CUYAMACA STATE PARK
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $8 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Photo: Landscape view of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Day use visitors may use the picnic areas provided at the campgrounds for $8 per vehicle. The receipt is good for the entire park for the day. The picnic areas offer tables, restrooms, and barbeques. Visitors may also park in legal turnouts along the highway and hike for free. Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds. The park is located approximately 50 miles east of San Diego on Highway 79. It is 15 miles south of the quaint historical town of Julian.
Come visit this park rich in beauty and history!
Established in 1933, the park is located within San Diego County. It spans over 24,000 acres of forest and meadowland. The area was originally inhabited by Kumeyaay Native Americans before European settlers arrived.
In October 2003, a wildfire devastated approximately 95% of the park's landmass but it has since been recovering naturally. Today visitors can enjoy camping facilities along with hiking trails that offer views across Southern California.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Bridle Trailsyes
- Green Valley Area: Offers family and group campsites, picnic areas, hiking trails.
- Paso Picacho Campground: Provides 85 sites for tents or RVs with tables and fire rings.
- Horse Heaven Group Campgrounds: Allows horse camping; has corrals available.
- Granite Springs Primitive Campsites: For backpackers only; no water facilities provided.