Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

4 reviews

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

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

203 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

203 ft

Price

$20 - $35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

$20.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees range from $20 per night for family sites with one motor vehicle to $35 per night for premium riverfront sites with two motor vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$25.00

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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Visitors appreciate the remote and tranquil atmosphere of Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground. The cleanliness of facilities and accessibility features are noted positively."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

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

Driving directionsTake the 24-mile (mostly unpaved) Picacho Road north from Winterhaven near the Mexican border. The first 6 miles are paved; the last 18 miles are dirt roads. During summer thunderstorms, flash floods may make short sections impassable.

The first 6 miles are paved, while the last 18 miles consist of dirt roads. Flash flooding during summer thunderstorms can temporarily make sections impassable. A high clearance, 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Nearby places

Winterhaven: 24 miles, approximately 45-minute drive.

Nearby supplies

The nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are located in Winterhaven, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

Taylor Lake transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter nights can plunge to a crisp 20°F, perfect for cozy campfires and clear stargazing, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-baked paradise with temperatures soaring to an intense 120°F. Savvy campers plan their visits during the golden window from mid-October through April, when gentle breezes, comfortable daytime temperatures, and cool evenings create ideal conditions for hiking, paddling, and exploring this desert oasis.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summer thunderstorms and impassable dirt roads can challenge access and comfort.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season begins mid-Oct; moderate temperatures make fall ideal for camping.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is favored for moderate weather and migratory waterfowl viewing.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Open year-round; winter nights are crisp (~20°F) and favored for camping & stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-October to April (ideal camping season due to moderate temperatures). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round
Current Alerts: None currently reported.

About Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

Escape to Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground, where four secluded family campsites await adventurous souls seeking solitude along the Colorado River. Whether you arrive by small watercraft gliding across the glassy surface or navigate the rugged access roads, you'll discover a pristine wilderness retreat complete with essential amenities. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies, while well-maintained chemical toilets and an thoughtfully designed ADA-accessible site ensure comfort for all visitors. This hidden gem delivers an authentic backcountry experience where the desert meets the river, far from the crowds and close to nature's raw beauty.

Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground offers remote boat-in camping and accommodates family sites.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Step back in time at this remarkable corner of Picacho State Recreation Area, where layers of human history unfold across the landscape. Long before prospectors arrived seeking fortune, the Quechan people navigated these waters and traded along these riverbanks, leaving traces of their ancient presence. The gold rush era transformed this quiet stretch into a bustling mining town, and today, observant visitors can still discover remnants of both cultures – from weathered mining equipment to sacred sites that whisper stories of the desert's first inhabitants.

Weather and SeasonsTaylor Lake transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter nights can plunge to a crisp 20°F, perfect for cozy campfires and clear stargazing, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-baked paradise with temperatures soaring to an intense 120°F. Savvy campers plan their visits during the golden window from mid-October through April, when gentle breezes, comfortable daytime temperatures, and cool evenings create ideal conditions for hiking, paddling, and exploring this desert oasis.

ElevationNestled in the lower Colorado River Basin, Taylor Lake occupies a unique ecological niche where the mighty Colorado River carves its path through the low desert landscape. This riverside setting creates a fascinating microclimate where riparian habitats flourish against the backdrop of classic Sonoran Desert terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert ecosystem at Taylor Lake, where the life-giving Colorado River creates an oasis of biodiversity. Watch clouds of migratory waterfowl sweep across the sky during seasonal passages, while vibrant beavertail cacti paint the landscape with shocking pink blooms. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic bighorn sheep that navigate the rocky outcrops with remarkable grace. This dynamic environment showcases nature's resilience and beauty, offering endless opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Geological RegionExperience the raw geological drama of the Colorado Desert, where eight miles of the lower Colorado River have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Rugged mountain peaks rise abruptly from ancient washes, bearing witness to volcanic forces that shaped this terrain millions of years ago. Spring transforms the seemingly barren landscape into a botanical wonderland as wildflowers carpet the desert floor, while hardy beavertail cacti and graceful tamarisk trees provide year-round interest. This dynamic region tells the story of Earth's powerful forces through every weathered rock formation and winding canyon.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Self-registration upon arrival

Check-out

Self-registration upon departure

Stay Limit

Limit of 8 people and 3 vehicles per site

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people

Groups

Group campsite information is not provided for Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFour family campsites, including one ADA-accessible site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for Taylor Lake; group sites in the recreation area can be reserved via SpecialEvents.OcotilloWells@parks.ca.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityTaylor Lake is first-come, first-served. All four campsites are boat-in or accessible by vehicle. Expect higher demand during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted for Taylor Lake; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityOne campsite is ADA-accessible. Vault toilets at the campground are also designed for accessibility.

Site SizeThe campsites are standard family sites accommodating up to eight people and three vehicles.

Privacy:null

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesUse the ADA-accessible campsite if needed. Kayaking from Taylor Lake is recommended for better access to fishing and scenic areas.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Taylor Lake offers activities such as boating, fishing, and limited shore fishing due to vegetation along the shoreline. Wildlife viewing is also popular at Picacho State Recreation Area.

FishingFishing is permitted, and visitors have reported catching bass during their stay. Vegetation limits shore fishing opportunities.

BoatingTaylor Lake Boat-in Campground is accessible by boat, and a small vessel launch ramp is available for campers.

Wildlife viewingThe region is rich in wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, bighorn sheep, and burros. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlash flooding during summer thunderstorms. Wildlife such as snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas are protected by law.

Active AlertsNone currently reported.

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 allowed only within provided fire rings. Gathering or burning dead wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be reached by dialing 911. The nearest park office is at Picacho SRA (760-996-2963).

Trash & RecyclingTrash is not collected at Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground. Campers are required to pack out all trash they bring into the area.

Water FeaturesLocated on Taylor Lake, with direct access to the Colorado River.

Weather at Taylor Lake Boat-In Campground

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

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

Visitors appreciate the remote and tranquil atmosphere of Taylor Lake Boat-in Campground. The cleanliness of facilities and accessibility features are noted positively.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

User reviews highlight the clean toilets, good handicap access, and enjoyable fishing experiences.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention the difficulty of shore fishing due to dense reeds along the shoreline.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a kayak for better fishing access and ample drinking water since potable water is unavailable.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and spring are favored for camping due to mild weather conditions. Summer thunderstorms may pose challenges, including impassable dirt roads leading to the campground.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice little area. Four campsites. Says boat-in but we drove there. Was only there for a day for some shore fishing. Fished off the boat ramp and landed some nice bass. Clean toilets and good...

Based on 4 reviews