Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Dos Picos County Park

    3.9 (104 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 7:00 pm

    Dos Picos County Park Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Dos Picos County Park

    Recommended Reviews - Dos Picos County Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Keith A.

    I did not stay here, but went to check it out for a future stay. The staff said we could drive thru and check it out. It is nice, looks like a good place to camp, but the sites are on top of each other and not what we are looking for so I probably will not stay there.

    Pond near the youth area. Saw some ppl fishing and kids catching frogs.

    Just went for a few days of camping in the second week of June with 6 other families who were camping in the youth area (tent camping) and all 4 cabins (C3-6). We had a blast!! This area was close to the ranger station at check in, there's a nearby pond with fish and bullfrogs and an easy loop that the kids freely biked around. They set up a couple badminton nets and it kept the kids busy all week. We stayed in cabins C2 up the hill and it was quiet and very enjoyable. Although I hear it is much busier and louder on the weekends. You are only allowed to buy firewood at the ranger station for $6 - cash only due to concerns of bugs and critters from other woods brought in. There are two parking spaces allotted and allowed per cabin. Quiet time is from 10pm-8am. All campfire has to be out by 11pm. There are also public bathroom and coin-op showers nearby. No cooking allowed indoors. Cabins by the youth area were newly renovated with showers, bathrooms and sink, table and 4 chairs in the rooms, countertop and cabinets for storage plus in room heater, fans, dustpan and brooms provided. However, if you come in the winter, I was told to bring my own heater since their space heaters can get too hot. This was a major step up for us since we're used to tenting. More glamping here we come! We are looking forward to annual group trips here since the weather was pleasant and comfortable this time of year. Perhaps 55-75 degrees the whole trip. There are also fire pits, grill station and a two person round table outside of each cabin. There's also an outlet and hooks inside the cabin and outlets outside in case you want to plug in any appliances. There's also a few short Diamondhead hikes that are fairly low key and not too strenuous. Highly recommend bringing bikes to enjoy the loop which includes the pond, playground on the way with tons of picnic tables and scenic hikes.

    October '24

    Visited this park in October '24, just to fish, not for camping. We entered through the second gate since nobody was inside the security office. The 2 cars ahead of us just went ahead & entered, so we were confused if we had to pay or just go in, but we ended up paying the park fee ($2 or $3) Walked to the pond and it was ok... it was low & pretty dirty, so didn't think there was any fish lol but kids were catching some with pieces of hot dog so we threw a few casts out. Seen little turtles in the water as well as ducks. Would like to come back to see how the area looks when it's all green & nice.

    Looks like a cave
    Chad T.

    This is a nice county park in Ramona California. It's a pay park. Has a playground pavilions had a pond stocked with fish and ducks. Frogs. Has a campgrounds and cabins Lots of trails to hike and explore the area. Good spot to have a family event or social Gathering. Yes I recommend yes.

    Night stars
    lisa l.

    It's my second trip to Dos Picos. I'm not an outdoor person but this place is very clean. Tent sites are all shaded with trees. The cabins are cute and well maintained, it has heater but no ac (each cabin does have fans). Thanks to the rangers, this place is very clean and orderly. If you are a hog or don't follow campground rules don't bother going there. The rangers are very strict about noise level and cleanliness. I love this place!

    Our Little Guy Teardrop.
    Caroleann B.

    My review is for the campground, they have a day use for the park section. This is my second time camping at this campground. My first experience at this campground was for a organized teardrop gathering a few years ago. A ranger shared with me this last outing there are quite a few teardrop gatherings a year. For the second time we camped at the top of the campground. Although we weren't attending a teardrop event this time around we liked the top of the hill because it was a circular layout with semi hook ups. It has maybe 12 sites, more or less. ** Note** these sites are short. I have a teardrop hooked up to a SUV and it was pretty tight and this is if you don't want to unhitch. The only reason I didn't want to unhitch is because the platform is soft dirt and gravel and I can't easily maneuver the trailer to the hitch (still trying to master it). Anyway, I had to unhitch and my girlfriends helped me line up. ** Note** no hard liquor allowed. I mentioned the sites are short, I couldn't tell you how long. It would be best to contact the ranger office for specifics. In the middle of this cul-de-sac is a building used for events. It's kept locked.and I'm assuming you must make arrangements at the office to use it. There are restrooms available (one has a changing table for the littles), but no showers. The coin operated showers are located just below, walking would be better due to parking. I can't provide any other information of the shower area, this info was based on my fellow campers usage. Located on the building of the restrooms is a large community sink. It has a lever for hot and cold water, but hot water is not hooked up. This camping trip I had site 72 and the first time I had 71. Fellow campers had site 68, 70 and 73. Our stay we had a bit of wind through out the day. Our outing was at the Hawk Watch in Ramona (Jan-March) and a small hike at the Romona Grassland Preserve. Also, visit some of the wineries in the area. Also, not far at all is the well known Potato Chip Rock hike. I would come here again, and I would be fine camping at the top again as well. It's a little busier down below but wouldn't mind giving a try some time. Check with the ranger or website what guest speakers they may have scheduled. Our first visit they had a speaker come out with some reptiles. Very informative and fun for the kids, adults as well.

