Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

350 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks - Ocotillo Wells District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

350 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks - Ocotillo Wells District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $25 for single vehicle sites to $35 for sites accommodating two vehicles. Seniors (age 62 and over) receive a $2.00 discount...

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

quiet

"User reviews generally praise Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground for its unique boat-in access and serene environment. However, the lack of potable water and trash collection are mentioned as limitations."

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Campground Map

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Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

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Driving directionsTake the 24-mile (mostly unpaved) road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The road is paved only for the first 6 of 24 miles. The last 18 miles consist of a dirt road that is passable for cars and vehicles with trailers and motorhomes. Visitors towing trailers are advised to use Picacho Road instead of Indian Pass Road due to sandy terrain and steep challenges.

Access includes 6 miles of paved road followed by 18 miles of dirt, requiring careful driving to avoid flash floods during summer thunderstorms. Picacho Road is recommended for vehicles towing trailers due to sandy terrain challenges on Indian Pass Road.

Nearby places

Winterhaven, CA (24 miles)

Yuma, AZ (25 miles)

Blythe, CA (approx. 70 miles)

Nearby supplies

Winterhaven, CA, approximately 24 miles away, offers groceries, fuel, and essential supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

The desert's dramatic personality shines through in every season at Paddlewheel. Winter nights can dip to a crisp 20°F, perfect for campfire stories, while summer days blaze with the intensity of a 120°F furnace—a testament to the raw power of the Colorado Desert. Savvy adventurers time their visits for the sweet spots of spring and fall, when gentle temperatures invite exploration and the desert blooms with life. These golden months offer clear skies, comfortable camping conditions, and the kind of weather that makes you want to linger just one more day by the river.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer days can exceed 120°F; summer visits are discouraged due to extreme heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mid-Oct through April is peak season; fall offers moderate temps and good conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted by reviewers as an ideal time due to moderate temperatures.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Open year-round; winter nights can dip to ~20°F but season praised in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-October through April is considered the ideal season for camping due to moderate temperatures.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.
Current Alerts: No current alerts specific to Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground.

About Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

Escape to the serene isolation of Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground, where the only way in is across the shimmering waters of the Colorado River. This hidden gem rewards adventurous paddlers and boaters with pristine primitive camping far from the crowds. Your waterfront site comes equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and chemical toilets—while the absence of potable water ensures you'll experience true backcountry camping. Here, under vast desert skies, you'll find the perfect blend of river tranquility and desert solitude that makes every paddle stroke worth the journey.

Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground caters exclusively to boaters and canoe campers, with no vehicular access or amenities for RVs or tents. The campground is remote and designed for those seeking a primitive camping experience.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Long before your boat glides across these waters, paddlewheel steamers churned up the Colorado River, their decks laden with supplies for the bustling gold mining town that once thrived here at Picacho. The echoes of prospectors' dreams still whisper through the canyon walls, mingling with the far older stories of the Quechan people who first called this river corridor home. Every sunset here connects you to centuries of Colorado River Basin history—from indigenous trade routes to mining boom towns, from steamboat captains to modern-day river runners seeking the same timeless connection to this ancient waterway.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert's dramatic personality shines through in every season at Paddlewheel. Winter nights can dip to a crisp 20°F, perfect for campfire stories, while summer days blaze with the intensity of a 120°F furnace—a testament to the raw power of the Colorado Desert. Savvy adventurers time their visits for the sweet spots of spring and fall, when gentle temperatures invite exploration and the desert blooms with life. These golden months offer clear skies, comfortable camping conditions, and the kind of weather that makes you want to linger just one more day by the river.

