Dos Picos County Park is located in Ramona, 36 miles north of San Diego. Its name is Spanish for "two peaks," derived from the two prominent mountains nearby. The surrounding ranchland and steep rocky slopes help preserve its secluded atmosphere.
This peaceful locale has a range of camping sites including partial hook-up sites, tent sites and cabins. Dos Picos is located 46 miles northeast of San Diego.
Dos Picos is home to many plants and animals. Supporting the abundant wildlife is a mixture of chaparral, open grassland and oak woodland. Coast live oak abounds, though Engelmann oaks are also a regular occurrence.
Coyote, fox, possum, skunk, and raccoon are all seen in the park. Look up to the sky to view birds like great blue herons, egrets, ducks, red-shouldered hawks, woodpeckers and western bluebirds. California quail are afoot in the early mornings, while the evening skies are filled with the sounds of resident barn, screech and great horned owls.
There are hiking and nature trails in the park. Nearby Mt. Woodson has a network of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Several wineries are located in the Ramona Area.
In addition to hikes, there will be an optional day trip to the San Diego Zoo.
Schedule Of Planned Activities & Events
Thursday - 3/14
- 2 PM - Check In no earlier than 2 PM
- 5 PM – Meet and Greet (bring your favorite snacks/beverages\
- 6 PM - Dinner on your own
- 8 PM – Campfire
Friday - 3/15
- 7:30 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 9:00 AM – Carpool (7.4 miles, 10 min.) to Iron Mountain Trail loop – 5.2 miles, 1,102 feet, Moderate +. Dogs OK on leash. Alternate easy loop on route is 1.1 miles, 100 ft elevation gain.
OR – Carpool to San Diego Zoo
- 6:00 PM – Dinner on your own or at a local restaurant
- 8:00 PM - Gather around the campfire.
Saturday - 3/16
- 7:30 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 9:00 AM - Carpool to Wild Horse Trail Loop – 3.8 miles, moderate, 767 feet elevation gain. Dogs OK on leash.
- OR Dos Picos Park Trail – Easy 1.5 miles, 223 ft, dogs not allowed. Trailhead in the park.
- 2:00 PM – Trip to a local winery TBD*
- 6:00 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a salad, side and/or main dish. GO will provide the dessert.
- 8:00 PM - Campfire
Sunday, 3/17
- 7:00 AM - Morning coffee provided along with breakfast muffins
- 12 Noon - Clean up campground areas. Check Out. Safe travels home.
* Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Prices: We have different pricing levels based upon whether you are staying in a tent, are an RV driver or passenger or in a site you booked yourself or in a nearby hotel. There is also a day trip option.
Prices are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member. You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Other GO Chapter members should contact our GOPS Webmaster (click here to email) in order to be added as a member of our Chapter for free. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
RV's and tents will share sites - maximum of one RV and one tent on each site. When registering for an RV site, please indicate the size of your RV in the registration form. RVs are allowed to bring in an attached tow vehicle at the gate at no additional cost. Depending upon site limitations, tow vehicles may need to park in the overflow parking area.
Select your registration that conforms to the following definitions:
- RV is a vehicle designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or season use. RVs may be motorized (motorhomes) or towable (travel trailers, folding camping trailers and truck campers).
- Tent: a collapsible shelter of fabric stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping.
Amenities: RV/Tent sites have 30/50-amp power and water; the park has a free dump station. Tenters should bring a long extension cord if they wish to plug in a heater or electric blanket in case of cold weather. There are flush toilets and coin-operated showers (bring quarters). Firewood is available for $5.00 a bundle at the campground (do not bring wood from home).
Quiet Hours - 10 PM - 7 AM
Smoking - is not allowed in San Diego County Parks.
Cell Service – Good cell service throughout the park.
What to Bring:
- Ten Essentials (click here), camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item for Saturday night.
- As an alternative to bringing firewood, we will have one or more portable propane fire pits at the campsite. Instead of purchasing firewood consider bringing a propane tank as your contribution to the evening campfires.
- If not bringing a propane tank, please purchase two bundles of firewood from the park ranger station ($5.00) only. Do not bring particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials. These cause the release of toxic gases when burned.
- Park regulations prohibit bringing wood in from outside sources.
- Please consider "Going GREEN" by bringing your own reusable cups, mugs, plates, bowls and utensils. Water spigots are available throughout the campground for washing dishes with the soap you bring along.
We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here.
Weapons are not permitted in the park. Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided that the alcohol content does not exceed 20%. (Be discreet.) Marijuana policy is undetermined.
Directions:
- Address: 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd, Ramona, California 92065
- GPS Coordinates: 32°59'56.0" N 116°56'30.1" W
- Google map link: click here
Best RV Route is via I-10 West to I-60 to I-15 South. Your GPS will show that the I-74 route is shorter, but it is not recommended.
Climate: The park is located at 1486 feet. Average high for March is 68 and the average low is 41.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund (less $25) must be received by 2/12/2019 via email to - click here. After that date, a full refund will only be issued if we resell your spot.
Payments: Although a PayPal screen will appear requesting payment via PayPal, you can scroll down on that screen and pay with a credit card without needing a PayPal account.
Children: There may be children present and require a minor's liability waiver - click here. Please bring the completed form with you if you bring a minor.
Pets: Pets are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails within the park. They are allowed on some of the scheduled nearby hikes.
Contacts: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of your trip leaders: Byron Postma or Ritch Barron
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.
