Borrego Springs is small, but there are enough accommodations to suit all travel styles and budgets. Peak season -- from November to April -- corresponds with the most temperate weather and wildflower viewing. Most hotels also post lower midweek rates; substantially cheaper prices are available in summer. For basic, 1950s-style digs there's the conveniently located Hacienda del Sol, 610 Palm Canyon Dr. (www.haciendadelsol-borrego.com; tel. 760/767-5442); another option is Palm Canyon Resort, 221 Palm Canyon Dr. (www.pcresort.com; tel. 800/242-0044 or 760/767-5341), a large complex that includes a moderately priced hotel, RV park, restaurant, and recreational facilities.

Camping -- The park has two developed campgrounds. Borrego Palm Canyon, with 120 sites, is 2 1/2 miles west of Borrego Springs, near the visitors center. Tamarisk Grove (open Friday through Sunday only), at Hwy. 78 and County Road S3, has 25 sites. The overnight rate at both is $25 without a hookup, or $35 with a hookup (at Palm Canyon only); both have restrooms with pay showers (bring quarters) and a campfire program. Reservations are required in winter/spring high season; contact Reserve America (www.reserveamerica.com; tel. 800/444-7275). Primitive and backcountry camping are also allowed, making this one of the few parks in the country where you can just pull off the road and find yourself a spot to commune with nature (ground fires are not allowed, though). For more information, check with the visitors center (tel. 760/767-4205 or 767-5311; www.parks.ca.gov).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.