Fry Creek Campground
Open seasonally from April 1 through December 1. Potable water is not available; campers must bring their own water. Fire restrictions are frequently in effect on Palomar Mountain. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Orosco Ridge Closures
Forest Order details the implementation for temporary closures of Orosco Road, Boden Canyon Road, and Santa Ysabel Road to protect arroyo toads and their habitat during sensitive seasonal conditions. These closures will be implemented based on hydrologic and temperature triggers and will remain in…
Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures
For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.Contact Information: Cleveland National Forest Supervisor’s Office (phone: 858-673-6180)Forest and road closures change frequently depending on the fire hazard level, weather, and various other unforeseen elements. This…
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. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from…
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. The closure will be in effect…
Camping Stay Limits
This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations. The purpose of this order is to provide for the protection of natural resources by prohibiting long-term or semi-permanent occupancy of National Forest System lands within the…
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.
About
Fry Creek Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled in the heart of Cleveland National Forest on Palomar Mountain at 4,900 feet elevation. The dense canopy of evergreen and oak trees provides natural shade and keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than the surrounding San Diego County lowlands, making it a popular summer escape for visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles. The campground is located just 2.2 miles from the world-famous Palomar Observatory, which houses the massive 200-inch Hale Telescope that was the world's largest effective telescope for 45 years. The observatory is accessible by road or hiking trail, and features a visitor center, restaurant, and gift shop. Nearby Observatory Campground hosts the popular Explore the Stars event one weekend each month from April through October, where amateur astronomers set up telescopes and share views of planets and constellations. Due to the narrow mountain roads and small site sizes, vehicles are limited to 15 feet maximum and no trailers are allowed. Potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own water supply. The campground has vault toilets. Fire restrictions are frequently in effect, so campers should verify current fire conditions before visiting.
Directions
From San Diego: Head north on I-15, then east on Highway 76 for approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto South Grade Road (S6) and follow it up to the top of Palomar Mountain. At the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Road/Canfield Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left into Fry Creek Campground, about 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 15ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| 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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