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Established Camping

Observatory Campground

Observatory Campground, near Palomar Mountain, California, is a solid choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while being close to the famous Palomar Observatory. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s designed to accommodate various camping styles, and you’ll find picnic tables and firewood available to enhance your stay.

The campground is surrounded by beautiful pine and cedar trees, providing a scenic backdrop for your outdoor adventures. Many visitors have enjoyed the well-maintained facilities, including drinking water and toilets, making it a comfortable spot for families and friends. One camper noted, “The campsite was well maintained and had all the necessary amenities,” which sums up the general vibe here.

For those eager to explore, the Observatory Campground is just a short hike away from the observatory itself, where you can dive into some fascinating science. While some campers mentioned the presence of bugs, especially near the creek, lighting a campfire usually helps keep them at bay. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to choose your site wisely, as some require a bit of a trek to reach.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Cleveland National Forest

Overview

Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground provides visitors with a unique learning experience in the great outdoors. The facility offers a variety of amenities for both tent and RV camping. Hiking, biking and picnicking can be found nearby.

Recreation

An exciting amateur astronomy project, Explore the Stars, occurs at the campground on several weekends each summer. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California shares the beauty and awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at the campground. Visitors can also walk a 2.25-mile trail to the observatory itself. Day hiking, biking, picnicking and scenic driving are available in the area. The campground makes a good base camp for visiting Palomar Mountain State Park and exploring the surrounding forest.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet in the Palomar Mountains of Southern California. The site is forested with pine and oak trees, though several sites have been cleared to allow campers a wide view of the night sky.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park and under a two-hour drive from San Diego, California. A general store with basic necessities is down the road.

Reservation Info

The 32 campsites are available by reservation on http://www.recreation.gov/ Reservations must be made 8 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance.

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Location

Observatory Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

The closest address to the campground is 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, California. The campground is about 2 miles north of this address along Canfield Road. From Los Angeles, California, drive south on I-15 to State Highway 76. Go east on 76 for approximately 20 miles and turn left onto South Grade Road (County Road S6). Follow to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Road/Canfield Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right into the campground.

Address

S6
Palomar mountain, CA

Coordinates

33.3416667 N
116.8786111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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16 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Great place! Bad timing!

The pictures can be deceiving. It’s beautiful there, however, other than the picture showing flat ground, and wide space, this isn’t accurate.

This time of year, mosquitos and flies everywhere to the point where it really ruined the experience. No matter what sprays, lotions, candles or anything we tried, it was not working.

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by JOSE V., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by JOSE V., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by JOSE V., June 23, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2024

Quiet Spot

The campground itself is decent. Many of the campsites require you to park and walk your stuff down a path to get to your spot. So if you carry a lot of items, especially bulky items, this will definitely suck. Choose your spot wisely. I booked site 6 and it felt kind of shared. There’s a creek a few feet from the site so bugs were a huge problem until we lit the fire and the smoke cleared them out.

Site6
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2023

Nice

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Observatory Campground and I have to say it was an incredible experience. The campground is conveniently located just two miles from the Palomar Observatory, making it a perfect spot for science enthusiasts and families alike. The campsite was well maintained and had all the necessary amenities including picnic tables, firewood, drinking water, and toilets. I appreciated the option to choose between tent sites and RV sites, and the fact that the campground was big rig friendly. The reservation process was straightforward, and the campsite was easily accessible by car. What's more, the reasonable fees made it an affordable option for a camping trip. I would definitely recommend a visit to Observatory Campground for anyone looking for an enjoyable and educational camping experience. Five stars all around!

Reviewed Feb. 13, 2023

Quite Spot

This was our 2nd option as Fry Creek Campsite was closed. There was plenty of campsites at the location. However the majority had a “reserve” sign posted on them. No clue when they were reserved. Unfortunately there wasn’t any camp host available. Regardless, campsites were sparse and well kept . Bathrooms were also well maintained. Nice addition is the Observatory Trail. I would definitely come back in Spring when there isn’t any ice or snow left over from the Winter.

