Observatory Campground
Cleveland National Forest
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.
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.
Need to Know
- Contact campground or Palomar Observatory for schedule of summer special events
- Campground and reservations subject to inclement weather. This campground will close temporarily during major winter weather events.
- Be sure to check current area fire restrictions prior to visiting this, or any campground. Conditions frequently exist which prohibit the use of wood and charcoal fires. Please contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250 or visit here for updated information.
- Click here to learn more about Cleveland National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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S6 Palomar Mountain CA
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 760-788-0250
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 005, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037/038, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 039, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021/022, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 32a, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 035/036, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 041/042, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 040, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031/032, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001/002, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
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