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kai H.
    10
    1
    0

    12 days ago

    Great campground! Grounds and facilities are very well maintained. The ranger staff are wonderful and so helpful!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tso N.
    26
    105
    14

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Dos Picos is everything you could ask for in a county park. It was a little strange seeing feminine products in the men's bathroom ‍

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lucy S.
    0
    23
    10

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 1
    Love this 8
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of lisa l.
    10
    79
    10

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Need T.
    16
    235
    919

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Robert H.
    30
    71
    251

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Pete T.
    145
    937
    1781

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    We always have a good time when we stay here. All of the Ranger are very friendly. Bathrooms are clean :)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nora S.
    158
    40
    164

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Carmela R.
    253
    55
    101

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jee H.
    9
    40
    23

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ava S.
    12
    33
    46

    3 years ago

    Real nice and clean park! Rangers are nice and helpful! Park and campground great for kids and for walks

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Summe C.
    166
    40
    67

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of I S.
    0
    32
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jay L.
    2
    40
    40

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great park! Facilities are always clean and the staff are always helpful & professional.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nora S.
    268
    2348
    399

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Dos Picos County Park

    Does this park have an exercise area like equipment?

    The campground area does not. Not sure about day use area.

    Which tent campsites have the most privacy and shade?

    The tent sites that have the most privacy and shade.

    Can anyone recommend the best RV camp site # at Dos Picos for camping with small children? What are the best spots to reserve that are near a playground and not too close to through traffic, etc.? Thanks!

    this camo site is very friendly on a private street..10 ft has a playground for kids...beautiful

    Is there cell service here?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Dos Picos County Park

    I confidently recommend the Dos Picos Campground to anyone interested in a generally quiet and relaxing camping experience.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 3,493 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Cedar Creek Falls - Cedar Creek Falls

    Cedar Creek Falls

    4.4(358 reviews)
    13.9 mi

    If you are a San Diego hiker and haven't done this hike- WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???…read more And for those of you who see these photos and think damn I need to go do that, please be aware of the temperature because it is dangerously hot down there at lower temperatures than in other areas. The hike goes down into a canyon and the heat settles down there. Even if it's not as hot as you think coming up can be extremely dangerous. Every year I hear about somebody dying from heat stroke on that hike so don't take it lightly. I always check the weather on the actual trail using the AllTrails app. I saw that the weather out there was max 65° that day and I was like hell yeah. The hike really isn't that difficult, 3 miles down and then 3 miles back up. Lots of nice switchbacks, and there are a few sun shelters for shade. The views are gorgeous all along the trail. I've done this hike, probably 20 times over the years. It's the best in the spring and in the fall. In the winter it's way too cold. The reward for this hike is the gorgeous rock bowl and waterfall that the locals call Devils Punchbowl. This past Thursday when we did this hike, there were a lot of young folks at the Punchbowl when we got there. Some of the guys were climbing up and jumping into the water. I would not recommend it, even if the waterfall is still flowing that water is not safe to swim in. In the fall, the waterfall doesn't flow anymore after being dried out over the brutal summer, but the trees at the bottom of the canyon turn a beautiful gold color. One of the few places in San Diego you can actually experience fall.

