Vallecito

At Vallecito, the perfect oasis of "little valley," as its Spanish name is translated, has been preserved as a 71-acre county park built around a reconstruction of the historic Butterfield Stage Station. Vallecito has been a campsite for literally hundreds of years, beginning first with the native Kumeyaay Indians. Vallecito is a quiet alternative to some of the busier desert campgrounds. One of its attractions is the weather, which averages about 10 degrees cooler than nearby Agua Caliente. In the spring, wildflowers are abundant. There are 44 primitive campsites at Vallecito with tables, fire rings, and barbecue stoves, as well as eight equestrian campsites with corrals. Water is available at scattered locations throughout the campground. A youth area offers additional camping possibilities. Picnickers will want to make use of a large covered picnic area. Pets are allowed, so feel free to bring your four-legged family members. Campers enjoy desert solitude for miles. Vallecito is a convenient hub from which to enjoy other desert activities, such as hiking and picnicking in Agua Caliente Regional Park, four miles south on S-2, and in the nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While there are no supplies at the campground, there is a store at Agua Caliente County Park that is open on weekends. There is also a store at a private campground, Butterfield Ranch, along the way on Highway S-2, and supplies are available at Warner Springs and Ocotillo. Vallecito County Park is open Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day - closed during the summer.