The astronomically accommodating Cleveland National Forest campground is the start of Observatory Trail, which ascends to Palomar Observatory. Ten of the campgrounds 43 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the rest can be reserved ahead of time. South Grade Road, Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. Doane Valley has 31 campsites and Fry Creek has 20. Single sites are $15 per night and double sites are $30 per night. A group of amateur astronomers from across Southern California bring the beauty and the awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at a location only two miles from the world renowned Palomar Observatory. 2.5 hours. 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. The maximum vehicle length ranges from 12 to 35 feet depending on the campsite. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (s) … It is famous as the location of the Palomar Observatory and Hale Telescope, and known for the Palomar Mountain State Park . An amateur astronomy project, called Explore the Stars - Star Parties, occurs monthly during the spring, summer, and fall at Observatory Campground. Of the 42 sites, five are “double sites” and have room for 16 people instead of 8. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground provides visitors with a unique learning experience in the great outdoors. The bathrooms are fitted with red lights so as not to disturb the stargazers at night. This mountain is famous for numerous hiking loops, Hale Telescope, and Palomar Observatory in the Palomar Mountain State Park. There are also showers and sinks located at the north end of the campground. Did you find us useful? There are 30 single campsites, 6 double campsites and 8 walk-in campsites. The Palomar Observatory also has free star parties on Friday and Saturday nights (schedule HERE). East of the park is the world-famous Palomar Observatory. East of the park is the world-famous Palomar Observatory. Trailhead fee is not required for campers staying at the Observatory Campground. The Observatory is home to three active research telescopes: the 200-inch (5.1-meter) Hale Telescope, the 48-inch (1.2-meter) Samuel Oschin Telescope, and the 60-inch (1.5-meter) telescope. 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. Take South Grade road for 6.8 miles to an intersection with East Grade Road and angle left to continue up South Grade Road, driving north for another 2.4 miles to Observatory Campground. I had only one day to visit the park, didn't realize that the observatory had limited hours and the gates were locked at 4:30pm when I arrived. Observatory Campground is a 42-site campground in the Palomar Mountains near San Diego County’s famed Palomar Observatory. If you have ambulatory issues it’s much easier to get around in this campground. On clear nights, dozens of people gather at Observatory Campground on Palomar Mountain in southern California and turn their gazes skyward during monthly “Explore the Stars” events. ” In 12 reviews Best to contact the national forest directly. OTHER CAMPING NEARBY The U.S. Forest Service operates two campgrounds on Route S6, a few miles past the turnoff to the park: Observatory Campground and Fry Creek Campground. Observatory Campground is located at State Park Road, 21485 Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. Observatory Campground is open from April through October and is suitable for tents or RVs. OverviewScience 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. To get to the campground: Take the 15 Freeway to exit 46 for Route 76 east toward Pala. Palomar Mountain State Park 19952 State Park Rd.• Palomar Mountain, CA 92060 • (760) 742-3462 California State Parks has established rules and regulations to protect park areas for the enjoyment of future generations as well as for the convenience and safety of park visitors. Required fields marked *, Home | Observatory Campground lies in a mountain forest of oaks and pines an elevation of 4,875 feet, 700 feet below Palomar Observatory. Site 3 is wheelchair accessible. Palomar Mountain is a mountain ridge in northern San Diego, in the Peninsular Ranges. You will find it a popular place for amateur astronomers. Observatory Campground S6, Palomar Mountain, CA “ There are trees all around it, so you have shade all day and you are not exposed to other campers. Observatory campground has 43 very nice campsites for tents, trailers and RVs set among a beautiful coniferous forest. Are there any day hikes nearby the campground? Other campgrounds in the area include Fry Creek and Doane Valley. There are over 600 hikes to choose from. You will want to bring some bug spray as the flies and mosquitoes are present! All rights reserved | Site Map | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions. Most campsites have ample spacing away from the neighboring site. Campground address: South Grade Road, Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060Campground coordinates: 33.342414, -116.878697 (33° 20′ 32.69″N 116° 52′ 43.30″W). Thanks Pastor Vilma Everette. Advertise, Copyright © 2020 CampsitePhotos.com There is a small market and restaurant/gift shop just a couple miles away. You would need to rent an RV elsewhere. For information regarding these sites, Google them or contact the Palomar Mountain District Office, Goose Valley Ranger Station at (760)788-0250. Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. Wildlife viewing is also nice here. One of two national forest campsites, Observatory campground has 42 sites, 13 of which can accommodate up to 27-foot RVs, without hook up or dump site. Description Located within earshot of the famous Palomar Observatory, this well-named campground offers visitors numerous camping outlets such as RV parking stations, well-defined tenting areas―and electric outlets themselves. We'd love to hear about your adventure. Some campgrounds also have star-gazing activities right at the campgrounds. The campground is small but has great features like a swim beach, … They can be contacted via phone at (760) 788-0250 for pricing, directions, reservations and more. The campground is located on highway S6 at Mount Palomar approximately one mile south of the observatory. Whether it is a long or a short loop, it is achievable for most hikers. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. Best Seasons. Photo: … Hike Time. Any sites that aren’t taken become first-come first-serve. This is one of the few southern California areas with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. Looking to camp at the observatory campsite in April. Some portions of the campground are set amidst heavy forest while other parts are in open ground with clear views of the night sky. Observatory campground has 43 very nice campsites for tents, trailers and RVs set among a beautiful coniferous forest. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground provides visitors with a unique learning experience in the great outdoors. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain. The trail starts at Observatory Campground and ends just outside the Palomar Observatory. Sites may be reserved online at recreation.gov. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The three-number rating that accompanies each campground listing in the directory gives readers an at-a-glance assessment of a campground's amenities, cleanliness and environment. The park is also a wonderful escape from the heat in the summer months. Do you have an option for renting RVs at the campsite? To ensure your visit is a pleasant one, please observe the following: Even without a telescope, you can enjoy a view of the night sky with minimal light pollution. This is one of the few southern California areas with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. Selected books Twin Creek Campground on Lake Ouachita is a great family destination. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground sits at at elevation of 4,800 feet. Can you tell me if you have an available days in the middle of June or July??? Drive east on Route 76 for 20.4 miles and turn left onto South Grande Road (S6). The facilities are reasonably clean but it’s a good idea to wear shower shoes and to bring some Lysol disinfectant wipes. There are 30 single campsites, 6 double campsites and 8 walk-in campsites. Observatory Campground is one of two campgrounds (along with Fry Campground) that are close to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology. Since Palomar Mountain is a place for astronomy enthusiasts, many of the campsites have cement slabs perfect for setting up a telescope to gaze up into outer space. According to the Cleveland National Forest webpage for Observatory Campground: An exciting amateur astronomy project, called Explore the Stars – Star Parties, occurs monthly during the spring, summer, and fall at Observatory Campground. The reason to come to this location is the excellent view of the night sky. The cider, pine and fir trees in the Palomar Mountain State Park provide a Sierra Nevada like atmosphere. I’ve camped at this US Forest service campground several times and find it a nice alternative to the more expensive Palomar State Park. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. A $5 fee is charged for extra vehicles (prices as of 2018). Visited Observatory Campground lately? More Palomar Observatory Trail is a 4.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Aguanga, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. If you count these double sites separately, there are 32 standard sites and 5 large sites. Ranger District. Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Observatory! Visit the Explore the Stars – Star Parties webpage or call the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest for more information, (760) 788-0250. Observatory sold out? The campground is great for anyone who wants a campsite at a lower price and doesn’t need electric and water hookups. The Observatory is a popular destination in Southern California and receives tens of thousands of visitors a year from all over the world. Have a great trip! Hello. Are there first come- first serve sites available? A great place to enjoy a day in the mountains any time of the year, Palomar County Park boasts four acres of scenic views. Pala Casino is located approximately 15 miles south of the campground. The astronomically accommodating Cleveland National Forest campground is the start of Observatory Trail, which ascends to Palomar Observatory. Trees have been cleared from much of the campground, affording campers with a clear sky view. Fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and flush and vault toilets are provided. The campground  has outhouse style restrooms with flushable toilets, drinking water, and an amphitheater. This is a large casino with approximately 10 restaurants. Observatory Campground is near Palomar Observatory. Observatory Campground is a 42-site campground in the Palomar Mountains near San Diego County’s famed Palomar Observatory. Did we forget something? Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Fall, Spring, Summer. Many of the campgrounds around Palomar Mountain serve as bases for visits to the famous Palomar Observatory. Palomar Mountain (/ ˈ p æ l ə m ɑːr / PAL-ə-mar; Spanish: Monte Palomar) is a mountain ridge in the Peninsular Ranges in northern San Diego County. Dogs are allowed on leashes in the campground. It's one of the gems in the … Your email address will not be published. Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by Caltech, and as such it is private property. Plan a Trip California Palomar Mountain Cleveland/Observatory More Campgrounds Nearby. Use the map below to view the campground and get directions: Observatory Campground on campsitephotos.com, The official Cleveland National Forest webpage for the Explore the Stars – Star Parties at Observatory Campground, The official Cleveland National Forest webpage for Observatory Campground. Your email address will not be published. Observatory campground is spread over one big loop. Palomar Ranger District - … We wanted to check out the Palomar Observatory and were planning on staying at the Palomar Mt State Park, but saw that the Observatory had their own Campground in the Cleveland National Forest, so we decided to stay here (it's called the Observatory Campground because it has a direct 2 mile trail that l... more Location. Your email address will not be published. Anything our community should know before heading out to Observatory? The campground host is not always there. Single and double-family sites are available for $15 and $20 per night, respectively. Campsites 9-16 are walk-ins. Difficulty. I made reservations for a site a observatory (site 10) campground, for may 9th for 2 days, now I can’t confirm them. The state park has camping, some hikes and a large parking area with a view point that looked west. California, Observatory Campground, in the Cleveland National Forest is also called Mount Palomar Observatory Campground. Group campgrounds are found in Palomar Mountain State Park and at Crestline Campground. There’s lots to see and do at nearby Palomar Mountain State Park including hiking, biking, picnicking and fishing in Doane Pond. The Palomar Observatory Campground is a National Forest campground operated by the Cleveland National Forest, just two miles from the Palomar Observatory. Public Campgrounds | Observatory Campground. Hike up to the Boucher Hill Summit. Palomar Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in San Diego County, California, United States, 145 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, California, in the Palomar Mountain Range. can I get some feed back on this? The observatory is located off State Route 76 in northern San Diego County, California, two hours' drive from downtown San Diego and three hours' drive from central Los Angeles ( UCLA, LAX airport ). You can also see the historic Palomar Mountain Observatory in the nearby State Park. Turn right into the campground. This CG is geared towards campers who want to stargaze. Hotels near Palomar Observatory: (8.17 mi) Harrah's Resort Southern California (2.53 mi) Bailey's on Palomar (5.62 mi) La Jolla Indian Campground (5.33 mi) Rancho California RV Resort (7.52 mi) Lazy H Ranch Motel; View all hotels near Palomar Observatory on Tripadvisor Mount Palomar Observatory is open to the public and is located just one mile north of the campground. The campground’s amphitheater near the start of Observatory Trail is a perfect gathering point. Palomar Observatory near San Diego, California, is a center of astronomical research owned and operated by Caltech. Those staying at nearby Palomar Campground can visit Palomar Observatory by hiking 2.2 miles (3.5 km) up Observatory Trail. Sites 6, 7, and 9 – 16 have short walk-ins that give campers a bit more wilderness immersion. Drinking water is available, along with coin operated showers. Sites can be reserved in advance. Palomar Observatory Campground Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. The park features camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. 33.343098, -116.877515. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: c384914ef7462612ca0953232560a997. Palomar Observatory is situated 1¼ miles northeast of Palomar Observatory Campground. Easy. The Observatory is a short distance away and the trail from the CG is a moderate hike. Camping Resources | Blog | Contact | Log in to keep track of trails that interest you with My Hikes and receive the "hike of the month" newsletter from hikespeak.com. Private RV Campgrounds | An equestrian camp is included at the Dripping Springs Campground. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. Southern California trails and campgrounds. Palomar Mountain offers more than 11 miles of trails. Hi. 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