Containing 600,000 acres that include one fifth of San Diego County, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in California and the second largest in the continental United States, after New York’s Adirondack Park. The park received its name from 18th century, Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza and borrego, the Spanish word for Bighorn Sheep. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park includes 500 miles of dirt roads, twelve designated wilderness areas and 110 miles of hiking trails which provide visitors with many opportunities to experience the park’s unique desert environment. What a great place for an adventurous RVer to explore, but wait it gets better! Anza-Borrego is the only park in California that allows dispersed camping (aka boondocking) throughout its 600,00 acres. Note: You will need a metal fire pan if you plan on having a campfire.
Now for something most people are unaware of: Anza-Borrego was discovered by Homer Simpson, but the fact became an embarrassment to the park service and the evidence was literally covered up. How do I know? I found a bust of Homer buried in the mud caves of Anza-Borrego while boondocking there. Don’t believe me, take a look at the picture!
Boondocking with Homer, just another adventure in RVing!

Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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