Like Campo, Borrego Springs was originally settled by cattlemen, in the 1870's. Farming soon followed. By 1920 the town had a Post Office, a store, and an auto repair shop. In 1926 a good well was brought in and farmers began irrigation.
After the Second World War, Borrego Springs grew slowly to its modern population of 2,500. This number increases significantly during the winter, when Snow Birds arrive from the North.