Picacho State Rec Area campground
Picacho State Rec Area
Reservations are accepted at Picacho State Recreation Area, making it convenient for campers to secure a spot ahead of time. As this campground can get quite busy, especially during the peak summer season, it is advisable to make a reservation to ensure availability. The best time of year to visit is during the spring and fall when temperatures are milder and more conducive to outdoor activities. Summers can be extremely hot, exceeding 100°F (37°C), so it's important to come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and appropriate clothing.
While camping at Picacho State Recreation Area, campers can explore a variety of activities. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish in the Colorado River. Hiking trails are also available, offering scenic views of the desert landscape and opportunities for birdwatching. However, it is essential to stay cautious and aware of the area's wildlife, including rattlesnakes and scorpions. Overall, Picacho State Recreation Area provides a beautiful camping experience with ample amenities and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
What's on-site at Picacho State Rec Area
Key facilities Snoflo tracks for this campground. Confirm with the operator before booking -- amenities can change seasonally.
Plan your trip down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max so trends jump out at a glance.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks. Hover any point for the full breakdown.
Other campgrounds in the area
Snoflo-tracked campsites within driving distance of Picacho State Rec Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Fan Palm | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Lake Martinez Military | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir South Shore Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Senator Wash Reservoir South Mesa Ltva | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Nearby streamflow
USGS streamgauges within reach of Picacho State Rec Area -- pulled live from the National Water Information System.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| All-American Canal Nr. Imperial Dam | 8,130 cfs | → |
| Yaqui Canal Nr. Yuma | 0 cfs | → |
| Titsink Canal Nr Yuma | · | → |
| Gila Gravity Main Canal At Imperial Dam | 1,180 cfs | → |
| Pontiac Canal Nr. Yuma | 18 cfs | → |
| Reservation Main Canal Near Yuma | 38 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, boat launches, and paddle runs so a camping night can grow into a full weekend.
Parks
- Trigo Mountains Wilderness
- Picacho State Recreation Area
- Picacho Peak Wilderness
- Indian Pass Wilderness
- Imperial Refuge Wilderness
- Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Camping essentials & Leave No Trace
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
- Know before you go
- Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
- Minimize campfire impact
- Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
- Leave what you find
- Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Picacho State Rec Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, snowpack, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Picacho State Rec Area
Can I make reservations at Picacho State Rec Area?
This campground does not appear to accept reservations -- it's typically first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends.
How fresh is the weather data on this page?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from the NOAA / yr.no public feeds. Streamflow data is pulled live from USGS streamgauges and snowpack from the NRCS SNOTEL network.
What's the best time of year to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation. For longer trips, the 5-day hourly meteogram shows snow + rain accumulation hour-by-hour.
How do I get to Picacho State Rec Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the campground.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed through the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this campground, set a threshold (temperature, snowpack, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other campgrounds near here
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within driving distance of Picacho State Rec Area.