Fry Creek Campground
Cleveland National Forest
Fry Creek Campground is situated in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, uniquely located down the road from the world-famous Palomar Observatory. The fresh, clean air of the campground provides a refreshing getaway for visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles.
The observatory, atop Palomar Mountain, boasts five high-tech telescopes, among them, the massive 200-inch Hale Telescope, was the world's largest effective telescope for about 45 years. The observatory is owned by the California Institute of Technology and astronomical research includes near-Earth asteroids and the study of distant galaxies.
A loop hike, great for exploring local flora and fauna, surrounds Fry Creek.
The campground sits beneath a dense pine canopy, which is not ideal for stargazing, but Observatory Campground across the road has level cement platforms for telescopes and an amphitheater that's open to campers.
Need to Know
- There are no electrical hook-ups at this facility
- 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.
- 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
Fry Creek is at a 4,900 ft. elevation on Palomar Mountain. The area is dense with evergreen and oak, and is usually cooler than the surrounding area.
Nearby Attractions
The visitor center at Palomar Observatory is 2.2 miles away and can be accessed by road or by hiking trail. A restaurant and gift shop are onsite.
Recreation
At Observatory Campground, the site across from Fry Creek, there's a popular astronomy event called Explore the Stars.
Amateur astronomers gather here with their telescopes and share views of planets and constellations with visitors. The event takes place one weekend each month, April through October.
Contact Information
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S6 Palomar Mountain CA
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 7607880250
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Los Angeles, CA: head south on I-15 Fwy, go east on Hwy 76 for approximatley 20 miles, turn left onto South Grade Rd. (S6), follow South Grade up to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Rd/ Canfield Rd. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left into Fry Creek Campground, approximatley 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.
From San Diego, CA: Head north on I-15 Fwy, go east on Hwy 76 for approximatley 20 miles, turn left onto South Grade Rd. (S6), follow South Grade up to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Rd/ Canfield Rd. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left into Fry Creek Campground, approximatley 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 017, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
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