Site15
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2021

Cozy-ish

Stayed mid-week in late July 2021, not at all crowded. There is no camp host or ranger, kind of a free for all. Overall I guess I’d come back but here are the pros and cons:

Spaces Most spaces on the outside of the loop are woodsy and pretty private (stay away from inside the loop unless you want to be scorched and exposed). We stayed in #10 which is over a little bridge and well shaded BUT power lines running through it.

Water BRING WATER if possible! The tap water is brown and tastes like mud, even after running it through a Britta filter it’s still noticeably yellow and foul. Also showers were closed for maintenance in July 2021.

Noise Campers were mostly quiet and respectful, and not at all crowded mid-week in July. But plenty of street noise and sadly air traffic - planes and helicopters all night long. So don’t come for the peace and quiet!

Hikes The marked trail near the showers just goes 50yards out to the road. Best hikes are about 5 miles drive in Palomar State park (turn at the little store/restaurant) $10 day use fee but 3 good trail from Doane Pond parking lot (no dogs allowed on trails)

Site10
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Lisa , August 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Lisa , August 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Lisa , August 2, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Kicked Out -WTF?

We just snagged the last open site and started setting up when two National Forest officers showed up and told us the campground is closed. They said it was due to an “emergency response to some tree disease” and they needed to do some cutting. Whoever heard of emergency tree-felling? Apparently even those with reservations (98% of the sites) will be turned back when they try to check in. Anybody have a clue about this? Seems absurd.

SiteNONE-GOT KICKED OUT!
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 1, 2021

Nice but needs some attention

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. The only bad thing I was SO looking forward to a hot shower on my check out day. But the shower ripped off ALL my quarters and NO WATER AT ALL! 😡 No camp host around to talk to either. So CHECK before you pay!!!

Site4
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Great spot close to the Observatory

We stayed at campsite #40 and it was far enough away from people but just close enough to the bathrooms. The water spout was right across from our site too so that was convenient. The only thing wrong with this particular site was the lack of shade during the day. Luckily we had an EZ up to give us some shade. We drove around to see the different sites and most of them provide a good amount of shade. You have to pay $1.50 for showers and most of them were decent. It’s a short hike (maybe 1.5 miles) and an even shorter drive to the observatory. They give free tours or you have the option to pay $10 to do a tour inside. Overall it was a great stay & we would go again just to another site with some more trees.

  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Mandy , September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Mandy , September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Mandy , September 29, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Beautiful Mt.

Stayed at Site 12 non reservable site.

Campground was pretty empty which was great. Sites can be a little close together in parts. Beautiful Pine and Cedar trees everywhere. Camp Host was awesome! There were a fair amount of bugs. :)

We had a magical weekend and really enjoyed our time there!!!

  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kramer B., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kramer B., September 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kramer B., September 1, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2020

Cool campground

Been here a couple of times during memorial weekend . It’s at a higher elevation so if it’s cloudy be prepared for damp weather. Close to the observatory vi a short hike uphill.

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2019

Lovely camp in Palomar Mountains

Stayed the weekend of 6/29 with 6 people total. Booked site 9, originally wanted #10 because of all the reviews I’ve read but it was taken. Site 9 was very big, we fit 3 tents and still had more than enough room. The site was semi secluded, site 8 was right above ours and was separated by a little hill. Fortunately it was empty so we felt very secluded. Site 10 is right across a ditch and far enough couldn’t really hear noise. There were lots of trees but by morning the sun was right on top of the picnic table making it very warm. My biggest con was the amount of bugs. Usually we camp during the fall or spring so maybe it was the heat of summer but there were swarms of bugs everywhere. We all had mosquito bites on our faces all the way down to our feet. The bathrooms were clean, closest to us were pit toilets but if you walked a ways there were flush toilets and showers. Overall I’d come here again but in the fall or even winter to avoid the hundred of bugs that seemed to overtake the camp

