Paso Picacho Campground Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is set among meadows, woodlands, and creeks. Some campsites are close together. Experienced campers know they can find a site in a quiet setting, well-separated from others. The campground is in San Diego County, near Julian. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the campground. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer.
A number of campsites are tent-only. Two Group Camps are located at the north end of the campground. Cabins are also available in the campground. Los Vaqueros Group Horse Camp is located nearby. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is only a short drive away.
| Paso Picacho Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Paso Picacho Campground Location: | 13652 Highway 79, 5 miles north of I-8, 15 miles south of Julian |
| Elevation: | 5,000 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: | 50 miles east of San Diego - 1 hour |
| Number of Campsites: | 85 |
| Open - Closed: | spring through fall |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1 motorized vehicle, extra vehicle $10 |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Park Information: | (760)765-0755 |
| Reservations for Paso Picacho Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | weekends April through November, otherwise first-come, first-served |
| Booking Window: | from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: | 20-30 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | #9A, 21, 53, 60, 66 |
| Fees: | $40 per night |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | Paso Picacho Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Paso Picacho Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups |
| Campground: | restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, campfire circle |
| Showers: | Yes, fee |
| Dump station: | yes |
| Campground map: | Paso Picacho Campground Map |
| Attractions near Paso Picacho Campground: | Explore hiking trails to nearby peaks such as the Stonewall Peak Trail and others. Enjoy interpretive programs in the summer. Head to Lake Cuyamaca with boating and fishing. |
Paso Picacho ADA Campsite #21
Each of the two tent-only group campsites at Paso Picacho can accommodate between 9 and 60 people. Up to 20 vehicles may park at each site. Reservations are available May through October.
Paso Picacho Group Campsite Reservations
Fee: $250 per night
Los Vaqueros Group Horse Camp is located near Cuyamaca Lake. The single site is designated for between 9 and 80 people. A maximum of 50 vehicles may be parked at the site; maximum length of vehicles, 30 feet.
Los Vaqueros Horse Camp Reservations
Fee: $550
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Temperatures in the desert can reach 80-100 degrees in the spring. Visitors in the desert are advised to carry water and wear sun protective hats. Be aware of possible flash floods during storms. Check with the park for road conditions. Always notify someone of your plans, including when you plan to return.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Paso Picacho Campground
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park spreads over 24,700 acres of forest, meadows and streams. Campers at Paso Picacho Campground can explore all the popular features of the park.
Check Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2024