Paso Picacho & Cabins

Star4.55
359 reviews
13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036
Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$40 - $250/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Reservations availab...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Paso Picacho & Cabins
$40.00 - $250.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard campsite fee is $40/night. Seniors pay $38/night. Disabled visitors pay $20/night with a State Parks Disabled Discount Pass. Extra vehicles...
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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

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Reserve California
Provider
(760) 765-3020cuyamaca@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 359 reviews

374 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"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."

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Campground Map

13652 Highway 79 Julian, CA 92036

Paso Picacho & Cabins

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.

Best Time to Camp at Paso Picacho & Cabins

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular for hiking and wildlife; cooler summer temps under forest canopy make it inviting.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is well suited to hiking and views with likely fewer crowds than peak summer months.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers and mild mountain weather make this an attractive season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open in winter (first-come) with colder temps and more solitude; limited winter activities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Reservations available April-November; first-come/first-serve December-March.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts noted in materials.

About Paso Picacho & Cabins

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

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.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBiting 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 at Paso Picacho & Cabins

Reviews

4.6
359 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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
Based on 359 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the campground's proximity to popular hiking trails, spacious campsites, availability of clean restrooms, and convenient access to Lake Cuyamaca.
Based on 359 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise disturbances during nighttime hours, inconsistent restroom cleanliness, and the prevalence of bugs and aggressive squirrels.
Based on 359 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

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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Based on 359 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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.
Based on 359 reviews

Camper Quotes

"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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Based on 359 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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.
Based on 359 reviews

Accessibility Features

The Cedar Cabin and specific ADA sites are praised for their accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible trails are highlighted as a major advantage.
Based on 359 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but restricted to paved roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Complaints focus on the restriction of dogs on trails.
Based on 359 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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