek obituary in its honor.

This spring raised expectations for what “wildflower season” could entail. Nowadays, securing a superbloom experience each spring has become somewhat of a competitive endeavor.

While I cannot predict when the next superbloom will occur, I can recommend several campgrounds that you should consider booking now to ensure that, this spring, you will awaken amidst the wildflowers.

I advise against procrastination, as campgrounds near wildflower sites are highly sought after during spring and tend to book quickly. Dates are already filling up, especially since the California Department of Parks and Recreation releases campground spots daily at 8 a.m. six months in advance, as do Death Valley National Park and Los Padres National Forest, both opening at 7 a.m.

As for the timing of your bookings, I have done my utmost to provide clarity on when wildflower seasons typically begin in various regions. I have also included links to organizations that monitor wildflower blooms closely, with the hope of equipping you with the most accurate information for planning your stay.

While I cannot promise you a field of flowers (or a rose garden), I can assure you that if you approach your trip with a mindful attitude, you will leave grateful for whatever treasures nature presents.

Children play in a field of wildflowers near Coyote Canyon at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

(Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

1. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Spanning nearly 650,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a desert ecosystem often marked by vibrant wildflowers each spring. Located about a three-hour drive southeast of Los Angeles, it attracts thousands of visitors annually eager to witness its flowering cacti and fields of native blooms.

Predicting the quantity of wildflowers each spring can be challenging; however, it is generally observed that they begin to bloom in late February, reach their peak in mid-March, and start wilting around mid-April.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provides a wildflower hotline — (760) 767-4684 — and its foundation regularly updates information on blooms spotted within the park. You can also find frequent updates and ask questions via the park’s Instagram page.

Additionally, the park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park known for spectacular stargazing. If you wish to enjoy a dual experience of wildflowers along with a full moon, consider booking a campsite for Thursday, March 13, or Saturday, April 12. (For optimal darkness, choose a new moon period instead.)

There are primitive first-come, first-served campsites within the park, along with recreational camping allowed in designated areas. For those preferring the tranquility of a reservation, you may consider booking one of the following campgrounds:

Campgrounds in Anza-Borrego are already available to book for March, with dates for April being rolled out. Currently, there are spots available even on weekends, but this is likely to change as individuals begin planning their adventures for 2025.

• Borrego Palm Canyon: This sizable campground is a short drive from Henderson Canyon Road, which is famous for its flowering fields. It offers coin-operated hot showers and typically remains open until April 30. The cost is $35 per night plus fees. Reservations can be made through reservecalifornia.com.
• Tamarisk Grove Campground: Open until (no joke) April 1, this campground features 27 sites, including about a dozen primitive cabins with wooden sleeping platforms. Booking a tent site costs $35, while a cabin is $70 (both include fees). This location is in proximity to the Yaqui Well Trail, where fishhook cacti and other flowers are known to bloom.
• Agua Caliente County Park: Located in Anza Borrego, this is actually a San Diego County park recognized for its hot springs and hiking options. Spring dates are available now via reservations.sdparks.org. It operates from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

Visitors take in a superbloom at Death Valley National Park.

(Raul Roa / Los Angeles Times)

2. Death Valley National Park

Indeed, there exists abundant life in Death Valley! Thanks to the varying elevations, the wildflower season within Death Valley National Park extends from mid-February to mid-July. Early blossoms may include gravel ghosts or desert gold in the foothills, while desert mariposa lilies and magnificent lupines flourish in early summer among the mountains and juniper woodlands.

You have a variety of options concerning where and how to camp. Death Valley boasts multiple first-come, first-served campgrounds and allows roadside and backcountry camping in some locations.

However, you may also reserve a spot at Furnace Creek Campground, which offers drinking water and flush toilets, between October 15 and April 15. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting Recreation.gov. Tent camping fees start at $30. Weekends are filling up quickly, so it is advisable to book sooner rather than later. (Be sure to send me your flower photos if you visit!)

Lupine blooms along a trail near the Nordhoff fuel break in the Los Padres National Forest. The 2017 Thomas fire burned the area, near Ojai.

