Carrizo Boat-In Campground

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Carrizo Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

207 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Carrizo Boat-In Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees for Carrizo Boat-in Campground are $25 per night for one motor vehicle and $35 per night for two motor vehicles. Senior citizens aged 62...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
760-996-2963SpecialEvents.OcotilloWells@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 0 reviews

Most mentioned

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"No user reviews specific to Carrizo Boat-in Campground are provided. Broader reviews for Picacho State Recreation Area highlight the remote, scenic beauty and the appeal of activities like fishing and boating. Accessibility features receive mixed feedback."

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Campground Map

Carrizo Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Carrizo Boat-In Campground

Carrizo Boat-in Campground, Picacho State Recreation Area, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Driving directionsTake the 24-mile road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The first 6 miles are paved, but the remaining 18 miles consist of an unpaved dirt road. Flash flooding during summer thunderstorms can render short sections impassable temporarily. Visitors towing trailers should access the park exclusively via Picacho Road.
The road to Picacho is paved for the initial 6 miles and transitions to an 18-mile dirt road. While passable for cars and vehicles towing small trailers, flash flooding during summer can make sections impassable. High-clearance, 4x4 vehicles are recommended for safe travel.
Nearby places
Winterhaven, CA - approximately 24 miles (travel time varies depending on road conditions)
Yuma, AZ - approximately 25 miles.
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for supplies, including groceries and fuel, are located in Winterhaven, CA, approximately 24 miles from the campground. Visitors should ensure they are fully provisioned before arriving due to the park's remoteness.

Best Time to Camp at Carrizo Boat-In Campground

Desert extremes define the climate here, where winter nights can plunge to a crisp 20°F while summer days soar to an intense 120°F. Savvy travelers plan their visits between mid-October and April, when the desert transforms into a comfortable playground with mild days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire stories under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Extreme summer temps up to 120°F make summer visits undesirable and potentially unsafe.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mid-Oct to April recommended; fall is part of the prime season with milder temperatures.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring falls in the recommended mid-Oct–Apr window and offers good weather and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winters can be cold (nights ~20°F) but are within the recommended season window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Visitation is recommended during cooler months from mid-October to April due to extreme summer temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, though accessibility may be impacted by flash flooding during summer thunderstorms.
  • Current Alerts: There are currently no active alerts specific to Carrizo Boat-in Campground.

About Carrizo Boat-In Campground

Hidden along the Colorado River's edge, Carrizo Boat-in Campground offers adventurous souls a true escape from civilization. This remote outpost within Picacho State Recreation Area can only be reached by boat, rewarding those who make the journey with two pristine riverside campsites. Each site comes furnished with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and chemical vault toilets—though visitors should note that bringing their own water is essential for this primitive camping experience.
Carrizo Boat-in Campground is one of several boat-in camping options within the Picacho State Recreation Area. It is remote and accessible exclusively by boat.
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Check-in
Self-registration upon arrival.
Check-out
No official check-out time specified.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit is mentioned for Carrizo Boat-in Campground, but general park rules indicate a maximum of eight people per site.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Carrizo Boat-in Campground offers activities consistent with the Picacho State Recreation Area's broader offerings, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration. The remote, riverside location makes it particularly appealing for boaters and anglers.
HikingHiking opportunities are plentiful in the Picacho State Recreation Area. Trails such as the Stamp Mill Trail and Stewart Lake Trail offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views. Carrizo Boat-in Campground itself does not have directly associated trails, but surrounding areas provide access to hikes.
FishingFishing is a popular activity in the area. Species include black bass, channel catfish, striped bass, and bluegill. "Fishing at Picacho and on the Colorado River is great!" notes one source. "Huge flathead and blue catfish have been caught off both Picacho docks."
SwimmingSwimming is available along the Colorado River, though no designated swimming areas are explicitly mentioned for Carrizo Boat-in Campground.
BoatingCarrizo Boat-in Campground is accessible only by boat, making boating integral to the camping experience. Canoes, kayaks, and shallow-draft powerboats are commonly used.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with sightings of bighorn sheep, feral burros, migratory waterfowl, and desert-native species common in the recreation area.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include extreme summer heat, venomous wildlife such as snakes and scorpions, and flash flooding during thunderstorms.
Active AlertsThere are currently no active alerts specific to Carrizo Boat-in Campground.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Carrizo Boat-In Campground

Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Carrizo Boat-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews specific to Carrizo Boat-in Campground are provided. Broader reviews for Picacho State Recreation Area highlight the remote, scenic beauty and the appeal of activities like fishing and boating. Accessibility features receive mixed feedback.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the park's natural beauty, remote atmosphere, and excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Common Concerns

Complaints generally center around the lack of potable water, limited facilities, and challenging access requiring boat transportation.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring extra water and pack out all trash," is commonly advised for visitors to the boat-in campgrounds. Another tip is to ensure all equipment is in good order for boat access.

Seasonal Insights

The best time to visit is mid-October through April due to extreme summer temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees.

Camper Quotes

"Fishing at Picacho and on the Colorado River is great!" "Huge flathead and blue catfish have been caught off both Picacho docks." "Vault restrooms and one campsite at Carrizo Boat-in Camp are...
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Site-Specific Reviews

No user reviews specifically addressing individual campsites within Carrizo Boat-in Campground have been provided.

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as vault toilets and one accessible campsite are mentioned; however, no reviews from disabled users are included.

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in developed areas, with restrictions against beaches and trails. "Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet long and under the owner's immediate control at all times."

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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