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Paso Picacho Campground

Part of Tent Camping, our guide to tent camping in San Diego County.

Paso Picacho has 85 campsites at about 5,000 feet in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. A standard site is $40 a night. Reserve on ReserveCalifornia from April 1 to November 30; December to March is first come, first served. Fires are allowed only in provided rings.Checked October 23, 2026.

85campsites
$40standard site per night
5,000 ftelevation
Apr 1 to Nov 30reservation period
Wide view of forested mountain ridges and valleys under a clear blue sky
Mountain scenery in the Cuyamaca area near Paso Picacho. Illustrative photo, not this exact place. The Fun Chronicles, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
ParkCuyamaca Rancho State Park, Highway 79, five miles north of I-8; park phone 760-765-3020
FeesStandard site $40; seniors 62+ $38; Disabled Discount Pass $20; extra vehicle $10. Cabins $80 (Manzanita, Live Oak, Cedar, Coulter) and $100 (Nature Den). Group camp $250 (50 people, 10 vehicles).
Check-in and quiet hoursCheck-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM, quiet hours 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Limits8 people and 2 vehicles per site
AmenitiesPicnic table and fire ring at each site, flush toilets, pay showers, water faucets every few sites, dump station, firewood and ice for sale. No hookups.
Who it suitsAll ages. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian or a permission letter.
BookingReserveCalifornia, 1-800-444-PARK. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October, per the park page.

Seasons and Booking

The park page says the campground is open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Reservations can be made from April 1 to November 30; December 1 to March 31 is first come, first served.

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, paved roads and the Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road on a leash, but not on trails.

Fire Rules Read Today

The park page, last checked 10/23/2026 4:09 PM, says: “For current fire restrictions, please call (760)767-4037.” Fire is not allowed anywhere except developed picnic areas and campgrounds, campfires are allowed in provided fire rings only, and wood gathering is prohibited.

Nearby

For the park itself, see Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Stonewall and Cuyamaca Peak Trails. The lower campground is Green Valley Campground.

What We Could Not Verify

  • The booking window in days or months for this park. ReserveCalifornia or the park (760-765-3020) can confirm.
  • Whether any site closes for winter. The park (760-765-3020) can confirm.
  • Coordinates were not retrieved, so no map point is shown.

More in Tent Camping

FAQ

How much is a tent site at Paso Picacho?

The park page lists $40 a night for a standard site, $38 for seniors 62 and older, and $10 for each extra vehicle.

Can I just show up in winter?

The park page says December 1 to March 31 is first come, first served. Call 760-765-3020 to check conditions.

Sources

  1. California State Parks: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.