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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. Facilities The campground is organized around one large loop with parking spurs for each campsite. Several sites are equipped with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their telescopes. The sites can accommodate vehicles up to 32 feet in length. Drinking water, coin-operated showers (peak season only), grills, trash cans, campfire rings, picnic tables, a flush toilet (peak season only) and two vault toilets are provided. 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. ADA Access: N
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.
Fees: $15/night for single unit, $30/night for double unit, $5/night for extra vehicle. A Forest Adventure Pass is required for day use, but is not required for camping. No Walk Up Campsites are available from 7/15/2020 to 12/31/2020. No exceptions.
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.
one of the best campground in southern CA, very friendly camp host, good hiking trail to the observatory ( a little hard on the way up - easy on the way down) (one and a half hour up, forty five minutes down), if go there on
weekend, do not miss the $5 tour (10am, noon, 2.30pm), 30 persons/tour-go early because the tour sold out fast. camp site #6 and #7
Tranquility is an understatement. This place was a portrait of peace. My only recommendation is to take mosquito repellent. Also, watch out for plague squirrels.
The first time in Palomar mountain is a beautiful place to camp. Easy trails, lush green forests, water streams running down.
Two camp sites. Palomar campground has no host, so it is not actively monitored, which is a bummer. I recommend a weekend camp 🏕.
This is a decent little campground with flush toilets and running water, as well as water spigots near various campsites. There are day use areas and ample parking, especially for those with disabilities. There are a small number of short paved trails. Vegetation is not kept up very well in all spots and some campsites are perpetually shaded. Beware when booking that some spots are double and cost as much. There's a tiny store down the road with the bare essentials including food, fuel and more.
This campsite also has SHOWERS although I'm not sure about the water temperature.
