Doane Valley Family Camp

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available April 1 through November 30 via Reserve California. First-come, first-served December 1 through March 31. No online reservations currently available.

About

Doane Valley Family Camp is located high atop Palomar Mountain at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in northern San Diego County. The campground sits within Palomar Mountain State Park's 1,897 acres of coniferous forest, featuring large pine, fir, and cedar trees that create one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The forested setting contrasts dramatically with the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain. The campground features 31 sites suitable for tents and small RVs or trailers up to 24 feet. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Restrooms with showers are available. The elevation ensures cool evenings even during summer months. The park offers access to Doane Pond for trout fishing, several hiking trails including the Doane Nature Trail, and vista points that provide spectacular panoramic views westward toward the Pacific Ocean and eastward toward the desert, particularly from Boucher Hill Summit which features a historic fire lookout. The campground is accessible via two routes from Highway 76: County Road S6 from Rincon Springs (steep and winding) or County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw (longer but gentler grade, better for trailers). No gas stations are available on Palomar Mountain. The world-famous Palomar Observatory is located east of the park. Dogs are permitted in campgrounds and on paved roads but not on trails.

Directions

From Highway 76, take County Road S6 from Rincon Springs (steep and winding) or County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw (longer with gentler grade, better for trailers). Park address: 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. No gas stations available on Palomar Mountain.

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