Fry Creek Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 1 and operates through December 1. First-come, first-served in winter months when open; reservations available starting in late June during the main season.
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
Fry Creek Campground sits at 4,900 feet elevation in the heart of Cleveland National Forest on Palomar Mountain, providing a cool mountain retreat for visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles. The campground's 19 sites are nestled beneath a dense canopy of evergreen pine and oak trees, offering a peaceful forest setting. The campground features a loop trail that circles the perimeter, perfect for exploring local flora and fauna. Located just 2.2 miles from the Palomar Observatory, visitors can hike or drive to see the massive 200-inch Hale Telescope and other astronomical instruments. Observatory Campground across the road offers cement telescope platforms and hosts Explore the Stars events monthly from April through October, where amateur astronomers share views of planets and constellations. The campground is designed for smaller vehicles, with a maximum length restriction of 15 feet and no trailers permitted. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits. The cooler mountain temperatures provide refreshing conditions compared to the surrounding lowland areas, though the site can receive snow during winter months.
Directions
From I-15 near San Diego or Los Angeles, take Highway 76 east for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto South Grade Road (S6) and follow it up Palomar Mountain. At the top, continue left on South Grade Road/Canfield Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn left into Fry Creek Campground, about 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.
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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 15ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 0ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 788-0250 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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