Observatory Campground
Observatory Campground Co Hwy S6, State Park Rd #21485, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Overview
Observatory Campground is in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest in San Diego, California. The campground sits near the iconic Paloma Observatory, an astronomical research observatory owned by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) which the campground is named after. Open year-round, there are 30 single sites and 6 double sites organized in a large circle. 6 campsites are ADA accessible. The campsites at Observatory Campground are fit for tents, trailers, and RVs, but there are no hookups or dump stations. The campground allows 8 people per single site, and 15 per double site, and the maximum length of RVs and trailers is 35 feet. Drinking water and toilets are available and each campsite is equipped with a table, fire ring, and grill. Many also have a concrete platform so campers can set up telescopes. Dogs are permitted on the campground but must be on a leash and attended to at all times.
Best Campsites at Observatory Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Observatory Campground.
Sites 19 to 24
- Next to restrooms, amphitheater, and parking
- Close to the Observatory Trail
- All sites but #20 available for reservation
Sites 10 to 16
- Secluded
- Located on a tangent outside the loop of campsites
- Separated from the loop by a stream
- Short walk from the campground parking
Sites 37 and 38, 40 to 42
- Forest views
- Campsites are relatively spaced out
- Decent amount of shade, but depends on the time of day
- Site #37 and 38 are double campsites
Sites 31 to 34
- Located at the end of the loop
- Surrounded by forest
- Usually more shaded than other sites
- More private and quiet
- Close to the restrooms
- Site #31 and 32 are double campsites
Unique Experiences
- Go stargazing**! **Observatory Campground is a popular site for astronomy enthusiasts, so campsites have platforms for easy telescope setups.
- Join an exciting amateur astronomy program held at Observatory Campground every few weekends during the spring, summer, and fall.
- Hike to Cedar Creek Falls or Kitchen Creek Falls, or take the Observatory Trail up to Mount Palomar to pay a visit to the famous Palomar Observatory.
- Try your luck at trout fishing in nearby Doane Pond, with the best seasons for success being winter, spring, and early summer. You’ll need a fishing license.
- Try spotting owls, eagles, bluebirds, deer, and coyotes in the coniferous forest.
Observatory Campground Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax People per Site
8 (double sitesMax Vehicles per Site
2 (double sitesFires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
YesObservatory Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesObservatory Campground sites can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777). Single and double campsites are available for $15 and $30 per night respectively, and are subject to an $8 booking fee. There is also a fee of $5 per night for extra vehicles. Reservations for Observatory Campground must be made at least 8 days ahead of time and up to 6 months in advance. There are 8 campsites reserved for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation: ● Park selections ● Date you wish to start camping ● Type and size of camping equipment ● Number of people that will occupy the campsite ● Number of nights you wish to camp ● Alternative park and camping date choices ● Your phone number and area code ● Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date ● Mailing address If you plan on changing your dates, you should do so as far in advance as possible. You do not incur any fees for adding or removing dates or changing campsites, but if your new dates are entirely different from your original dates, there is a $10 change fee per reserved site.
Group Camping Reservations
While there are no group camping sites, larger groups can make a reservation for double campsites which can fit up to 15 people and 4 vehicles.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellation can be made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The $8 booking fee is non-refundable, and cancellation incurs a $10 fee. If you cancel the day before your scheduled booking, you will face an additional late cancellation penalty of a sum equal to your first night’s stay. Cancellation on the day of arrival is not possible online and is subject to the discretion of the campground.
Observatory Campground Campground Cost
Single sites
$15Double Sites
$30Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Bike Trails
Photography
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campground Host
Campfire Rings
Grills
Amphitheater
Wood for Sale
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Observatory Campground
Observatory Campground is located at an elevation of 4,800 feet in the Palomar Mountains. Campsites are encircled with lush greenery and dense forests, while also offering sites with plenty of space set under a clear view of the sky.
However, if you like the beach, there are several beach campgrounds in the vicinity.
South Carlsbad State Beach
South Carlsbad State Beach in Carlsbad, California and is much larger than the Observatory with 223 sites. They also have full hookups while Observatory has none.
The maximum length of RVs allowed in South Carlsbad is 35 feet while in Observatory it is 32 feet. However, dogs are not permitted in South Carlsbad while Observatory allows them on a leash.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach campground is also significantly larger than Observatory with 215 sites spread across four sections.
Almost half of these days offer full hookups, and they also offer group camping for up to 40 vehicles, while Observatory has no hookups and no group camping. However, while dogs are allowed in the campground, they aren’t allowed on the beach. ** **
San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo is located around an hour’s drive from Observatory Campground. They have 165 sites and 25 sites with full hookups while Observatory has none.
However, the maximum trailer or RV size is only 24 feet compared to the 32 feet that Observatory can accommodate. Dogs are allowed in the campground and on the beach.
Bear Basin Lookout
Bear Basin offers a single cabin that can accommodate 8 to 12 guests, while Observatory is a campground with multiple sites.
Bear Basin is nestled at 5,280 feet with stunning vistas of the mountains of the Siskiyou Wilderness on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Like Observatory Campground, it is in similar mountainous terrain fit for hiking and wildlife watching but is not as accessible.
