Paso Picacho Campground Cuyamaca Rancho State Park California
Paso Picacho Overview
Paso Picacho Campground at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has 85 campsites, 5 cabins (with beds, stove and light), 1 (tent-only / walk-in) group campsite and equestrian camping. Cabins cost $75 per night plus taxes and reservation fee. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October.
The campground is rather large and spread out with most campsites having good privacy. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs (up to 30 feet). There is a limit of 8 people per single-family campsite. Each campsite also has a table and fire ring/grill. There are no hookups at this campground. Overflow parking is available. Cell service is spotty.
Paso Picacho cabins can accommodate up to 8 people (bunk beds). They also have a tent pad area, picnic table, fire ring with grade and parking for up to two vehicles. Some of the cabins have wood stoves. Pets are also allowed. No internet or WiFi access is available at the cabins.
Campground amenities include a dump station, drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers. Firewood and ice are available for sale at the campground. Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Generators are allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Paso Picacho – Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Area Recreation
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is a beautiful and popular park and includes miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. In edition, Lake Cuyamaca offers boating and fishing. Other outdoor activities include picnicking, photography, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. There is a nice swimming hole at Green Valley Falls when there’s enough water. Its over by Green Valley Campground (about 9 miles away) and then a short hike to the falls.
Green Valley Campground is also in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. It has 58 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, as well as 15 equestrian campsites.
Make a Reservation for Paso Picacho
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service Poor
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Equestrian Facilities
- Equestrian trail
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Ice
- Nature Center
- Overflow Parking
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
Activities
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Boating (non motorized)
- Canoeing
- Creek
- Cultural Sites
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Horseback riding
- Kayaking
- Lake
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Programs
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Swimming
- Visitor Center
- Walking Trails
- Wilderness Area
- Wildlife Viewing
Julian, California 92036
760-765-3023
Lat / Long:
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- California State Park
- Creek
- Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
- Lake
- Mountains
- San Diego County
- Southern California
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Cabin
- Equestrian
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
85
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 30 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
5,000
Paso Picacho Comments & Reviews
Visited Paso Picacho Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Paso Picacho?
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Its so beautiful there. We are on our way there right now and cant wait. Cooler temps, beautiful scenery. I saw deer in the wild for the first time last time we were there.
What time is the earliest we can enter the campgrounds? Our group will already be on-site Friday, but due to work obligations, we can’t arrive until early Saturday morning.
We will be staying at site 6, 7, and 8.
Thanks in advance for your help with this!
Hi Stacy,
Paso Picacho campground check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicles (extras are $10 per night). There is an 8 person limit per campsites. Pets/dogs are allowed on leash.
Have a great time!
What is the latest time we can arrive Friday night? We have campsite PO20 and have a 29 foot trailer we have to park. Will it be to tight to park it at night?
Hi Katia,
Paso Picacho campground check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicles (extras are $10 per night). There is an 8 person limit per campsites. Pets/dogs are allowed on leash.
Your 29-foot trailer should be fine to park in site PO20.
Have a great time!
Is there a ranger onsite Saturdays? I ask as campsites are all booked (except for the ADA sites) and wondering if there is a possibility of reserving day of (drive in/walk in)? We will be up in Cuyamaca hiking anyway, so is there a possibility for a day of drop in reservation on a Saturday… maybe there is a cancellation?
Hi Aaron,
Yes a ranger is usually on duty at Paso Picacho campground on Saturdays.
Hello,
Can you tell me how much the cabins are at Paso Picacho campground and if they are also first-come, first-serve basis?
Thanks you,
Sunshine
Hi Sunshine,
The cabins at Paso Picacho campground can be reserved (recommended) by calling 800 444-7275, or visiting http://www.parks.ca.gov
They will be able to provide pricing and availability.
Are there hook ups for RV’s at the campsite?
HI Andy,
There are no hookups at Paso Picacho campground.
Is there a filling station to fill the water tank in our camper?
Hi Wendy,
There is definitely drinking/potable water (spigots) and Paso Picacho campground, but we’re not sure if there is a designated RV/trailer water filling station. You may want to try and call the campground direct at: 760-765-3020
Is there electricity in the cabins? Thank you in advance!
