Established Camping
Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
<p>California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors. </p> <p>Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1029">Camping Information</a></p>
<p>A horse or horses are required to reserve and check into campsites at Green Valley Horse Camp and Los Vaqueros Group Horse Camp at Cuyamaca Rancho Desert SP AND Vern Whitaker Horse Camp at Anza-Borrego Desert SP.</p>
<p>(For campsites, cabins, and horse sites--not group sites): Your campsite has a max vehicle capacity of 2 vehicles, which means these vehicles would have been issued license plates. Any vehicle with an affixed license plate (motor home, trailer, ATV, etc.) counts towards your max vehicle site limitation. </p> <p> </p>
<p>California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors. </p> <p>Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: <a href="https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1029">Camping Information</a></p>
<p>A horse or horses are required to reserve and check into campsites at Green Valley Horse Camp and Los Vaqueros Group Horse Camp at Cuyamaca Rancho Desert SP AND Vern Whitaker Horse Camp at Anza-Borrego Desert SP.</p>
<p>(For campsites, cabins, and horse sites--not group sites): Your campsite has a max vehicle capacity of 2 vehicles, which means these vehicles would have been issued license plates. Any vehicle with an affixed license plate (motor home, trailer, ATV, etc.) counts towards your max vehicle site limitation. </p> <p> </p>
<p>Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or fire roads except for the paved Cuyamaca Peak fire road. Dogs must be on a leash and controlled by their owner.</p>
<p>Dogs are NOT allowed on trails or fire roads except for the paved Cuyamaca Peak fire road. Dogs must be on a leash and controlled by their owner.</p>
Campers are Saying
Paso Picacho Campground, near Julian, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some solid amenities. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and sharing stories under the stars.
This campground is known for its beautiful surroundings, featuring well-kept trails that offer stunning views, even with some fire damage in the area. Visitors have praised the friendly staff, who are quick to address any noise issues, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for everyone. As one camper noted, “The staff are just the most delightful people on earth,” which really adds to the welcoming vibe.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of activities. You can hike the nearby Stonewall Peak trail or take a short drive to explore the charming town of Julian, known for its delicious cider and quaint shops. While some campers mentioned that the sites can feel a bit close together, the overall experience, with clean facilities and a relaxed atmosphere, makes Paso Picacho a great choice for families and friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
General Overview
State Park
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Environmental backpack in or horseback ride in camps are also available. Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites.
Reservation Info
Reservations may be made through ReserveCaliforniaTM at 1-800-444-PARK.
Location
Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is located in California
Directions
East of San Diego, the park is on Highway 79, five miles north of I-8.
Coordinates
32.9587310591999 N
116.582409709999 W
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly