Picacho Peak Wilderness Area is a located on nearly 9000 acres of desert land just east of the California State Line. The wilderness area offers some good dispersed camping opportunities and solitude among the washes, basins, and peaks of the Chocolate Mountains.
Dispersed camping is permitted anywhere within the wilderness area boundaries, however, motorized vehicles must stay on existing roads. Picacho Peak Wilderness Area should not be confused with Little Picacho Wilderness Area or Picacho State Recreation Area, both of which are located to the southeast, or Picacho Peak State Park in Arizona.
You will find many different types of wildlife within the wilderness area, including burros, bighorn sheep, and the large desert tortoise.
Access to camping supplies is limited due to the remote location of Picacho Peak Wilderness Area. Ground fires are permitted, but it is recommended that you bring a portable fire pit or ring.
Picacho Peak Wilderness Area Camping Features
| Campground Type: | Dispersed |
| Number of Campsites: | Not Defined |
| Cost: | No Cost |
| Use Level: | Low |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | None – Bring a portable fire ring |
| Drinking Water: | None |
| Toilets: | None |
| Showers: | None |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | None – Pack it out |
| Hiking Access: | Yes |
| Beach/Lake Access: | None |
| RV/Trailer Length: | None |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | None |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Picacho Peak Wilderness area is open year-round |
| Other: |
Getting There
| Address: | |
| Geo Coordinates: | 33.012422 , -114.728506 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Yuma, Arizona |
| Elevation: | 200 Feet |
| Location: | Imperial County, California |
| Paved Road Access: | None |
| Proximity to Stores: | 40 miles to Yuma, AZ |
| Directions: | You can access Picacho Peak Wilderness Area from Ogilby Road (S-24), which runs between Interstate 8 and State Highway 78. Indian Pass Road runs east from Ogilby Road to Picacho State Recreation Area boundary. The wilderness area is on the south side of Gavilan Wash. The south boundary of the wilderness area runs along Hyduke Road and is accessible from either Ogilby Road or Picacho State Park Road. |
Connect
| Phone: | (760) 337-4400 |
| Web: | Bureau of Land Management |
| Reservations: | Not Accepted – First-come, First-served |
When To Go
Spring, Early/Late Summer, and Fall (and possibly Winter too) – You can camp here pretty much year-round, expect mid-summer when the temperatures exceed 100 degrees daily.
What To Do
Hiking – The area around Picacho Peak Wilderness is surrounded by hills and mountains with hiking trails
Image Credits: California State Parks