Doane Valley Family Camp

About

Doane Valley Family Camp is located within Palomar Mountain State Park, home to San Diego County's only conifer forest. The campground sits at approximately 4,700 feet elevation among towering pines, cedars, and firs, offering a mountain escape from Southern California's desert heat. The park was established in 1933 and named after George Edwin Doane, an early settler who raised livestock and planted apple orchards in the valley. The campground features 31 sites spread across a shaded forest setting, each equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and food storage locker. Facilities include flush restroom buildings with coin-operated showers and potable water spigots throughout. Sites can accommodate tents and RVs or trailers up to 24 feet in length. There are no hookups or dump stations, making this primarily a tent and small RV camping destination. Campers have direct access to several hiking trails and Doane Pond, which is stocked with trout and offers catch-and-release fishing. The park provides spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Note that oak firewood is prohibited due to the Goldspotted Oak Borer threat; other firewood species like pine or eucalyptus are allowed, and firewood is available for purchase at the entrance kiosk.

Directions

From Interstate 15, take Highway 76 east to County Road S6 (South Grade Road). Turn left and follow S6 approximately 7 miles up the mountain to State Park Road. Turn left into Palomar Mountain State Park. The park address is 19952 State Park Road, Palomar, CA 92060.