Explore the rugged beauty of Picacho State Recreation Area. It is located along the lower Colorado River in Imperial County, California. This is about 25 miles north of Winterhaven and Yuma. This remote desert oasis combines historic mining relics, vibrant riverfront scenery, and vast wildlife habitat, making it a true off-the-grid hideaway.
What Makes Picacho State Recreation Area Unique
This recreation area stands out for its dramatic desert-river interface. A former gold mining town and stamp mill ruins meet the expansive Colorado River shoreline and backwater lagoons here. Picacho is nestled on a nine-mile stretch of the river and surrounded by desert mountains. It offers rare ecological diversity. The diversity ranges from beavertail cactus and migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway to bighorn sheep, wild burros, and bald eagles. Its combination of historical intrigue and rich riparian ecosystems creates a multi-layered destination few parks can match.
Top Activities & Amenities
Camping (Family, Group & Boat-In)
The Main Campground includes 54 primitive family sites equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, solar showers, chemical toilets, and a dump station. Sites are first-come, first-served and support RV, tent, and generator use (10 AM–8 PM). Drive-in group camps are secluded and available by reservation. Along the river, boat-in camps—including Outpost, 4S Beach, Carrizo, Paddlewheeler and Taylor Lake—offer developed riverfront camping with fire rings and chemical toilets. One boat-in campsite is ADA accessible.
Boating, Fishing & Swimming
Three launch ramps provide river access for powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, with a $5 launch fee. The Colorado River supports year-round fishing—expect largemouth and striped bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish. Swimming is popular in calm backwaters—though no lifeguards are on duty, so caution is advised.
Hiking & Historical Interpretive Programs
Trails wind through desert landscapes and past historic remnants, including the stamp mill and Picacho Peak’s volcanic plug dome. Options include the Stamp Mill Trail, Red Rock Canyon, and Railroad Canyon, offering river views, wildlife sightings, and desert geology interpretations. Interpretive materials and volunteer-led events help bring history and ecology to life.
Picnicking & Day-Use Facilities
Picnic tables are available throughout the campground, boat-in sites and near the docks. Restrooms include chemical toilets; showers and a dump station are located in the Main Campground. The day-use area includes a playground, beach access, sand volleyball court and designated parking.
Wildlife Viewing & Photography
Birdwatchers can spot thousands of migratory waterfowl in spring and fall, along with egrets, ibis, cormorants and eagles. Mammals like bighorn sheep, wild burros, bobcats, coyotes and raccoons live in the surrounding hills. Photographers will appreciate sunrise reflections over the river and the warm hues of volcanic canyon walls.
Equestrian & Off‑Road Recreation
Horseback riders are welcome—with primitive campsites allowing one trailer per site. Mountain bikes are permitted on park roads only. Off-highway vehicles are prohibited.
Accessibility & Facilities
Drinking water, restrooms, showers and dump station are available in the main campground; boat-in camps have chemical toilets. Accessible facilities include one ADA boat-in campsite and designated parking. However, many trails and desert roads remain primitive and challenging.
Visitor Tips
- Fees: $10/day vehicle fee ($9 seniors); $20 camping (1 vehicle), $30 (2 vehicles); boat-in sites $25–35; $5 boat launch fee; extra vehicle $10.
- Access: Use Picacho Road from Winterhaven (24 mi, 18 mi unpaved); high-clearance vehicle recommended. Indian Pass Road is steep and rocky.
- Reservations: Family camps are first‑come, group camps reserve by email; boat-in group sites recommended to reserve.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed in developed areas, not on trails or beaches—must be in vehicles at night.
- Water & Supplies: This is desert country—bring extra water, fuel, sunscreen, and snacks.
- Safety: No lifeguards; river currents and desert heat (20 °F to 120 °F seasonally) demand caution.
- Fire Rules: Campfires only in provided rings; no gathering wood.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash—boat-in camps do not provide trash removal.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit between late October and April to avoid summer desert heat and witness spectacular migratory bird flocks along the river. For a hidden gem, paddle or hike to the riverback Taylor Lake Camp where sunrise reflections are serene and undisturbed. In spring, the desert blooms with cactus flowers and the stamp mill trail reveals patches of colorful wildflowers framed by canyon cliffs—perfect for photographers and solitude-seekers.