OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND
28
Total Campsites
Campground
26
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
3
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND
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. Facilities 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.
- 28 total campsites listed.
- 26 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 3 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (28).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND special
Observatory Campground perches high on Palomar Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest of Southern California, just two miles from the world-famous Palomar Observatory. At an elevation above five thousand feet, the campground offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat below, with stately oaks, pines, and cedars providing generous shade and a mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from the coast. The proximity to the observatory makes this a bucket-list destination for stargazers — dark skies and thin, dry air create exceptional conditions for spotting constellations, meteor showers, and the Milky Way. During the day, hiking trails thread through the surrounding forest and connect to Palomar Mountain State Park, where panoramic viewpoints stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Salton Sea on clear days. Birdwatching is excellent here, with mountain quail, acorn woodpeckers, and Steller's jays making regular appearances around camp. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons, though summer weekends draw steady crowds seeking relief from lowland heat. Observatory Campground is tailor-made for astronomy buffs, nature lovers, and Southern California families looking for a cool, quiet mountain getaway with a unique educational twist. Few campgrounds anywhere can match the combination of forest serenity and world-class celestial viewing you will find here.
Campsite Inventory
28 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
26
Reservable
3
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Condition Rating
Good
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
12, 15, 20, 30
Driveway surface
Paved
Fire Pit
Yes
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Hike In Distance to Site
10, 15, 20, 30
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
15, 8
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
760-788-0250
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND?
OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (28).
Where is OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND located?
OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND is in California near Palomar Mountain. Coordinates: 33.3417, -116.8786.
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