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There are 31 campsites in the Doane Valley Campground, three of which have accessible features. Each site has a table and fire ring, and most have a food locker. Piped drinking water is available. The campground also has restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers which are usable for campers, including those with disabilities.
The beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern San Diego County, high atop the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The park features camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain.
Elevation within the park averages 5,000 feet above sea level, making evenings cool even during the summer. A number of vista points offer spectacular panoramic views both westerly toward the ocean and inland toward the desert, particularly from Boucher Hill Summit, which has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peaks Section" since first published in 1946. There, you'll also find the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout.
The park is open from dawn 'til dusk daily. Reservations are highly recommended for camping during peak season. Day use fees are $10.00 per vehicle, cash or check only. Trails are open to foot traffic only, and dogs and mountain bikes are not allowed on trails. Please note that there are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain.
From Highway 76, either of two roads can be used to reach the park. The one from Rincon Springs (County Road S6) is scenic but rather steep and winding. County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw is longer, but its gentle grade makes it more suitable for heavily loaded vehicles and those pulling trailers. Please note that there are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain. If you're using GoogleMaps or MapQuest, the park's physical address is: 19952 State Park Rd. Palomar CA 92060.
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Nice campgrounds. Flushable toilets. Water faucets at camp sites. Hot showers are coin-operated. Plan to buy wood at the ranger station or at the nearby store. We saw several bird species and some squirrels. The fish were also biting at the lake. Bring bug protection... spray, mess, zappers etc. We plan to stay again!
Great campground with awesome hiking trails nearby, real toilets, and showers. Minus 1 star because there were TONS of flies. Be prepared with nets. Lots of birds around the campsites as well.
Beautiful scenery,great hiking trails... camping ground is really nice,with restrooms close to the camping site...lots of grilling areas, grocery stores nearby,picnic areas,bird watching... native land at its greatest...love the nature trails...we were lucky to see a family of deers ...a baby deer looked straight at the camera.I enjoyed taking pictures with my phone...I imagine Taking pictures with a professional camera...amazing place to take pictures highly recommended it,most of all...relaxing time to spend by yourself,family or friends....this time of year just dress warm...it gets cold at night... i enjoyed star gazing...beautiful place away from the city lights...no signal after a certain point...i would recommend...extra portable ... battery packs...and all the other good stuff...its nice getting away from the city...i had fun highly recommended going..
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Nice campground. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Doane Pond is a nice fishing hole. If you want to camp at Palomar State Park you should make reservations and do it early.
