Paso Picacho Campground

Paso Picacho Campground - Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, CA

Paso Picacho Campground - Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, CA

Paso Picacho Campground is located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in San Diego County, near Julian. With construction completed, Paso Picacho Campground is back to the reservation system. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the campground. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer.

The park is characterized by oak woodlands, meadows, and creeks. A number of campsites are tent-only. Two Group Camps are located at the north end of 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
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.


ADA campsite at Paso Picacho Campground, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, CA

Paso Picacho ADA Campsite #21

Paso Picacho Group Campsites

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

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

General Camping Information for
Anza-Borrego State Park and
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

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.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.

Paso Picacho Highlights

Hike to the summit of nearby peaks for amazing desert views.

Enjoy good campground amenities such as showers.

Camp close to Lake Cuyamaca and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.


Paso Picacho Campground, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, CA

Paso Picacho Campground

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Attractions and Activities

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.

Paso Picacho Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails, meadows, or at the falls.
  2. Generators may only be operated from 10 AM to 8 PM.
  3. Fires must be in fire rings and are only permitted between 7 AM to 11 PM.
  4. Wooden pallets may not be burned in campfires.

Check Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for any campground updates.