  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brandy G., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brandy G., July 4, 2019
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brandy G., July 4, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 4, 2019

Great facilities

I went here at the beginning of August. And the facilities were great $15 first come first serve sites with fire pits and places to barbecue. 50 cent showers, vault toilets and a water spigot. It was pretty hot and when I went on the hike I could not avoid the flies. Make sure to bring sunscreen and bug repellent 😊

  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Morgan C., May 4, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2018

Ranger Review: RōM Pack at Observatory Palomar Mountain

Campground Review:

In full disclosure I booked this site 2 months in advance, which to me would mean my choice of sites. Not the case at all. Summer camping is very different than winter camping, maybe I'll remember that next year. I reserved the very last space available. An ADA compliant space. The recreation website clearly stated that I was able to book it if it was the last space. Honestly, I didn't know what that would mean exactly so when we arrived it was a bit of a surprise.

The entire section around the table and the fire ring is cement (Duh! Use your brain Britt, of course it is!) and the table had an over hang section for a wheel chair to pull up. None of those I was camping were actually in need of an ADA camp sight so we used the extra over hang to protect the coolers from the sun. Turned out to be an unexpected perk. Not to mention being able to walk around barefoot without getting dirt everywhere and not worrying about any sparks that escaped the fire.

The tent and everything else was on flat dirt like what I am used to when going camping at various camp sites so not much to report on that.

The spaces are fairly close together. At the next site over there was what appeared to be a youth group and we could all clearly see and hear the movie they were projecting onto a sheet. Not a bother for us, I'm just giving reference on how close the spaces are to one another.

There is some shade. I would say we were one of the lucky ones. We had shade until about 11:30am and then it was HOT. The weather was around 85 degrees but luckily my handy dandy ezUp protected us while we all hung out. Sites on the other side of the grounds were not so lucky. They got full sun as soon as it came out. Brutal when it's that hot.

There is a hike off of the campground. We took off at 7am to try and beat the heat since we were with our dogs and we wanted to get some exercise with them while it was still cool. About a 1/2-1 mile in our Frenchie was not having it so unfortunately we had to turn around because it was already heating up quite a bit. Our companions continued on the hike. Their advice: bring lots of water, and snack for the top, and good shoes. They reported that the top was totally worth it (you can drive there too) and that the hike itself was pretty rigorous. I'll have to take their word for it, we never did make it up there.

I did find a nice tree to read under for a bit and cool off. There's just something about camping, laying in the grass and reading that all go so well together.

While I am not a bird watcher, this campground is known for there multitude of birds. I saw some blue bird with a mohawk on the top of its head…still haven't looked it up to find out what kind of bird it was, but hey, I already said I'm not a big bird watcher. Just want all the bird people to know -- you'll be in bird heaven!

Update: my fellow ranger Ryan informed me that the bird is called a Stellar's Jay! Such a cool looking bird.

Product Review:

RōM Pack: A 3-in-1 system, the RōM Pack is a backpack you can fully transform into either a wearable poncho with a hood or a blanket that’s soft on one side and water resistant on the other.

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - on this camp trip I tested the RōM Pack.

This was my pack for the trip. Why bring any other luggage for a weekend camping? I packed all my clothes, dog toys, sunscreen and hit the road! The great thing about this bag is that the Inner Pack comes out so I was able to keep my clothes packed away when I went out on my adventures. As you can read from above, I did not have a wet trip…quite the opposite so I did not need the poncho feature for this particular excursion. However, the fact that it turns into a blanket became quite handy when I went to read in the grass. I was able to lay it out and use the outside pouch as my pillow.

There are 2 water bottle holders on the bag which also came in handy on our, I'll be it short, walk. There are also 2 little zippers on the backpack that were very useful for my small, easily lost, items such as ear buds, jewelry etc.

