Observatory Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 1 and operates through November 30. Reservations available on 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
Observatory Campground provides a unique blend of outdoor recreation and scientific discovery in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest. Located at 4,800 feet elevation and just two miles from the world-renowned Palomar Observatory, this 36-site campground attracts families, science enthusiasts, and stargazers from across Southern California. The forested setting features pine and oak trees, with several sites deliberately cleared to provide unobstructed views of the night sky. The campground serves as the home base for the 'Explore the Stars' program, a free monthly astronomy event held one weekend per month from April through October. Amateur astronomers from throughout the region set up telescopes and share their knowledge with campers, offering views of nebulae, planets, double stars, and other celestial wonders. The 2.2-mile Observatory National Recreation Trail connects the campground directly to Palomar Observatory, where visitors can tour the facility and see five world-class telescopes dating back to the 1930s and '40s. Beyond astronomy, the campground offers excellent access to hiking, mountain biking, and scenic driving throughout the Palomar Mountains. The facility is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park and features modern amenities including coin-operated hot showers, flush and vault toilets, and a campground host. The area is less than two hours from San Diego, making it an accessible mountain retreat with a unique educational component.
Directions
From Los Angeles, drive south on I-15 to State Highway 76. Go east on 76 for approximately 20 miles and turn left onto South Grade Road (County Road S6). Follow to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Road/Canfield Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right into the campground. The campground is about 2 miles north of 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, California.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| 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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