Paso Picacho & Cabins
4.64116 reviews13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036
Paso Picacho & Cabins
$40.00 - $250.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$250.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fee is $40/night. Seniors pay $38/night. Disabled visitors pay $20/night with a State Parks Disabled Discount Pass. Extra vehicles cost $10/night. Group campsites are $250/night for up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. Cabin fees range from $80-$100/night depending on the unit.
About this campground
Nestled at 5,000 feet in the heart of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Paso Picacho Campground offers a refreshing mountain escape with 85 thoughtfully designed campsites perfect for families and groups seeking adventure. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, creating the perfect setting for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern conveniences include nearby restrooms and pay showers, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the authentic camping experience. Adventure beckons right from your tent flap, with the legendary Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Peak trails beginning their journeys nearby. While your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, they'll need to stick to paved areas to help preserve the natural habitat.
Paso Picacho Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, group camping, and cabin lodging. Primitive camping options are available elsewhere within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories spanning centuries. This sacred ground once echoed with the footsteps of the Kumeyaay people, whose deep connection to the land continues to resonate through the ancient oaks and mountain peaks. Later chapters brought prospectors seeking fortune at the historic Stonewall Mine, adding layers of California's gold rush heritage to these storied mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of California's mountain climate at Paso Picacho, where summer temperatures rarely climb above a comfortable 90°F thanks to the cooling canopy of forest shade. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland, with overnight temperatures dipping to a brisk 25°F—perfect for cozying up around the campfire with hot cocoa. Summer visitors should come prepared to share the space with nature's smaller residents, including industrious red ants and the occasional biting fly, all part of the authentic wilderness experience.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Paso Picacho offers a natural air conditioning system that delivers pleasantly cool summer days and crisp, star-filled winter nights. This elevation sweet spot means you'll escape the scorching valley heat while enjoying four distinct seasons in Southern California's mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where majestic oak woodlands mingle with towering conifers, creating a diverse tapestry of forest life. Wildflower-dotted meadows stretch between groves of trees, while babbling creeks provide a soothing soundtrack to your stay. Just 2 miles north, the sparkling waters of Lake Cuyamaca beckon anglers and nature lovers alike. Keep your camera ready—this protected habitat is home to elusive gray foxes, stealthy bobcats, and the occasional mountain lion, all thriving in their natural mountain sanctuary.
Geological RegionRising 5,000 feet within the ancient Peninsular Range, Paso Picacho campground occupies a stunning geological crossroads where oak woodlands blend seamlessly with stands of conifers. This unique elevation creates a diverse ecosystem of rolling meadows threaded with crystal-clear mountain creeks, offering campers a front-row seat to Southern California's most captivating mountain scenery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include accessible parking and restrooms near the visitor center. Specific campsites and the Cedar Cabin are ADA-compliant. The Stonewall Mine and Azalea Glen hiking trails are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeCampsites at Paso Picacho are described as spacious and generally flat, although several sites towards the back have steep slopes.
Sites PrivacyUsers report varying levels of privacy; some campsites provide ample space between neighbors, while others are closely situated.
Total Campsites85 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid steep or uneven sites toward the back of the campground. Sites near trailheads offer easier access to hiking.
Best CampsitesMentioned popular sites include #8, #46, and #49.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Reservations can be made for weekends from April to October. Walk-in first-come-first-served availability is active from December 1 to March 31.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of eight persons per campsite.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 50 persons and 10 vehicles in a designated parking lot.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops with flat and sloped sites. Sites are relatively close together, limiting privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonReservations available April-November; first-come/first-serve December-March.
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia (1-800-444-PARK or online).
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up camping available December 1 to March 31. Unspecified number of sites are available for walk-ups.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy explicitly documented.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Paso Picacho Campground is a hub for recreational activities, offering access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and nearby fishing opportunities. The campground serves as a starting point for iconic hikes such as Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Peak, both of which provide breathtaking panoramic views. Swimming and biking opportunities are limited or restricted, but campers often enjoy boating and fishing at Lake Cuyamaca, located two miles from the camp.
HikingThe campground is adjacent to popular hiking trails, including the 2-mile Stonewall Peak hike and the 3.5-mile Cuyamaca Peak hike. These trails vary in difficulty but offer stunning views of deserts, mountains, and the Pacific coastline.
FishingFishing is available at Lake Cuyamaca, two miles from Paso Picacho. The lake is stocked with trout, and boating facilities are accessible.
BikingBiking is limited to paved roads and approved trails within the park. Helmets are required for riders under 18.
BoatingBoating is permitted at Lake Cuyamaca, which offers rentals and docking facilities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly observed includes deer, bobcats, gray foxes, and a variety of bird species such as acorn woodpeckers and red-tailed hawks.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs are offered during the summer season, including guided tours of Stonewall Mine and exhibits on Kumeyaay native life.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in provided rings. Firewood is available for purchase; gathering wood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM-6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBiting flies, red ants, and squirrels are prevalent. Wildlife encounters possible with mountain lions and other species. The campground observes strict fire regulations due to wildfire risks.
Active alertsNo active alerts noted in materials.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 11%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
San Diego County Sheriff's Office nearby (specific distance not available). Contact numbers listed: Park phone: (760) 765-3020; emergency ranger contact unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril to October.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are conveniently located near campsites, allowing campers to dispose of waste easily. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresLake Cuyamaca is two miles away, offering boating and fishing opportunities. Nearby creeks add to the scenic environment.
Common complaintsSome guests complain about noise violations and lack of enforcement.
HostCamp hosts are present for assistance, firewood sales, and fee collections. Some reviews noted host availability issues.
Campground Map
13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036
Driving directionsEast of San Diego, the park is located on Highway 79, five miles north of Interstate 8.
Highway 79 provides direct access to the park and is paved. Seasonal closures are not mentioned in the authoritative data.Nearby places
Julian (15 miles south, ~20 minutes), San Diego (~50 miles west, ~1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Firewood and ice available for purchase at the campground. Julian (15 miles south) contains general stores, dining options, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
116 reviews
Paso Picacho & Cabins is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Paso Picacho Campground is highly regarded for its scenic beauty, accessibility, and variety of recreational activities. However, some campers noted issues such as noise disturbances, unclean facilities, and aggressive squirrels.
Review Summaries
Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's proximity to popular hiking trails, spacious campsites, availability of clean restrooms, and convenient access to Lake Cuyamaca.
Common complaints include noise disturbances during nighttime hours, inconsistent restroom cleanliness, and the prevalence of bugs and aggressive squirrels.
Campers recommend bringing high-grade insect repellent, quarters for the showers, and extra firewood. Many suggest choosing campsites with flat terrain and avoiding those at the back with steep...
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Reviews suggest summer is popular for hiking and wildlife viewing, but winter offers solitude despite colder temperatures. Noise complaints are more frequent during peak summer weekends.
"Love Paso Picacho. The site spacing and layout is fantastic. Never feels crowded, even when many of the sites are full." "This campground is amazing! It has good bathroom facilities and nice areas...
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Site 8 is frequently praised for its view of Stonewall Peak. Sites 46 and 49 are noted as great adjoining spots. Site 32 is described as spacious and close to restrooms.
The Cedar Cabin and specific ADA sites are praised for their accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible trails are highlighted as a major advantage.
Dogs are allowed but restricted to paved roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Complaints focus on the restriction of dogs on trails.
Last updated July 31, 2025