Paso Picacho Group Campground

Star4.55
359 reviews
13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$40 - $250/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

85 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

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 Group Campground
$40.00 - $250.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Paso Picacho Group Camp is $250 per night, accommodating 50 people and 10 vehicles. Standard campsites cost $40 per night, with discounts for seniors...
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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

cleanshowersspacioushiking

Some mention

noisebugs

"User reviews for Paso Picacho highlight its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and proximity to popular hiking trails like Stonewall Peak. Many appreciate its convenient amenities but mention noise issues and aggressive squirrels."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036

Paso Picacho Group Campground

13652 Highway 79, Julian, CA 92036

Driving directionsEast of San Diego, the park is accessible via Highway 79, five miles north of I-8. Detailed driving directions and a customized map are available online.
Highway 79 is paved and provides direct access to the park. During peak seasons, road conditions are maintained, and snow is uncommon. Seasonal closures do not apply.
Nearby places
Julian (15 miles south, approximately 20 minutes), San Diego (50 miles west, approximately 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as firewood and ice are sold at the campground entrance and camp host sites. Additional groceries and fuel are available in Julian.

Best Time to Camp at Paso Picacho Group Campground

Experience nature's gentle rhythms as warm summer days give way to cool, breeze-kissed evenings beneath the protective canopy of ancient oaks. The tree cover creates natural air conditioning, making even the warmest afternoons comfortable for outdoor adventures. When winter arrives, the campground transforms into a crisp wonderland where temperatures can dip to a bracing 25°F, perfect for cozy campfire gatherings. Year-round moderate winds whisper through the branches, carrying the fresh scent of pine and oak across the mountainside.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Shade cools evenings, but reviews cite bugs and heat during summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is popular (nearby harvest activities in Julian) and pleasant weather; reviewers favor autumn visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Wildflower-dotted meadows and mild weather make spring appealing per the natural description and reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter reviews highlight snow and tranquility but limited winter facilities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1 to November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, reservations required April to October, first-come-first-serve December to March.
  • Current Alerts: Firewood is quarantined due to the Goldspotted Oak Borer infestation. Consult park rangers for fire restrictions.

About Paso Picacho Group Campground

Nestled in a serene oak woodland forest at 5,000 feet, Paso Picacho Campground invites you to experience the perfect blend of comfort and wilderness. Each spacious campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, creating your own private outdoor living room beneath towering trees. Modern amenities including flush toilets and pay showers ensure you can refresh after a day exploring the network of hiking trails that begin just steps from your tent. Here, the rustling oak leaves and distant bird calls replace the sounds of everyday life.
Paso Picacho Group Campground provides a mix of camping accommodations suitable for families, groups, RVs, and tent setups. Primitive camping is not a feature at this site.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Paso Picacho offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and educational programs. Popular hikes include Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Peak trailheads, which start from the campground and offer stunning panoramic views.
HikingThe Stonewall Peak hike is a 4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 5500 feet, featuring switchbacks and exceptional views. The Cuyamaca Peak trail is a paved fire road leading to a 6-mile round trip hike with majestic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Salton Sea. Both are moderately challenging.
FishingFishing is available at nearby Lake Cuyamaca, which is stocked with trout.
BikingThe park accommodates biking on paved roads and approved trails. Helmets are required for riders under 18.
Wildlife viewingCampers can view deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, and various bird species near campsites and hiking trails.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground offers interpretive programs during summer, including exhibits on regional plant life, Kumeyaay history, and the historic Stonewall Mine site.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as squirrels, snakes, and red ants may pose minor hazards. Precautions against forest fires are advised.
Active AlertsFirewood is quarantined due to the Goldspotted Oak Borer infestation. Consult park rangers for fire restrictions.

Weather at Paso Picacho Group Campground

Reviews

4.6
359 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Paso Picacho Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Paso Picacho highlight its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and proximity to popular hiking trails like Stonewall Peak. Many appreciate its convenient amenities but mention noise issues and aggressive squirrels.
Review Summaries
Based on 359 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have praised the campground for its clean facilities, spacious sites, proximity to hiking trails, and beautiful surroundings. The availability of showers, fire pits, and picnic tables adds...
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Based on 359 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include noise disturbances from other campers, aggressive wildlife like squirrels, and bugs during warmer months. Some users also reported limited parking and unclean showers.
Based on 359 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing quarters for showers, repellents for bugs and ants, and securing food to avoid theft by squirrels. Some suggest targeting midweek visits for quieter experiences.
Based on 359 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention bugs and heat, while winter reviews highlight snow and tranquility. Fall is popular for harvest season activities in nearby Julian.
Based on 359 reviews

Camper Quotes

"LOVE this campground. It’s not SUPER hardcore camping... but we like to have that option!" - Chelsie "Spacious and easy to get to. Located near the beautiful Lake Cuyamaca and the quaint little town...
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Based on 359 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 is recommended for its view of Stonewall Peak. Sites #46 and #49 are adjoining and ideal for groups.
Based on 359 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-compliant sites are appreciated, and wheelchair-accessible trails make the area welcoming for disabled visitors.
Based on 359 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Dogs are not permitted on trails.
Based on 359 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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