Paso Picacho Campground

Paso Picacho Campground, perched at 5,000 feet within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, offers a picturesque retreat blending rugged mountain beauty with accessible outdoor adventures. This campground defies expectations with its proximity to stunning hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and unparalleled views from peaks like Stonewall and Cuyamaca, all just an hour’s drive from San Diego.

With 85 campsites accommodating tents, RVs up to 30 feet, and a selection of rustic cabins, the campground ensures choices for all camping preferences. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, with modern amenities nearby, including flush toilets, pay showers, potable water, and a convenient camp store for firewood and ice. The absence of RV hookups preserves the park’s natural charm. Notable trails, including the 2-mile Stonewall Peak Trail and the longer trek to Cuyamaca Peak, start directly from the campground, offering panoramic views of the coast, desert, and Lake Cuyamaca, which is just two miles away and ideal for fishing and boating.

Located 15 miles south of Julian, a quaint historic town, Paso Picacho is an ideal base for both active weekend getaways and peaceful nature escapes. Whether exploring over 100 miles of trails or enjoying wildlife viewing and stargazing under clear mountain skies, campers will find this serene destination to be a gateway to Southern California’s natural and cultural gems.