(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

3. Los Padres National Forest

The Mt. Figueroa Campground, situated approximately 150 miles west of L.A., is renowned for its diverse array of wildflowers. Its bloom period generally spans late February to early March, and depending on temperature conditions, can last into May.

This campground comprises about 35 sites, nine of which are first-come, first-served. The remaining sites are reservable through recreation.gov at a cost of $30 plus fees. Please note that there is no drinking water available, and restroom facilities are vault toilets.

Honorable mentions:

• Rolling M. Ranch Campground in Chino Hills State Park: This $30-per-night location features flush toilets and is located roughly two miles from the Bane Ridge Trail, an area that provided exceptional wildflower viewing last spring with flowers such as arroyo lupine and California poppies.
• Red Rock State Park: This park has a first-come, first-served campground priced at $25 per night per site. Its 50 sites are nestled next to prominent rock formations, which visitors can hike atop. Wildflower season typically extends from mid-March through April and into May, featuring flora like Mojave aster and desert trumpet.
• Saddleback Butte State Park: Located near Lancaster, this desert park bursts into bloom from February to May, contingent on weather conditions. Its 37-site campground includes ramadas for shade, wind blocks, and flush toilets. The cost is $20 per night, or $10 per night for visitors with a disabled person parking placard. Additionally, the Butte Valley Wildflower Sanctuary is in proximity.

Wherever you decide to camp, I believe exploring wildflower locations is a worthwhile endeavor. Please share your findings with me!

3 Activities to Consider

P-22 in Griffith Park.

(Miguel Ordeñana)

1. Celebrate the legacy of P-22 in Griffith Park
Though we miss our urban king, we can still honor the life and impact that L.A.’s most renowned mountain lion has had in raising awareness about urban wildlife. The annual P-22 Day Festival is scheduled for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Shane’s Inspiration in Griffith Park. Attendees can explore booths hosted by local nonprofits, artists, and other organizations, learning about the various efforts to preserve L.A.’s wild heritage. The festival is free and open to everyone. More information is available on the event’s Facebook page.

2. Commemorate Indigenous Peoples Day at Eaton Canyon
Join a free ethnobotany walk today in Eaton Canyon from 6 to 7 p.m. as part of the nature center’s events for Indigenous Peoples Day. Participants will gain insights into California native plants and their traditional uses by Indigenous peoples for medicine, tools, clothing, and food. Further details can be found on the park’s Instagram page.

3. Take a ghostly stroll in Beverly Hills
Reserve your tickets now for TreePeople’s special Halloween moonlight hike, happening on October 25 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. This event will feature costumes, live music, and — boo! — some delightful jump scares along one of the trails. Tickets are $20 and may sell out quickly. Children are welcome, though pets are discouraged from attending. Additional information can be found on TreePeople’s booking page.

Essential Reading

(Ryan Johnson / For The Times)

I have long been captivated by outdoor survival stories, often rooting for lost hikers as they navigate their supplies and strategize for survival. I am excited to announce the initiation of “Between a Rock,” a monthly series from The Times featuring narratives from Californians about their experiences overcoming outdoor emergencies in the rugged West. Our inaugural essay comes from Tania Davidson, a psychologist with a deep passion for the outdoors who has dedicated years to backpacking. Tania recounts a regrettable oversight regarding warnings about mountain lions at a campground along the Lost Coast: “What? It’s the beach,” she thought. When she alerted her boyfriend, Steve, about the lion prowling their campground, he returned to slumber. Continue reading to discover how this story unfolds!

Wishing you happy adventures,

P.S.

All this discussion of wildflowers and spring makes me realize I have neglected to mention — hallelujah! It finally feels like fall in Los Angeles! However, for those who thrive on seasonal changes, Southern California can be a challenging place to live. I present you with two potential solutions: consider finding harmony with the season, as freelance journalist Alexis Landau did to maintain her mental health during this time of year, or visit a location that exhibits autumn characteristics. A road trip to one of these six cozy mountain towns will undoubtedly immerse you in the fall ambiance rather than the sunny streets of L.A. I can personally advocate for Wrightwood, Idyllwild, and Lake Arrowhead, and I truly need to venture north to Kernville! Safe travels, friends.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails, and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. To view this newsletter in your browser, click here.