Picacho State Recreation Area

The park is currently Open with restrictions in services and/or facilities.

Please check the hours of operation.

Facility Closures

The Lower Dock boat launch is closed until further notice. The Lower Dock day use area is open.

Park Hours

Day use and campground open all day and all night.

Contact Information

(760) 996-2963

Are dogs allowed?

Yes: Dogs allowed in developed areas such as roads and campgrounds. Dogs not allowed on beaches or trails. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6' long and under the owner's immediate control at all times.

Reservation Availability

No upcoming camping/lodging reservations at this time.

About Picacho State Recreation Area

Nestled along the Colorado River on California’s southeastern border, this park’s remote setting and beautiful desert scenery beckons hardy adventurers to enjoy year-round fishing and watersports.

Max trailer: 30 feet
Max camper/motorhome: 35 feet

View the park accessibility information

Maps and Park Directions

Take 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. At times during the summer thunderstorms are likely to cause flash flooding in the washes, temporarily making short sections of the road impassable.

Brochures

News and Events

Upcoming Events

No upcoming events are listed for this park.

All events for Picacho State Recreation Area

Most Recent News Releases

All news releases for Picacho State Recreation Area

Passes Information

This park accepts the following passes:

List of all California State Park passes

Activities and Facilities

EV Information

Overnight Facilities

Tent Camping
Group Campsites
Remote Camping
Boat-in/Floating Camps
RV Access

Other Facilities

Parking
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available

Boating

Boating
Boat Ramps

Day-Use Activities & Facilities

Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Family Programs
Geocaching

Trail Use

Hiking Trails

If you are planning a visit, please note:

To make a reservation for a group, email SpecialEvents.OcotilloWells@parks.ca.gov

Access to the park is possible via Picacho Road. Picacho Road has areas with deep sand; a high clearance, 4x4 vehicle capable of traversing soft, sandy terrain is recommended.

Access to the park is also possible via Indian Pass Road. Indian Pass Road includes a steep mountain pass. A high clearance, 4x4 vehicle capable of traversing steep, rocky, and soft terrain as well as the skills to navigate said terrain are necessary.

*** It is strongly recommended to utilize Picacho Road instead of Indian Pass Road. ***

If you are using a mapping device or program, double check whether you are routed to Picacho SRA via Picacho Road from Winterhaven or Indian Pass Road from Ogilby Road.

*** Visitors towing a trailer should only access the park via Picacho Road. ***

100 years ago Picacho was a gold mining town with 100 citizens. Today the site is a State Park, popular with boaters, hikers, anglers and campers. The park offers diverse scenery, including beavertail cactus, wild burros, bighorn sheep and thousands of migratory waterfowl. (The park is on one leg of the Pacific Flyway.) Eight miles of the lower Colorado River are the recreation area’s eastern border.

As in any desert country, travelers on this road should carry extra water and other essential supplies. All motor vehicles are required to stay on the authorized routes of travel in the recreation area. In case of trouble it is best to keep calm and remain near your vehicle and in the shade until help arrives.

Location-Directions
Take 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. At times during the summer thunderstorms are likely to cause flash flooding in the washes, temporarily making short sections of the road impassable.

For additional information or questions, please call the park office at (760) 996-2963.

Friends4Picacho
Discover important information about Picacho State Recreation Area at this link: www.Friends4Picacho.org
Find out about current park events, volunteer opportunities and ongoing efforts to save this pristine land for future generations to enjoy. F4P and Picacho SRA have also partnered with the Park Champions Program through the California State Park Foundation. For current volunteer opportunities please visit www.calparks.org.