Explore Dos Picos County Park Campground: Amenities and Tips

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This past weekend, we attended the Ramona Rodeo in Ramona, CA. Having never been to a rodeo, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to try it out. And to add even more fun, we added in a quick weekend camping trip at the nearby Ramona campground at Dos Picos County Park.

The Dos Picos County Park Campground has 75 campsites across 78 acres of camping area, most of which are partial hookup sites (no sewer). Some campsites are tent only, and a couple are handicap accessible. There are also six cabins in the campground, which are 200 sq. ft. and sleep up to five people. You can rent them for your stay. The partial hookup sites allow one RV and one tent.

This campground gets really hot in the summer, but the weather is usually still nice enough here if you are looking for a good spring or fall camping destination. Its location in San Diego county also makes it easy to reach, and day-use parking for visitors coming into the county park areas is $3.

Campsites to Note at Dos Picos Campground

We stayed in campsite 65, and had friends who were in neighboring sites 66, 67, 68 and 71. All of those campsites are in a loop at the far end of the campground, which felt private and secluded from the rest of the campground. There was also a restroom up there and a pavilion in the center of the loop, and we had a nice breeze up there (even though it was definitely a hot weekend–check out my tips on how we stayed cool while camping).

Each campsite in the Dos Picos County Park campground has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are restrooms with both private toilets and stalls, and there are coin-operated showers as well.

The kids enjoyed climbing on some rocks and going on the 1.4-mile nature trail loop that led to the pond and lake area, with views of the surrounding hills and ranchland. Part of the hike heads south and includes climbing on a paved road. And dogs are allowed too if you visit with a pup. They found some frogs near the pond, and we had tarantulas walk by our campsites each night and one morning (we saw three in total). Personally, I hate tarantulas, but they are out all over in San Diego right now, and it was really exciting for the kids to get to see them.

Dos Picos County Park Campground Amenities

The Dos Picos County Park Campground has many amenities, making it a great SoCal campground for families. The peaceful setting makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors, with nature all around and wildlife near the pond. There are horseshoe pits and walking trails that lead to the county park. At the county park, there is a large pond, a wedding gazebo, and huge grassy areas with a picnic area, picnic tables, and more horseshoe pits.

Visitors may spot birds such as ducks and other animals. Fishing is popular at the nearby lake, and the playground makes this spot especially nice for families. Shade from oak trees and other trees around the park spaces also highlights the native plants and adds to the quiet feel. There is also a dump station in the campground, which is free for campers.

Things to Note

All Dos Picos County Park campsites cost $29/night plus a $5 reservation fee, and cabins can also be rented for $80/ night plus a $5 reservation fee, so check the current prices and booking details before you reserve. Reservations can be made online

Checking availability and confirming your date online is the easiest way to plan your stay.

One vehicle is included with each reservation, but extra vehicles can be added for $4/night.

Pets are allowed at the campsites (not the cabins) for $1/night fee.

Cabins do not come with bedding (mattresses only). No cooking in the cabins.

We have camped many places, and some campgrounds are definitely stricter than others. Dos Picos County Park felt on the more strict end. The rangers drove around constantly, as if expecting us to be having a rager while we camped with our kids. They’d walk through camp and pick up alcohol bottles on the table to check the percentages (you’re not allowed alcohol with higher than a 20% alcohol content).

We were camping with our kids and definitely not looking to be obnoxious, so it was never an issue. But just something to note. It’s nice to know that they are enforcing rules at least. But it did feel like they were very suspicious of our intentions and they were monitoring us closely.

For more fun family camping destinations, check out these other popular posts of mine:

• Campgrounds in Malibu, Ca
• Potrero County Park Campground
• Agua Caliente Hot Springs Campground
• Where to Camp on the Beach in San Diego
• Camping at Leo Carrillo State Beach