Searching for the best camping near Palomar Mountain, CA? Palomar Mountain is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Palomar Mountain, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$40 - $120 / night
"You can camp next to it as well and get in! It’s $35 per car they do have military discount. The total of $32 with discount. They also have porta potties every few 500 feet."
"The spot we initially reserved was located on the little river, but once we got there, we realized we were a little too packed in with the rest of the visitors, so we requested to move to a more open spot"
$15 - $30 / night
"Went hiking in the palomar mountains and even drove down to Borrego Springs and hiked Palm Canyon. camp ground was nice with lots of spaces, clean toilets, and nearby water spigots."
"Great staging ground for hikes in the area like Eagle Rock or the backside of Palomar Mountain. You can also hook up with the PCT.
Gotta hit Garage 79 down the road."
$20 - $40 / night
"Palomar Mountain Observatory Campground is one of the prettiest spots I've seen to camp close to San Diego in Southern California."
"Very pretty setting in forested valley below the famous telescope (now closed to all visitors - even to walk around outside). 30 or so sites, nice variety, some cater to astronomers, handicapped, doubles"
$40 - $130 / night
"We drove up for an impromptu camp trip, it was only about an hour drive. I've never been up to Palomar Mountain although I've lived here for 30 years!"
"We chose Palomar Mountain for our first camping trip, first it was close to home, about 2 1/2 hours away and if something went wrong."
$15 / night
"Just south of Palomar Mountain Observatory (a must visit) Fry Creek is a heavily wooded (oak, fir, pine) campground in a narrow valley surrounded by steep forested banks."
"The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because"
"Bike trails are right next to the park. Fun trails watch out for rattle snakes. Only downside is the kids racing around in golf carts at night."
"She told me that it had been around for decades under a different name, Buttercup I think. It has an established rotation of regular guests that come for access to wine country."
$39 - $50 / night
"Dixon lake is a perfect spot for my nephews to fish and play in the dirt. The campsites look really nice and ideal for tents. The walks around the lake are definitely worth doing!"
"I grew up in Oceanside and people talked about camping at Dixon lake in Escondido and I thought it was lame and not “real” camping. Having never been there, I based this off nothing."
$25 - $50 / night
"One of the water faucets with potable water was on the outskirts of our space, not at all bothersome. The toilets and dumpster were conveniently close, but not too close to be noticed."
"It's close proximity to Temecula makes it easy to get to. Also, because it is small there were no issues with noise or traffic."
$10 - $30 / night
"Lake Henshaw is not the most scenic or well maintained campground, but we enjoy going there."
"Camped and fish there for 3 days it was perfect, got away from the fires and smoke of L.A. to a quiet and private camp ground. No one around us and it was perfect."
"My family owns a 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia since 2020 and use The Dyrt to find hidden gems near our home for weekend camping."
"There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!"
GuideThis is a nice place to camp- we stayed one night. stopped at the laguna recreation area visitor center before hand to pick up a free permit. the road was recently paved so it’s easy to drive on, there’s a handful of spots just along side the road, as you go further in the road the views get better- we parked on the side of the road and then walked uphill about 8 minutes to a campsite we liked but there are definitely more where you just camp next to your car. there are more campsite further down the road when it goes back down in the valley but the views end there. we only saw 3-4 other cars the whole time.
ScoutI went there for years with my RV and stayed in the back free of charge, have drinks gamble and eat and go to sleep at the RV.
Now suddenly my money is no good . No RV's allowed truckers are OK.
I called and the answer is that they want to encourage people to stay at the Hotel at $300 dls a day weekends and Holidays , So Dear Morongo I think some bad RV'ers screweed it up for everyone and we all have to pay the price. you have plenty of room in the back, if money is short we are willing to pay to stay and discourage the homeless to live there.
Thank you
remember we help with your success.
ScoutHello, and blessings! I came here with my family for a quick getaway. Campgrounds are clean but tight, we have a 32’ Rv with two slides. Took up most of our hang out room/ porch area. We had to park our second car in the overnight parking lot next to the campground. Costed 20 bucks. If traveling with a shorter rig you can park in front of your rig. Back in only. Water and power hookups only. Dude comes around in the mornings and will clean out your waste tanks for 25 bucks. Or you can dump yourself inside the campground dump station on the way out for 10 bucks. Atmosphere is great, however my neighbors were awesome. Steps away from the beach but was told by a few locals not to swim at the state beach because of sewage contamination from Tijuana in the water. But it’s still beautiful and doesn’t smell and will actually have you guessing if it’s really contaminated. I took the locals word for it. Rainy season is absolute no for water play. Summer, just don’t get the water in your eyes or mouth. But collect as many sand dollars on the beach after high tied as you can carry. Surf fish up to knee high but watch out for the jelly fish. Normal beach play, balls, kites or anything you like to set up on the sand. Ride bikes, eat good food and relax. Swimming is allowed about short walk north in the bay. I would definitely come back for a visit. I came Father’s Day weekend 2025.
TravelerGreat pull thru sites on level concrete pads. Full hookups. Many hiking trails and bicycle trails.
TravelerThis lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun. Camping is ok, some days the sites are good some days they aren't.
GuideThe good things about this place is, relatively cheap compared to most RV places in the area around San Diego; decent bath/shower rooms + no coins; pool/hottub/gym/gameroom/laundry available; you can walk to some restaurants and a dollar tree Cons on this place would be terrible “dog park” there’s a bit of space but nowhere will you find actual grass for any of the many dogs that are here with their campers; every site is covered in gravel (just not my favorite); a lot of sites are fully exposed to sun throughout the hole day; very little to no privacy here
TravelerI stayed for 2 nights recently. Nice location. The rangers are very attentive here. Couple hosts you can buy firewood from. The shower was out of tokens but a ranger on a golf cart gave me some. Everyone comes here with their dogs and the coyotes are insane. They are everywhere. I wish they could/would do something about it. They are not afraid of humans at all. You’ll wake up to them chasing rabbits literally in your campsite. Bit scary since I have a small dog. Pretty much the reason I haven’t returned.
TravelerPaved. Crowded. Polluted ocean, no swimming allowed at this time. Expensive. But you are on an uncrowded beach.
ScoutGreat campsite about 30min up a fun easy rated 4x4 trail. The spots are well spaced out so you aren't on top of your neighbors and the bathrooms were clean and stocked with TP. Lots of bugs of the crawling variety but nothing too bad, no mosquitoes!
Camping near Palomar Mountain, California, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Palomar Mountain, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Palomar Mountain, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 334 campgrounds and RV parks near Palomar Mountain, CA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palomar Mountain, CA is La Jolla Indian Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Palomar Mountain, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Palomar Mountain, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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