Hi Melissa,
The Paso Picacho cabins at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park have a ceiling light, beds and a stove. We’re not sure if they have electric plugs. You might try calling the park directly at 7670-765-3020.
Can we take our dog on the trails at Paso Picacho on a leash?
Hi Melisa,
Pets/dogs are allowed (on leash) in the campground, as well as on the Los Caballos/Stonewall Mine Road trails and the the paved Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. Bicycles and horseback riders are also allowed on these trails. Dogs are not allowed on any other trails in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Hello, on the reservations site the cabins had random numbers and letters I was wondering what the code was for the Cedar cabin. I’ve seen it hiking there and that’s its name on the outside but they werent listed on the map and when I called they didnt know which cabins were which
Hi Ashley,
Unfortunately we don’t have photos of the Paso Picacho cabins and can’t help you with trying to identify which code/# is assigned to the Cedar Cabin. I’ll schedule a photographer to get up there soon and photograph the cabins, but it probably won’t be until a month or so.
Are there any restrictions for having campfires this weekend?
Hi Tammy,
You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button on the Lava Lake campground page and be linked to the agency’s website handling reservations for Lava Lake. You can also call their phone at: 877-444-6777
Hi Tammy,
You’ll need to contact Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to check on fire restrictions. The phone number is: (760) 765-0755
Stayed there a few days ago mid week. Had entire campground mostly to ourselves. It was wonderful.
We had walked by the locked cabins but I failed to inquire while there how much they cost and if they were available in the winter. The official website for Paso Picacho does not provide any cabin information. Can we just show up this time of year and get one first come first served?
Hi Mark,
Cabins at Paso Picacho campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park cost $75 per night + an $8 per night reservation charge. Go to the Paso Picacho campground page HERE and then click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button. That will direct you to the ReserveCalifornia site. Once there, search for ‘Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’ and choose ‘Paso Picacho’ campground. It will list all of the campsites and cabins available after you enter a date.
Staying there in a couple weeks. It is possible to check in early since it’s off season? Would like to set up camp and do a hike before the sun goes down around 5:00 pm.
Hi Stacy,
Usually the campgrounds are sticklers on check in / check out times. However, since it is the off season – if the site you have reserved at Paso Picacho is available, the Ranger(s) may allow you to check in early. You can try calling the Paso Picacho campground info line:760 765-0755
How do I look at reservations/availability for the Paso Picacho group site? I can’t see it under Paso Picacho campground reservations.
Hi Scott,
Good question. We checked Reserve America for the group campsite at Paso Picacho (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) and it did not show up either. I recommend you call Reserve California directly to ask: 800-444-7275
How many people can stay at the “group” campsite?
Hi Aaron,
We’re not sure how many people they allow at the tent-only group camp site or the equestrian group site at Paso Picaho. You might want to call the park directly to find out: 760-765-3020
Can we bring a generator?
Hi Sandy,
Generators are allowed at Paso Picacho campground from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We have an 18ft. trailer which we keep attached to a Toyota full-size truck. We have had problems backing into some of the sites. Could you recommend a good campsite that will fit our trailer with truck, and also be easy enough to back into?
HI Debbie,
Our ‘favorite’ campsites for Paso Picacho campground should work and there are several others. I’d recommend checking out the photos of Paso Picacho campground and also referencing the map. Our ‘favorite’ Paso Picacho campsites are: 8, 22, 36, 52, 62, and 65
Is the campground open during February?
Hi Fred,
Yes, Paso Picacho campground is open year round, including February.
How big are the beds/ bunks?
How do I get a hold of the campground ? I have been calling all morning, and it just keeps ringing…..
Hi Christ,
Try the Cuyamaca State Park phone at: 760-765-3023
what are the dimensions of the log cabin in Paso Picacho?
Hi Noe,
The cabins at Paso Piacho campground are roughly 20×12 feet, but you can call the Park directly to confirm at: 760-765-3023
Hi, I plan to go to Paso Picacho Campground this afternoon and wanted to make sure that it was OK to pay the day parking fee and use the parking if I plan to hike to Stonewall between 4:30-7:30pm?
HI Alonso,
Yes, there is a Ranger station there, and I believe a parking payment kiosk. However, you’ll need to check with the Ranger to make sure the day-use does not close at dusk.
