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Wow. I camped there 3 times prior to the pandemic. I loved the view, complimentary firewood, and just the overall chill vibe. Yuliya messaged me late 2020 and offered to give me a booking at the old (less expensive) rate.
- Where to camp on Palomar Mountain for a good view of the ...
I'm trying to go camp at Palomar Mountain for some star...
- Where to camp on Palomar Mountain for a good view of the ...
I'm trying to go camp at Palomar Mountain for some star gazing and was wondering if there are camp grounds (and specific camp sites) that have a clearer view of the Northern sky (lower to the horizon) than others.
Here you'll learn all about the park's interesting history and features, the many things you can do — hiking, camping, fishing — and how you can support the park so that other people can discover what a beautiful treasure we have so close to home.
Tips to enjoy your visit. For your convenience, comfort and safety... Cell phone coverage is spotty at best in the park as well as on the entire mountain. If you're desperate for cell phone coverage, go to Boucher Summit (site of the fire tower and lookout) or Silvercrest Picnic Area. Here's a map.
- Overview of Palomar Mountain Camping
- Palomar Mountain State Park Campgrounds
- Cleveland National Forest Campgrounds
- Things to Do on Palomar Mountain
Palomar Mountain offers camping, hiking, stargazing, and other outdoor adventures in a rugged alpine landscape that contrasts starkly with the Mediterranean climate found at lower altitudes nearby. The area comprises Palomar Mountain State Park, managed by California State Parks, as well portions of Cleveland National Forest, managed by the United ...
Doane Valley Campground
Doane Valley Campground sits along Doane Creek at an elevation of 4,730 feet in a wooded area of Palomar Mountain State Park near Doane Valley Natural Preserve. The campground features 31 campsites that must be reserved through ReserveCalifornia.comor calling 1-800-444-7275 during the peak season. During the winter months, campsites are first-come, first-served. One hike-in primitive campsite is also available at Doane Valley. The campground is divided into two loops, with the loop containing...
Cedar Grove Group Campground
Cedar Grove Group Campground is a solid choice for large groups seeking a Palomar Mountain camping adventure. Located less than a mile southeast of Doane Valley Campground, Cedar Grove offers easy access to Baptist Trail, Adams Trail, and Scott’s Cabin Trail, and is a great base for exploring some of Palomar Mountain’s most idyllic landscapes. The campground encompasses three separate camping areas that can accommodate large groups. Group Camp 1 will hold up to 25 people and can accommodate R...
Observatory Campground
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. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. It offers 42 sites with a variety of amenities for both tent and RV camping, as well as easy access to hiking and biking. The campground is organized around one large loop with parking spurs for...
Fry Creek Campground
Fry Creek Campground is located just north of Observatory Campground across the S6, and a little over 2 miles from the Palomar Observatory. The campground is located at an elevation of 4,900 feet, in a dense evergreen and oak forest, making it one of the cooler places on the mountain to camp. The campground offers 20 sites, which include picnic tables and fire pits. Fires are only allowed in fire pits or camp stoves. The maximum vehicle size is 15 feet and trailers are allowed. The campground...
Crestline Group Campground
Crestline Group Campground is a large National Forest Service campsite adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park. The campground can accommodate groups of up to 50 people and up to 12 cars. RVs up to 27 feet in length are allowed. The site, which sits at 5,390, is forested but has plenty of open space for star gazing and other activities. The campground is located near the area’s only restaurant and store, includes fire rings, several picnic tables, a cooking area, vaulted toilets, and potable...
Hiking
Palomar Mountain is covered by a network of trails, with the epicenter of the network within Palomar Mountain State Park. California State Parks offers a map of hiking in the state parkon its website. Doane Valley and Doane Pond are arguably the crown jewels of the area. Doane Valley Nature Trail, a short interpretive trail that runs along Doane Creek, is a great first hike if you’re looking for something low-key. The trailhead is located at the western end of Doane Pond Day Use Parking area...
Stargazing
Palomar Mountain is home to Caltech’s Palomar Observatory for a reason. This is a premier stargazing location and on any given night you’ll find people in campgrounds peering through telescopes at the night sky. Explore the Stars, an amateur astronomy project, takes place at Observatory Campground on several weekends each summer. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California hold Star Parties to share the beauty and awe of the night sky with non-astronomers at the campgro...
Visit Palomar Observatory
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. With some exceptions, such as holidays and during winter weather, the observatory is open to the public daily, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. The observatory has...
Apr 27, 2020 · Camping, hiking, fishing, and stargazing are popular activities on Palomar Mountain and much of the mountain is above 5,000 feet in elevation, making evenings cool even in the middle of summer. There are no gas stations and few services on Palomar Mountain so be sure to stock up on camping supplies in the nearby major cities of Escondido or ...
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Palomar Mountain State Park, Palomar Mountain: See 113 reviews, articles, and 77 photos of Palomar Mountain State Park, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Palomar Mountain.