ElevationPerched at a modest 350 feet above sea level, the campground rests in the heart of the Colorado Desert's low country, where the river has carved its patient path through millennia of rock and sand. This low elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert meets river, fostering an ecosystem found nowhere else in the Southwest.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of the Colorado River against the shore, where ancient cottonwoods provide patches of shade and frame views of the water's endless journey south. The landscape tells a story of resilience—hardy palo verde trees splash the terrain with green even in the driest months, while beavertail cacti display their paddle-shaped segments like natural sculptures. During the magical migration seasons of spring and fall, the sky comes alive with the calls of countless waterfowl, transforming the campground into a front-row seat for one of nature's greatest traveling shows. Desert sunsets paint the river in shades of gold and copper, creating moments of beauty that linger long after you've paddled home.

Geological RegionThe Colorado Desert reveals its volcanic past at every turn around Paddlewheel Campground, where ancient lava flows have created dramatic outcroppings that punctuate the horizon. This remarkable corner of the lower Colorado River Basin showcases millions of years of geological drama—from fiery eruptions to patient erosion. The rugged volcanic formations provide a striking backdrop to the softer river corridor, where beavertail cacti cling to rocky slopes and migratory birds find refuge in this desert oasis. It's a landscape that tells the story of fire, water, and time—a living geology textbook written in stone and sand.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Self-registration upon arrival.

Check-out

Self-registration upon departure.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 nights per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Groups

Two large group sites are available, accommodating larger parties of boat-in campers. Additional details on limitations are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo campsites accessible by boat only, with picnic tables and fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through the Ocotillo Wells District Special Events Coordinator via email or phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites at Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground are first-come-first-served except group campsites, which require prior reservation.

Cancellation PolicyReservations for group campsites must be made 48 hours prior to arrival. The campground does not offer electronic reservations.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include vault toilets, but overall accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited due to the remote and rugged terrain.

Site SizeSites are described as large and flat, catering to boaters and canoe campers, but further specific measurements are not provided.

PrivacySites are relatively isolated, given the nature of boat-in camping, which typically offers higher privacy compared to drive-in camping.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites for proximity to river access or shade based on preference for privacy or scenery.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground offers activities centered on river and desert recreation. Popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing. Swimming and other water-based activities are accessible but are informal.

HikingThe surrounding area provides hiking opportunities with trails leading to historical sites such as Stamp Mill Trail and natural features like Stewart Lake Trail. Trails vary in difficulty and highlight volcanic and desert scenery.

FishingFishing is a significant activity along the Colorado River, with species such as black bass, channel catfish, and bluegill available. Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day with a valid California license.

SwimmingSwimming is available but not within designated areas, making safety precautions essential due to the river's shifting sandbars.

BoatingBoating activities are central to Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground, with canoeing and kayaking being particularly popular. The area is navigable for shallow draft boats, but shifting sandbars require careful maneuvering.

Wildlife viewingVisitors have the opportunity to observe desert wildlife, including bighorn sheep, burros, migratory waterfowl, and other species native to the Sonoran Desert.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash floods during summer thunderstorms can temporarily render parts of the access road impassable. Mosquitoes are active March through October.

Active AlertsNo current alerts specific to Paddlewheel 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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in park-provided fire rings. Gathering wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available in Winterhaven, CA, approximately 24 miles away. Emergency contact while at the campground: Dial 911.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash or recycling collection at Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground, requiring campers to pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesCampground is directly on the Colorado River, with easy access for boating and fishing.

Camp HostNo host information available at Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground.

Weather at Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground

Reviews

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Paddlewheel Boat-In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground for its unique boat-in access and serene environment. However, the lack of potable water and trash collection are mentioned as limitations.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the remote and quiet setting, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and access to the Colorado River for boating.

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the lack of potable water and trash collection, necessitating extra preparation for waste management and supplies.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing ample drinking water and planning ahead to pack out all trash. It's also noted to check weather conditions due to potential flash flooding during summer.

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews highlight spring and winter as ideal times for visiting due to more moderate temperatures. Summer visits are discouraged due to extreme heat exceeding 120°F.

Camper Quotes

"The quiet serenity of Paddlewheel Boat-in Campground is unmatched, but be prepared to bring your own water and pack out your trash." "This is a fantastic spot for kayaking and fishing, but the lack...