Cuyamaca Rancho/Paso Picacho

Paul Grenier

Site #7. Large campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park with clean flush toilets and hot showers. Miles of hiking trails leave from the campground, with our favorite being the hike to Stonewall Peak which has amazing 360 degree views. Just down the road is Lake Cuyamaca for boaters and fishermen, complete with a bait shop and a great lunch spot, The Pub at Lake Cuyamaca. Town of Julian is not too far away if you’re at the campground for an extended stay and crave delicious apple pie.

Grant Osborne

Note: Pictures taken in late February. First the highlights. Pros: 1. The campsite is directly connected to two or three major trails, including the trail to Stonewall Peak across the street on foot. If you're into hiking, you have two great options right at your doorstep. A series of relatively leisurely trails to the western part of the campsite and the challenging Stonewall Peak trail to the east. Again, all conveniently accessible on foot if you're in the campsite. 2. Picnic tables and grills are provided at each campsite and are decently maintained. 3. Most of the tent sites are well shaded by trees which makes those ideal camping spots in the spring or summer seasons. 4. Bathrooms are plentiful enough and accessible on foot. 5. If supplies are needed, the general store on the lake is a short drive away. 6. Like nearby Julian, the general area is a Dark Sky Community (or was it Night Sky?) meaning that you can get a nice view of the starry night sky late into the night. Cons/notices: 1. Given the price of $40 per night, and this was during the off-season, you might want to give the privately run campsites on Lake Cuyamaca a look. They're the same price, last I've checked, and you have immediate access to the lake, store and other trails (with the caveat that wood fires are NOT permitted). 2. If you're new to camping, bring some sort of a rake or make sure to clear out any pieces of wood or branches BEFORE setting your tent up. Since the camping spots are shaded by trees, there will be tree fragments and the like that will gather up on the ground over time. 3. While you would be able to see more stars at night here versus further west, closer to the city (say Dos Picos near Ramona or further west towards the coast), you likely would get a better view somewhere in Anza Borrego. That is, if you're really into star gazing. 4. As you can see from the pictures; the grassy area to the west is brown; with some exceptions such as the larger bushes and trees the further west you go in on the loop trails. Again, these pictures were taken in February, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of camping here in the off seasons. Might be better in April and later on (though by then, you WILL need to make reservations). Meanwhile, February through March it's first-come-first-served. Honestly, it was a more interesting experience than Anza Borrego (I'm more into forests vs deserts) but since I live in North County, the distance traveled to get to the Julian area is not too different than driving to somewhere like Idylwild which, from my last experience, offers more to those who want to invest much more into forests hiking and foliage. Still, from my brief sejour there, it was definitely worthwhile. Alternatives to this campsite, especially if you're coming through the 78 from the west, are: 1. William Heise (operated by San Diego County, plenty and plenty more available sites in seasons like February but must be reserved - no first come first served, and nice access to trails) 2. Lake Cuyamaca camps (privately run, but pricing is similar to Paso Picacho) 3. Far from Julian, closer to Ramona; is Dos Picos. Haven't been there yet but if you want access to local wineries and if driving to Julian would be too long of a drive for you, then this is a possible alternative. Plus access to light trails on that campsite, ideal for light hikers.

LC 444

This is a nice place to camp for the few houses I spent here as a day hiker. 4 1/2 years ago I did Cuyamaca Peak from here, it was a nice hike. I recently came back to do Stonewall, which was nice as well. Seems like a peaceful place, will be back to camp, also 10$ to get into the camp as a day use, $10 also for firewood.

Steven Klug

Always a good campground with great tent sites with reasonably flat spots for tents and good hiking trails nearby. They even have hot water and showers. Firewood is also available for purchase. We had a good time and did some glamping style camp cooking.

Robert Prescott

Great spot to get away, only an hour from San Diego, but you feel like you are someplace else. You are up at 5,000 feet, and it does get cold at night. It had snowed up there just a week before we went camping. The trails are great. Check out campsite sizes ahead of time to make sure your trailer fits. The restrooms were clean. They have a dump station on the way out.