Palomar Mountain camping offers a diverse range of options from 4,000-5,500 feet elevation across San Diego County. The mountain's mixed conifer forest creates distinct seasonal conditions, with summer temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys and occasional snow between December and March. Water restrictions are common during dry periods, and several campgrounds require reservations months in advance during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking near Observatory: Take the trail from Fry Creek Campground to Palomar Observatory, a moderate 2-mile trek with elevation changes. "There's a nice trail that goes there form the campground and has good views of the little valley," notes Berton M., adding that "There's plenty of spots and all of them are shaded."
Fishing at nearby lakes: Fish at Lake Henshaw, approximately 20 minutes from Oak Knoll Campground. "There is a nice lake to go to about 20 minutes up the road, lake Henshaw," says Ryan K., who appreciated the "nice campground up in the mountains, pretty small and really quiet."
Bird watching opportunities: Fry Creek Campground offers excellent bird watching with numerous species. "This campground is definitely a birder's paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more," reports Elise F.
Geocaching adventures: Woods Valley Kampground provides numerous geocaching locations in a forested setting. "I love love love this campsite. It's so beautiful to be covered completely by the trees! It makes me feel like I'm in an actual Forrest and not the middle of San Diego," shares Taylor.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Doane Valley Campground at Palomar Mountain State Park features private, shaded sites. "The spots are very large and there are adequate amenities. The scenery is amazing and there are hiking trails, fishing and an observatory," reports Joe P., highlighting why it's "One of my favorite spots."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies make William Heise County Park ideal for stargazing despite being just 30 minutes from Julian. "Wooded beautiful county campgrounds a couple miles from sweet town of Julian. Hiking and biking trails. Spacious campsites," notes Nancy L., who found the park "Very nice."
Wildlife encounters: Observe local wildlife including wild turkeys and deer at various elevations. "Great trees, privacy between sites and wild turkeys wandering through the sites," mentions Kathy B. about William Heise County Park, who "Booked one night and ended up staying two because I loved it so much."
Year-round camping options: Most mountain campgrounds remain open year-round with varying seasonal conditions. Dos Picos County Park visitor Clinton F. explains, "There's an amphitheater for events, but sadly we didnt get to stay for any. Also there's a Pavillion up top for family reunions. Definitely worth the money, and the beautiful scenery."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and fall weekends. "We stayed at site 14, which had a small flat for our tent and light slope near the table and firepit," shares Matty F. about Doane Valley Campground, adding that "most of the sites are on slopes, or require walking up/down a series of steps to access."
Weather variations: Pack for 30-40 degree temperature swings between day and night, regardless of season. "Nice weather not too hot in the summer," explains one camper about Doane Valley Campground, where temperatures remain moderate compared to nearby desert areas.
Insect preparation: Prepare for seasonal insect activity, especially at certain campgrounds. "This entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don't think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella," warns Elise F. about Fry Creek Campground.
Limited services: Many glamping in Palomar Mountain requires self-sufficiency as stores and services are limited. "The closest general store is about a 10 minute drive and has limited supplies so bring everything you'll need!" advises a Doane Valley camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dos Picos County Park features a dedicated playground area for children. "There are plenty of spots and all of them are shaded. There are a few spots in the back that are even more secluded," recommends Berton M., noting its family-friendly setup.
Fishing opportunities for kids: La Jolla Indian Campground offers accessible fishing for children with no hiking required. "We stayed here because we wanted to do the zipline and they offered a discount to campers," notes Katie O., though she cautions it "was very loud and crowded."
Educational ranger programs: Several parks offer seasonal ranger-led programs ideal for families with school-age children. "We have camped here with many other families and it's great. we can hike, play football/soccer in the meadow and join in when they have activities at the amphitheater," shares Sandy S. about William Heise County Park.
Level campsites for setup: Select campgrounds with level sites to simplify setup with children. "The campground is beautiful with lots of old big trees, several hiking paths, a small pond that is stocked with fish and a nice valley to stare at the stars," reports Mike H. about a Palomar Mountain camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: La Jolla Indian Campground accommodates RVs but requires advance planning for larger vehicles. "Sites are FCFS even with reservation. Checked in at 11am friendly park staff and clear directions," shares Jake F., adding that the campground has "Port-o-Potties and vaulted toilets."
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary significantly between campgrounds in the area. "The sites were very accommodating to three tents and there are lots of trees to give you plenty of privacy. Watch out for bees!" advises Kate W. about Fry Creek Campground.
Elevation and access challenges: RVers should prepare for mountain driving with significant grades to access luxury glamping in Palomar Mountain, California. A Woods Valley Kampground visitor notes, "We stayed for two nights at site 30 with partial hookups. We loved the site and the campground. It is a HUGE property buried in forest with tons of sites and plenty to do."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter conditions may require tire chains or 4-wheel drive to access some campgrounds between December and March when snow is possible.
