Palomar Mountain Sp Cedar Grove Group Camp

Open — The campground is currently not accepting online reservations. During the season from April 1 to November 30, reservations can be made through Reserve California. From December 1 to March 31, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Park hours are 8 AM to sunset daily.

About

Cedar Grove Group Camp is located within Palomar Mountain State Park, situated at approximately 5,000 feet elevation on Palomar Mountain in northern San Diego County. The campground features three distinct group sites nestled among large pine, fir, and cedar trees that create a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere rare in southern California. Group site #1 is the largest, accommodating 9-25 people with parking for 10 vehicles, and can handle trailers and camper vans up to 21 feet in length. This site is generally accessible with a firm tent pad, accessible site furnishings, and water spigot. Group sites #2 and #3 are tent-only facilities for up to 15 people each, with parking for 5 vehicles per site. The campground provides restroom and shower facilities, fire pits with grills, picnic tables, and drinking water. Each site includes standard campground amenities in a forested setting. Hiking trails lead directly from the campground to various viewpoints, including the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout, offering panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean to the west and desert landscapes to the east. The park's 11 miles of trails and Doane Pond fishing opportunities are easily accessible from Cedar Grove. The location offers a cool mountain climate with temperatures that remain pleasant even during summer months. The campground is accessed via County Road S6 from Rincon Springs or County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw, with S7 recommended for trailers due to its gentler grade. No gas stations are available on Palomar Mountain, so visitors should fuel up before ascending. The park enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM, prohibits wood gathering, and requires dogs to remain leashed and restricted to campgrounds and paved roads.

Directions

From Highway 76, take County Road S6 from Rincon Springs (steep and winding) or County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw (gentler grade, recommended for trailers). At the mountaintop junction, turn left onto Highway S-7. Physical address: 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060. No gas stations available on Palomar Mountain.

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