    Having lived in San Diego for so long, I honestly don't know why it took me this long to do this…read morehike. I finally got the permit online (definitely download it before you arrive since service can be spotty) and decided to go for it. I went in early May and started the trail around 8am, which turned out to be a great decision. The trail was practically empty at that time, and the downhill views were absolutely beautiful. I even saw two rattlesnakes before 9am, so definitely stay alert while hiking. At several points I had to remind myself I was still in San Diego and not somewhere in a huge national park. Once I got near the bottom, I did lose track of the trail a little and it was SOS, so having the AllTrails map downloaded beforehand was really helpful. It took me a little over an hour to reach the waterfall, and there were only two other people there at the time, which made it feel really peaceful and private. The water felt AMAZING after the hike down. There were so many fish in the water, and the whole area was honestly so pretty. By the time I started heading back around 10am, I noticed a lot more people arriving at the falls. The hike back up wasn't terrible, but the sun definitely makes it much harder on the return. I was very happy to make it back to the parking lot by around 11:30am. I would definitely bring lots of water, sunscreen, and some snacks.

    Photos
    Cedar Creek Falls - Cloud porn in the beginning of our hike!

    Cloud porn in the beginning of our hike!

    Cedar Creek Falls - Awesome day with one of my best girlfriends

    Awesome day with one of my best girlfriends

    Cedar Creek Falls - Morning frost

    See all

    Morning frost

    Lake Poway Park - Just returned

    Lake Poway Park

    4.3(153 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    I came here awhile back to hike up to Potato Chip Rock as everyone was telling me I should do this…read morehike, so I did. Hike took me a few hours and definitely got a nice workout. Everybody and their grandma knows about Potato Chip Rock so lots of people wanting their photo on the Rock, but I was too impatient and didnt feel like waiting or socialize, so I just hiked there, saw it and came back down. I love this park, the lake is very pretty and soothing to see waterfowl and people enjoying the water. I decided to bike here today and its close to 7 miles away, 15 min by car, and about 40 min by bike. The bike ride is a workout as there are hills both ways, so be prepared for that. I havent biked in awhile but planning to get back into it, so took my MTB out for a spin and it def needs a tune up. I stopped by the lake and sat at some picnic tables that were shaded and had a nice view of the lake and the Lookout Restaurant and got to see a lot of birds too. Was so nice to be able to spend a weekend afternoon here, it was exactly what my soul & body was yearning for! On the weekends, there is a $10 parking fee, and free for Poway residents. I think on the weekdays there is no parking fee. I don't recall paying when I hiked Potato Chip Rock and it was a weekday during the holidays. I was on bike so no fee either. Ill keep this place in mind if I wanna do a 10K run and back next time, people on foot also free. A really nice local lake to get a bit of nature in! I will be back over & over again!

    My mistake for not checking the times..we only walked for 15 minutes since they were closing up,…read morebut it was such a beautiful spot! I'd definitely come back for a walk with friends/family (: There's also playground if you're going with kids, and lots of tables and grassy areas for a nice picnic.

    Photos
    Lake Poway Park - Bench to best view

    Bench to best view

    Lake Poway Park
    Lake Poway Park

    See all

    Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden - Sculpture garden

    Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden

    4.6(157 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    When I knew I'd be spending a few days in Escondido, I started looking into all that this San Diego…read moresuburb comes to offer. After checking out TripAdvisor, Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden stood out. I'm all about art, especially when the scale is impressive like it is here. We stopped by on a Tuesday morning around 9:30 a.m. Make sure to check out their website to see when they're open because their hours are quite limited (Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. when I was there and every fourth Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.). It's located inside Kit Carson Park. I didn't have any trouble parking in their lot and then walking to the sculpture garden. Once you arrive, take in all the artist, Niki de Saint Phalle, created. It's weird, it's cool, and it's trippy all in one. There's some information you can read to learn more and while we were there, there were some members of the non-profit that is involved with the art installation there that told us more about it. Walk around and take it all in. You can easily do it in 10-15 minutes and it's a free attraction. Saint Phalle has other artwork in San Diego, but the Magical Circle Garden, is by far the most expansive one in terms of scope. And the most interesting in my book.

    Truly what a hidden gem! Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful art instillation Queen Califia's…read moreinside of Kit Carson Park is wonderful. I was equally as in awe as my 2 year old was! Free to visit, but heads up the gates are only open to public Tues & Thurs 9-12! - You enter and follow the signs that lead you way back into Kit Carson to a little parking lot then it is a very short walk to get in, when you exit if you turn left (as opposed to right which would go back the parking lot) There is a very nice duck pond with a sitting bench!

    Photos
    Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden
    Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden
    Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden - Sculpture garden

    See all

    Sculpture garden

    Dos Picos County Park - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...