Hi, I know the check-in time is 2:00 pm but what is the latest we can check in after that?
Thank you,
Brittni
Hi Brittni,
Basically you have up until the next morning to arrive (around 7am give or take – up to camp host). So arriving later in the evening on your day of arrival is fine.
Do the beds provided in the cabins at Paso Picatcho campground have pads/mattresses on beds?
Hi Charles,
Yes, the Paso Picacho campground cabins have beds with mattresses. You’ll need to bring your own linens.
Question…campsite (P071) has 30 foot pad but note that says “Site Length Camp-S 15”. What does that mean? Will a 30 foot motorhome fit?
Hi Al,
Not sure what the “Site Length Camp-S 15” is referencing at Paso Picacho campground (campsite P71). However, your 30 foot motorhome will fit fine in that campsite. The pad length is 30 feet, and it’s a parallel parking pad.
Is there any att cell service?
Verizon works okay (but spotty) in campground.
Hi,
is campfire still restricted? we have reservation for this weekend for two nights; is it still valid?
on reservation said non electric, is there any outlet at public area in case we need to charge phone
last question, can we bring third car also and pay for that too?
Thanks in advance!
HI Amin,
Due to extreme fire conditions, campfires are prohibited at Paso Picacho campground. You can use portable propane or gas stoves for cooking. I’m not sure if there is any public electrical outlet you can use at the campground to recharge your phone. Only two vehicles are allowed per site, but there is an overflow parking area for extra vehicles. As of tonight, the campground is open.
We have reservations at a cabin at Paso picacho this weekend (oct 10-12), no one has answered the park business phone for a few days….
Are the fire restrictions still in effect what about in Wood burning designated fire rings?
What are the bed sizes in the cabins?
Do the cabins have electrical outlets?
Are dogs allowed in the campsite and on what trails?
Hi Daniel,
Paso Picacho cabins can accommodate up to 8 people (bunk beds), have electric lighting and a wood stove. There’s also tent pad area, picnic table, fire ring with grade and parking for up to two vehicles. Pets are also allowed in the cabins, campground and picnic area, but not on the trails. No internet / WiFi access is available at the cabins. Fire restrictions are still in place so no campfires or burning of wood. You can use propane though.
Hello,
Will site #5 accommodate a 24′ trailer and 20′ truck?
Hi Andy,
The pad length for Paso Picacho campsite #5 is 34 feet, but you have room to park your truck alongside the trailer in that site. You’re good to go.
Thank you for your prompt reply!!
Hello, looking to book a spot for next weekend. Are campfires still not allowed?
Hi Kiernan,
Yes – campfires are allowed in the campsite approved fire rings at Paso Picahco campground.
Hi, i’m planning to book reservation for January 2021. I wonder where can I make a reservation?
Hi Laven,
Click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button. This will take you to ReserveCalifornia.com. From there, type in ‘Cuyamaca State Park’. Then you can check for availability, pricing and make a reservation at Paso Picacho campground. Best of luck!
Hi,
Walk-ins are available on January 2021? Is that first come first serve?
You’re right. They won’t start taking reservations till later in the year – probably around April. Walk-ins are first-come, first-serve, but the campground is currently closed at least through early January (due to Pandemic). I’d call the campground now and then to make sure when it is open again.
I hope they are open on 3rd week of January. *crossed fingers*
What are good camping sites to camp in a car (Subaru crosstrek) ?
Hi Valeria,
All of the Paso Picacho campsites can easily fit a Subaru Crosstrek) in the parking pad area. I recommend looking through the photos to pick out your favorite. Our favorite Paso Picacho campsites are: 8, 22, 36, 52, 62, and 65.
Are the bathrooms/showers currently open?
Hi Daniel,
The park and campgrounds are open, so the bathrooms and showers should be open too. You may want to give the park a call to double check on the showers though: 760-765-3023
hi im interested in booking 2 sites for tomorrow night. I tried calling but no answer. can someone call me back 9514039909
thank you!
Hi Ashley,
You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing and make a reservation. This will direct you to ReserveCalifornia.com where you’ll enter Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. I did check though and there is not any availability for this weekend. You can also try calling ReserveCalifornia at: 800-444-7275
Hello!
