Main - 54 Primitive/undeveloped Campground
4.3321 reviewsPicacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Main - 54 Primitive/undeveloped Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$25.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $20 to $35 per night depending on the site type and number of vehicles. Senior discounts of $2 per night are available for guests aged 62 and over. Extra vehicle fees are $10.
About this campground
Escape to Picacho Main Campground, where 54 primitive campsites await adventurers seeking an authentic desert experience. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—sturdy tables for evening meals under the stars, fire rings for crackling campfires, and access to drinking water and facilities including chemical toilets and refreshing solar showers. Just steps from the life-giving Colorado River, this desert sanctuary invites you to cast a line at sunrise, explore rugged hiking trails, or launch your boat into the flowing waters that have shaped this landscape for millennia.
The Main Campground is a primitive camping site catering to family campers, with no reservations accepted for standard sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Picacho, where weathered ruins whisper tales of 1800s gold seekers who once transformed this remote outpost into a bustling mining town. Among the scattered remnants of their ambitious dreams, you'll discover a landscape that holds even deeper meaning—this is ancestral territory of the Quechan people, who have called this river corridor home for countless generations. Their enduring connection to this land adds layers of cultural richness to every sunset and sunrise.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Colorado Desert, where winter nights can dip to a crisp 20°F and summer days soar to an intense 120°F. From March through October, the river's proximity brings mosquitoes to life, so pack accordingly. For the most comfortable camping experience, plan your visit between mid-October and April, when desert wildflowers bloom, temperatures moderate, and the landscape reveals its gentler side—perfect for exploration without the extreme heat.
ElevationNestled at the meeting point of river and desert, Picacho Main Campground sits at an elevation that captures the essence of low desert camping, where the Colorado River's influence creates a unique microclimate in this arid landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover an unexpected oasis where the mighty Colorado River transforms harsh desert into a ribbon of green vitality. Wild burros roam freely through camp, their calls echoing off canyon walls, while majestic bighorn sheep navigate rocky outcrops with gravity-defying grace. Overhead, seasonal migrations bring waterfowl to rest along the river's edge. The landscape punctuates itself with the vibrant magenta blooms of beavertail cactus and the dramatic scarlet-tipped spears of ocotillo, creating a photographer's paradise at golden hour.
Geological RegionSet within the raw beauty of the Colorado Desert, this recreation area showcases nature's volcanic artistry through ancient lava flows and rugged mountain peaks. Desert washes carved by flash floods create natural highways through the terrain, revealing layers of geological history. These dramatic formations stand as monuments to the powerful forces that shaped this corner of the Southwest, offering endless opportunities for exploration and wonder.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility is continually improving. "The main campground has a designated accessible campsite located between sites 20-22 near the restroom and shower building. The table and fire ring are designed for accessibility."
Sites SizeSites are generally flat and large with firm pads, making them usable.
Sites PrivacySites offer moderate privacy within a desert environment. They are clustered but provide some separation.
Total Campsites54 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river offer scenic views and proximity to water activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
All day and night.
Check-out
All day and night.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 8 people and 3 vehicles per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and 3 vehicles.
Groups
Group drive-in campsites near the Main Campground are secluded for group activities. Reservations are recommended and processed through the Special Events Coordinator.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is spread out with 54 sites, including accessible features near restrooms and solar showers.
Open and Closed SeasonPark is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for group campsites can be made via email to SpecialEvents.OcotilloWells@parks.ca.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come, first-served; reservations are not accepted for family sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations for group sites require payment via check or money order; cancellations are not detailed in the sources.
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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Picacho State Recreation Area offers diverse recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Visitors frequently mention the unique scenery and wildlife.
Hiking
Multiple trails are available, including the Stewart Lake Trail and Stamp Mill Trail. "Stewart Lake Trail winds past the usually dry Stewart Lake and nice volcanic scenery." The Stamp Mill Trail provides views of old mill ruins and volcanic formations.Fishing
Fishing is permitted 24/7 with a valid California license, and popular catches include black bass, catfish, and striped bass. "Fishing at Picacho and on the Colorado River is great! You don't necessarily need a boat to land nice fish."Swimming
Swimming is popular along the Colorado River, but no designated swimming areas are mentioned.Biking
The park road offers opportunities for biking, but the terrain is challenging with sandy and corrugated sections. User reviews emphasize this: "Almost the entire 19 miles to the Colorado was sandy, corrugated and/or with loose gravel."Boating
Boating activities include powerboats, canoes, and kayaks navigating the Colorado River's sandbars. "Shallow draft powerboats, canoes, and kayaks carefully navigate the Colorado River’s shifting sandbars."Wildlife viewing
The park is home to diverse wildlife including burros, bighorn sheep, and migratory waterfowl. "Desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, mountain lions, southern mule deer, antelope ground squirrels, and feral burros."Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited due to extreme cold in some months. "The best times to visit are from mid-October through April."Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are mentioned as popular water sports during autumn and early spring for peaceful floats down the river.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in provided fire rings. Gathering wood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent from March to October. Flash flooding can occur on access roads during summer thunderstorms.
Active alertsSites 17 through 25 will be unavailable from October 1 to December 31, 2024, due to trail construction.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
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
Winterhaven, CA (nearest hospital, police station, and ranger station)
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-October through April (best time to visit due to milder temperatures).
Trash and recyclingTrash must be packed out from boat-in sites. At the Main Campground, trash receptacles are available. "Litter, including cigarette butts, belongs in the trash cans."
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Colorado River; several campsites are riverfront.
Common complaintsMosquitoes and noise from wild burros are frequent complaints. Raccoons can be intrusive and large.
HostCamp host available; clean restrooms and friendly ranger as noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Driving directionsTake the 24-mile (mostly unpaved) road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The road to Picacho from Winterhaven is paved only for the first 6 of 24 miles. The last 18 miles is over a dirt road that is passable for cars and motorhomes. Flash flooding during summer thunderstorms may make the road temporarily impassable.
Picacho Road is paved for the first 6 miles, but the last 18 miles are dirt roads accessible to cars and motorhomes. Flash flooding in summer can make sections impassable. Picacho Road is recommended over Indian Pass Road, which requires a high-clearance 4x4 and navigation skills.Nearby places
Winterhaven, CA (24 miles), Yuma, AZ (25 miles), Blythe, CA (100 miles)
Nearby supplies
Winterhaven, CA (closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel) is 24 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.3
21 reviews
Main - 54 Primitive/undeveloped Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, wildlife diversity, and a peaceful atmosphere but note challenges like rough access roads, mosquitoes, and noisy burros.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include large campsites, clean bathrooms, warm solar showers, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails.
Based on 21 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include relentless mosquitoes, noisy burros at night, raccoons scavenging for food, and challenging road conditions leading to the park.
Based on 21 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water, gas, and supplies due to the park's remote location. Avoid summer months due to extreme heat. Bring insect repellant and prepare for rough roads.
Based on 21 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Visitors recommend mid-October through April as the best time to visit due to moderate weather. Summer temperatures can reach 120°F, making camping challenging.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Definitely worth a day trip if in the area." "Mosquitoes will eat you alive." "Burros he-haw all night, and they're loud!" "Free solar showers and they were warm!" "The road in is rough on tires; I...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 17-25 are unavailable October through December 2024 due to trail work. Accessible site located between sites 20-22 near restrooms and showers.
Based on 21 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsite located between sites 20-22. Design features include accessible tables and fire rings on dirt surfaces.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (max six feet) and confined to the tent or vehicle at night. "Pick up and place dog waste in the trash daily."
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025