Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground
01 reviewTaylor Lake Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Taylor Lake Boat-in 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 per night for family sites with one motor vehicle to $35 per night for premium riverfront sites with two motor vehicles.
About this campground
Escape to Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground, where four secluded family campsites await adventurous souls seeking solitude along the Colorado River. Whether you arrive by small watercraft gliding across the glassy surface or navigate the rugged access roads, you'll discover a pristine wilderness retreat complete with essential amenities. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies, while well-maintained chemical toilets and an thoughtfully designed ADA-accessible site ensure comfort for all visitors. This hidden gem delivers an authentic backcountry experience where the desert meets the river, far from the crowds and close to nature's raw beauty.
Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground offers remote boat-in camping and accommodates family sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at this remarkable corner of Picacho State Recreation Area, where layers of human history unfold across the landscape. Long before prospectors arrived seeking fortune, the Quechan people navigated these waters and traded along these riverbanks, leaving traces of their ancient presence. The gold rush era transformed this quiet stretch into a bustling mining town, and today, observant visitors can still discover remnants of both cultures – from weathered mining equipment to sacred sites that whisper stories of the desert's first inhabitants.
Weather and SeasonsTaylor Lake transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter nights can plunge to a crisp 20°F, perfect for cozy campfires and clear stargazing, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-baked paradise with temperatures soaring to an intense 120°F. Savvy campers plan their visits during the golden window from mid-October through April, when gentle breezes, comfortable daytime temperatures, and cool evenings create ideal conditions for hiking, paddling, and exploring this desert oasis.
ElevationNestled in the lower Colorado River Basin, Taylor Lake occupies a unique ecological niche where the mighty Colorado River carves its path through the low desert landscape. This riverside setting creates a fascinating microclimate where riparian habitats flourish against the backdrop of classic Sonoran Desert terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert ecosystem at Taylor Lake, where the life-giving Colorado River creates an oasis of biodiversity. Watch clouds of migratory waterfowl sweep across the sky during seasonal passages, while vibrant beavertail cacti paint the landscape with shocking pink blooms. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic bighorn sheep that navigate the rocky outcrops with remarkable grace. This dynamic environment showcases nature's resilience and beauty, offering endless opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Geological RegionExperience the raw geological drama of the Colorado Desert, where eight miles of the lower Colorado River have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Rugged mountain peaks rise abruptly from ancient washes, bearing witness to volcanic forces that shaped this terrain millions of years ago. Spring transforms the seemingly barren landscape into a botanical wonderland as wildflowers carpet the desert floor, while hardy beavertail cacti and graceful tamarisk trees provide year-round interest. This dynamic region tells the story of Earth's powerful forces through every weathered rock formation and winding canyon.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne campsite is ADA-accessible. Vault toilets at the campground are also designed for accessibility.
Sites SizeThe campsites are standard family sites accommodating up to eight people and three vehicles.
Sites Privacy:null
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUse the ADA-accessible campsite if needed. Kayaking from Taylor Lake is recommended for better access to fishing and scenic areas.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Self-registration upon arrival
Check-out
Self-registration upon departure
Stay Limit
Limit of 8 people and 3 vehicles per site
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people
Groups
Group campsite information is not provided for Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFour family campsites, including one ADA-accessible site.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Taylor Lake; group sites in the recreation area can be reserved via SpecialEvents.OcotilloWells@parks.ca.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityTaylor Lake is first-come, first-served. All four campsites are boat-in or accessible by vehicle. Expect higher demand during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted for Taylor Lake; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Taylor Lake offers activities such as boating, fishing, and limited shore fishing due to vegetation along the shoreline. Wildlife viewing is also popular at Picacho State Recreation Area.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted, and visitors have reported catching bass during their stay. Vegetation limits shore fishing opportunities.Boating
Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground is accessible by boat, and a small vessel launch ramp is available for campers.Wildlife viewing
The region is rich in wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, bighorn sheep, and burros. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant.Winter Activities
Winter activities are generally associated with camping and mild-weather wildlife viewing, but specific winter recreation activities are not noted.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are implied due to boat-in accessibility but not explicitly stated.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only within provided fire rings. Gathering or burning dead wood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsFlash flooding during summer thunderstorms. Wildlife such as snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas are protected by law.
Active alertsNone currently reported.
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 17.5 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
Emergency services can be reached by dialing 911. The nearest park office is at Picacho SRA (760-996-2963).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-October to April (ideal camping season due to moderate temperatures)
Trash and recyclingTrash is not collected at Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground. Campers are required to pack out all trash they bring into the area.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Taylor Lake, with direct access to the Colorado River.
Common complaintsLimited shore fishing due to reeds clogging the shoreline.
Campground Map
Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Driving directionsTake the 24-mile (mostly unpaved) Picacho Road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The first 6 miles are paved; the last 18 miles are dirt roads. During summer thunderstorms, flash floods may make short sections impassable.
The first 6 miles are paved, while the last 18 miles consist of dirt roads. Flash flooding during summer thunderstorms can temporarily make sections impassable. A high clearance, 4x4 vehicle is recommended.Nearby places
Winterhaven: 24 miles, approximately 45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
The nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located in Winterhaven, CA.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors appreciate the remote and tranquil atmosphere of Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground. The cleanliness of facilities and accessibility features are noted positively.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
User reviews highlight the clean toilets, good handicap access, and enjoyable fishing experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users mention the difficulty of shore fishing due to dense reeds along the shoreline.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a kayak for better fishing access and ample drinking water since potable water is unavailable.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter and spring are favored for camping due to mild weather conditions. Summer thunderstorms may pose challenges, including impassable dirt roads leading to the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice little area. Four campsites. Says boat-in but we drove there. Was only there for a day for some shore fishing. Fished off the boat ramp and landed some nice bass. Clean toilets and good...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews for Taylor Lake are unavailable.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features, including an ADA-accessible campsite and vault toilets, are praised by visitors.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviews confirm that dogs are permitted as long as they are leashed.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025