4 questions:
1. are fires in fire ring allowed?
2. do you have an overflow overnight parking option?
3. i have site #36 booked but do not see it on the campground map?
4. we have site 27, and 32-36 booked with friends. we are going to cancel two, which 4 are the closest together that we should keep?
thank you so much!!!
Hi Zayna,
Fires are not allowed at the campground (in fire rings) at this time (due to high fire danger / restrictions). That could change by the time you arrive. There is overflow parking available. I’ll try and get you an answer to your other two questions.
Thank you! Yes we arrive Friday 10/1!
hi! just following up with my last 2 questions – thank you!
A few questions please! I have site #36 booked but do not see it on the campground map?
We have site 27, and 32-36 booked with friends. we are going to cancel two, which 4 are the closest together that we should keep?
Hi Zayna,
We have identified where campsite #36 is on the map / in the campground. You can click on the ‘Campground Map’ button to see the updated version and where campsite #36 is located. It is across from #35. As far as which 4 campsites are closest together (27, 32-36), we don’t have an employee on site so I’d only be recommending based on the location depicted on the map. With that said, I’d say 32, 33, 34 and 35, or 32, 34, 35 and 36. Hope this helps.
Is it possible to get the day use parking permit before sunrise? I’d like to get there around 5:30 AM on a Tuesday to get to the top of Stonewall peak at sunrise, but not sure if I will be allowed to park.
Hi Gev,
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (day use) is open from dawn to dusk. Not sure if the parking lot is gated/closed, but I don’t think so. I recommend calling the park to see if you can access before dawn and pay for your day-use permit: (760) 765-3023
Any suggestions for people who want to backpack for several days starting from the Cuyamaca area and need a safe place to leave their vehicle?
Hi A,
Not sure, but I’ll do some checking and pass along if I find any safe places to leave your vehicle for several days.
One idea is to call Rancho Cuyamaca State Park and see if a ranger there has any suggestions:760-765-3020
Is there a place to go swimming or play in water if it gets hot?
Hi DN,
There is a nice swimming hole over by Green Valley Falls when there’s enough water. Its over by Green Valley Campground (about 9 miles away from Paso Picacho Campground) and then a short hike to the falls.
I plan on checking out some trails in this area soon so this is really helpful. Thanks!
Hi, I will be camping here on the 13th of Aug (This upcoming saturday). Are there currently any fire restrictions that would prevent us from having fires in the provided rings? Do the rings have a grill/grate? Thank you!
Hi Konrad,
As of today, campfires are permitted at Paso Picacho Campground and other developed recreation sites within Los Padres National Forest. All fires must be in the campsite’s designated fire ring. Conditions/restrictions may change (usually high wind/weather related).
Are there currently any fire restrictions this week that would prevent us from using the fire rings at the campsite? I will be arriving on the 13th. Thank you!
Hi Konrad,
As of today, campfires are permitted at Paso Picacho Campground and other developed recreation sites within Los Padres National Forest. All fires must be in the campsite’s designated fire ring. Conditions/restrictions may change (usually high wind/weather related).
We just stayed at spot #65, rated one of the six best. We had a very nice time but I disagree with the rating. The slope was rather severe and it took all my blocks to bring the trailer NEAR to level (side to side). The walk to a water spigot was a bit far, and to a dumpster was even further unless you intruded on the Accessible spot next door (Accessible spots have their own trash bins off the road).
Other than that, we had a very good time. The grounds, including the restrooms, are well-maintained.
We scouted out the other “best” spots and to us #36 would be the winner, followed by #8.
how much are the firewoods at the store there?
Hi Subeom,
Not sure how much they charge for firewood at Paso Picacho.
Love the picnic are !!! We always have so much fun when we go up there. Planning to spend the day 12/31/24 . Is the picnic area open on that day? What time can we go in the picnic area?
Thanks
Hi Cat,
Yes, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is open for day use – including the picnic areas. Day use hours are from 6am to 8pm. Day use visitors may use the picnic areas provided at the campgrounds for $10 per vehicle. The receipt is good for the entire park for the day. Have fun and hope the weather is good!