Search results
A nice lady and her husband set up 9 campsites, each with their own Jacuzzis. They inherited the property and decided to turn it into Stargazer's Paradise. They are doing all the work themselves. The place is totally off the grid, everything is solar powered and the Jacuzzis are heated with their own fire pits. Pretty cool spot!
Did a quick overnight stay in Palomar Mountain a while back. I risked it with just a hammock set up and it worked out perfectly, there were plenty of trees at our site in Doane Valley. Figuring out how to get firewood back to the site was a fun adventure. Bungee cords are a must.
- 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...
- THE DRIVE. Wintertime is lovely. Lots of fog, cool weather and barely any people on the trails. The drive may be a little scary, but it’s also surreal and really feels as though you’re in a movie
- ABOVE THE CLOUDS. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself above the clouds when you get to the top!
- PALOMAR OBSERVATORY. LINK. You can also visit the Observatory
- OBSERVATORY TRAIL. LINK. And even hike to it from the Observatory Trail if you’re wanting to get a little exercise
Our top picks for Palomar Mountain: 1. Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground, 2. Camp at Dixon Lake, 3. Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park, 4. Cactus Spring Trail and more.
Observatory Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (1 hr southeast of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 4,908 feet. There are a total of 28 campsites. The campground is open all year. 4 sites can accommodate RVs between 12 and 35 feet.
People also ask
Where can I camp near Palomar Mountain Park?
Where is Palomar Mountain?
Is camping at Palomar Mountain worth it?
Why should you visit Palomar Mountain State Park?
What is Palomar Mountain known for?
Who manages Palomar Mountain?
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.