I think this pack makes a great weekend outdoors pack. It's perfect for grabbing some summer hiking clothes, your best fur pal and hitting the trails. You'll be ready for any element and you'll be able to stop for a picnic at a moments notice without having to have all of your belongings strewn about. They will remain tucked away in the Inner Pack while you convert the backpack into a poncho if you get caught in the rain, or a blanket if you feel like you need to take a break and eat your peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The great thing is that the side that you sit on is incredibly soft and the other side on the ground doesn't collect all the dirt, leaves, or whatever else might be on a ground in a campground.

I don't know that I'll be back to this campground any time soon - so many campgrounds, so little time to see and camp at all of them!

Site003
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brittany H., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brittany H., August 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Brittany H., August 3, 2018
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Not enough shade!!

Choose time of year carefully, and campsite. We had never been and ended up in full sun which made the experience a HOT and buggy. Some sites were much better, 34,35 especially.

Site39
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kimberly T., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kimberly T., July 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Kimberly T., July 16, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 8, 2017

Peaceful

A friend brought me here to take a break from San Diego. The stars the wild sounds was just perfect. The drive there was beautiful. It a nice break from the city.

  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Andrea R., May 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Andrea R., May 8, 2017
  • Review photo of Observatory Campground by Andrea R., May 8, 2017
Reviewed May. 2, 2017

Palomar has that feeling of magic in the wilderness.

Palomar Mountain Observatory Campground is one of the prettiest spots I've seen to camp close to San Diego in Southern California. When coming from the south it's 7 miles up the twistiest-turniest road into a forest of oak, fir and pine. The campground itself is a loop with sites that are pull in, back-in and park and hike.

The sites are 50/50 well shaded and open air for some of the best star-gazing SoCal can offer. The inner loop is mostly open air but still has shade and trees surrounding the sites. #27 a first come-first serve site in particular was epic with a perfectly clear sky above the camp but also a huge oak tree for shade if you want it.

The campground has three bathrooms. Two set of pit toilets and one with flushing toilets and showers (peak season only). There are also some pre-set concrete slabs for telescopes or cameras. There are two listed hikes that leave the campground. Both are listed as "Easy to Moderate" but in my opinion are closer to moderate (but short) or at the very least, a challenging middle ground.

The hike to Palomar Mountain is 2.2+ miles with 700 ft of elevation. That doesn't account for all the ups and downs which really makes the elevation change feel more like eleventy billion feet. The path itself is well maintained with hairpin turns and a viewpoint over the valley. At the top you'll find the Palomar Observatory. The doors are open most days from 9am-3pm, and it's worth the hike.

Heading across the road the other hike is a loop around Fry Creek Campground. It's shorter at 1.7 miles but prettier and just as up and down as the first. You should really just do both. Take two days to make it leisurely. Seriously.

Campsites at Palomar have a grill, a fire pit with a grate and a picnic table. When we were there they did not have firewood for sale. About a mile away is a general store that does. We just picked up wood from the trail and some leftovers from other campsites. It really just depends on how much effort you want to put into it.

Our only complaint was the campground host. None of the bathrooms had been cleaned and one was covered in what looked like blood from a bloody nose gone wrong. About once a day she'd walk the loop chain-smoking cigarettes with two dogs who would bark incessantly. She'd ask each campsite if they were the "reservation holder" since she hadn't updated them in over a week. Then she'd explain she was sick so she couldn't change the signs or clean. Then she'd light another cigarette and yell at the dog for barking.

Host aside, Palomar Mountain is a great facility, and I'm stoked to go back for some summer camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Observatory Campground?

    Observatory Campground allows vehicles up to 35 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Observatory Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Observatory Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Observatory Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Observatory Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Observatory Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Observatory Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Observatory Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Observatory Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Observatory Campground?

    There are 28 campsites at Observatory Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts