Crestline Picnic Ground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Reopens May 15, 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
North Main Divide, Indian Truck Trail, and Maple Springs road have all been closed due to inclement weather. For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.
Prescribed Fires Begin on the Cleveland
The Cleveland National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall & winter. Work will continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
Harmful Algal Bloom Caution - Cedar Creek Falls
Caution – Harmful Algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool.
Water Unavailable at Penny Pines Trailhead Spigot
Attention Hikers: There is currently NO WATER available at the Penny Pines Trailhead. The water spigot pump is broken and there is no estimated time of repair at this time. Be prepared to bring or seek out alternative water sources.
Airport Fire Burned Area Closure
The Cleveland NF has closed the Airport Fire burned area perimeter on the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. This closure prohibits going into or being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundaries of the closure.
Camping Stay Limits
This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations.
Cedar Creek Falls Forest Orders
Forest Order No. 02-23-02 closes the cliffs surrounding the falls, 02-23-03 requires visitors to have a permit to access the falls, 02-23-04 prohibits alcohol along the entirety of the trail system.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA
* WHAT...Northeast to east winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...San Diego County Mountains and San Diego County Valleys. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur along the coastal slopes of the mountains and adjacent foothills and far inland valleys.
About
Crestline Group Campground sits at 5,390 feet elevation in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest. Surrounded by Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir, and Live Oak trees, the site provides a forested setting with open spaces ideal for star gazing. The campground was converted from a picnic area to a group campground in May 2025 with improved amenities including multiple picnic tables, a large fire pit, tent pads, walkways, a cooking area, and an accessible vault toilet. The facility is designed for large families, church groups, and social gatherings of up to 50 people. It serves as a convenient base camp for visiting the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomical research by the California Institute of Technology, as well as adjacent Palomar Mountain State Park. Day hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and scenic drives are all available in the surrounding area. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through November and is available by reservation only through Recreation.gov. While the site can accommodate RVs up to 27 feet in length, there are no hookups available. Pets are allowed on leash, and cell phone service is available at the site.
Directions
From San Diego, follow U.S. Highway 15 north to State Highway 76. Proceed east to County Road S6. Take S6 north to the top of Palomar Mountain. The campground is at the junction of County Roads S6 and S7.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 27ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (858) 673-6180 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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