S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground

Star4.33
21 reviews
Interpark Road at Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Quick Facts

203 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

54 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No 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

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground
$20.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $20 to $35 per night depending on the site type. Seniors (62 and over) receive a $2 discount per site per night. Fees must be...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$35.00
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
760-996-2963interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 21 reviews

133 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryclean

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"User reviews for Picacho State Recreation Area highlight its remote beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Common themes include praise for its scenic views and wildlife but complaints about mosquitoes and raccoons."

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Campground Map

Interpark Road at Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283

S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground

Interpark Road at Picacho Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283

Driving directionsTake the 24-mile (mostly unpaved) road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The road to Picacho from Winterhaven is paved only for the first 6 of 24 miles. The last 18 miles is over a dirt road that is passable for cars and vehicles with trailers and motorhomes. During summer, thunderstorms may cause flash flooding in washes, temporarily making short sections of the road impassable.
The road to the campground is mostly unpaved and spans 18 miles. It is passable for cars and vehicles with trailers, but summer storms can render sections impassable temporarily. High clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for Indian Pass Road, which includes steep terrain.
Nearby places
Winterhaven, CA (24 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Yuma, AZ (25 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies are available in Winterhaven, CA (24 miles) or Yuma, AZ (25 miles). Campers are advised to stock up before traveling to the campground.

Best Time to Camp at S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground

Experience nature's extremes in this dramatic desert landscape, where winter nights can dip to a crisp 20°F and summer days soar to an intense 120°F. Savvy campers time their visits between October and April, when the desert reveals its gentler side—offering warm, sun-soaked days perfect for exploration and cool, comfortable nights ideal for campfire gatherings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer temps up to 120°F make camping uncomfortable; swimming/boating possible but heat and mosquitos persist.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Mid-October through April recommended; fall is within peak season with moderate temps and activities.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring falls in the recommended Oct–Apr window with moderate temps and good access for activities.

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

Open year-round; winter nights can dip to ~20°F but daytime conditions are within recommended season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-October through April are considered the best times to visit due to moderate weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but summer temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees, making October through April the best time to visit.
  • Current Alerts: No specific alerts affecting S Beach Boat-in and Drive-in Campground were noted. Certain restrictions apply during trail construction in other areas of Picacho SRA.

About S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground

Escape to S Beach Boat-in and Drive-in Campground, where the untamed beauty of the Colorado River meets the solitude of the desert. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers by both land and water, offering primitive campsites thoughtfully furnished with picnic tables and fire rings for those perfect desert evenings under the stars. While you won't find hookups here, the campground provides chemical toilets and strategically placed potable water stations, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
S Beach Boat-in and Drive-in Campground accommodates both boat-in and drive-in campers. Options include family campsites and group campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is up to 14 consecutive nights at Picacho SRA.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground at S Beach Boat-in and Drive-in Campground offers recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. Observing desert wildlife and exploring scenic trails are common activities cited by both official sources and users.
HikingSeveral hiking trails are available, including Stamp Mill Trail, Stewart Lake Trail, and Red Rock Canyon Trail. Trails range from fairly level loops to steep climbs. "Stamp Mill Trail" offers a two-mile round-trip hike with views of the Colorado River and volcanic scenery. "Stewart Lake Trail" provides a loop trail ideal for identifying desert plants.
FishingFishing is permitted 24 hours a day with a valid California license. Fish species include black bass, striped bass, catfish, and bluegill. User reviews note successful catches of "big fish all over," and the docks are popular fishing spots.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular summer activity due to the proximity of the Colorado River.
BikingThe park road offers challenging biking conditions, with 19 miles of sandy, corrugated dirt and loose gravel. One user shared their experience biking: "Almost the entire 19 miles to the Colorado was sandy, corrugated and/or with loose gravel."
BoatingBoating activities include kayaking, canoeing, and shallow draft powerboats. Designated boat ramps and boat-in campsites are available.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of desert burros, bighorn sheep, and migratory waterfowl. One user commented, "Saw deer and wild burros every day."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are active from March through October. Wildlife such as burros, raccoons, and coyotes may intrude on campsites. Flash flooding may occur during summer thunderstorms.
Active AlertsNo specific alerts affecting S Beach Boat-in and Drive-in Campground were noted. Certain restrictions apply during trail construction in other areas of Picacho SRA.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground

Reviews

4.3
21 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
S Beach Boat-In And Drive-In Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Picacho State Recreation Area highlight its remote beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Common themes include praise for its scenic views and wildlife but complaints about mosquitoes and raccoons.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and abundant wildlife sightings. Comments include, "The scenery at the recreation area and on the drive to the area is amazing," and "Bathrooms...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito infestations, raccoons, and noisy burros were frequent complaints, as noted by one user: "The mosquitoes will eat you alive out here... the raccoons will climb on top of your car scrounging...
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Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, sufficient water, and supplies due to the remote location. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the dirt road. Users suggest visiting during cooler months and avoiding the summer heat.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest visiting between October and April for ideal weather. Summer temperatures can exceed 120°F, making it less suitable for camping. Wildlife activity such as burros and bats is noted in...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Picacho State Recreation Area is an amazing place to visit... the scenery is amazing." "Prepare for a long drive down a maintained dirt road... you will be rewarded with a beautiful drive and the...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites by the river are preferred by campers for their scenic views and fishing opportunities. Boat-in sites like 4S Beach Camp and Outpost Camp are highly rated for their proximity to the river.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites were praised for their large, flat, firm pads and proximity to restrooms. Chemical toilets and paths of travel are generally accessible.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in the campground but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Several users noted the need to clean up after pets.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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