Observatory Campground is a 42-site campground in the Palomar Mountains near San Diego County’s famed Palomar Observatory. The astronomically accommodating Cleveland National Forest campground is the start of Observatory Trail, which ascends to Palomar Observatory.
Observatory Campground is open from April through October and is suitable for tents or RVs. Fire rings, charcoal grills, picnic tables, and flush and vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is available, along with coin operated showers. Dogs are allowed on leashes in the campground. The maximum vehicle length ranges from 12 to 35 feet depending on the campsite. The campground’s amphitheater near the start of Observatory Trail is a perfect gathering point.
Observatory campground is spread over one big loop. Of the 42 sites, five are “double sites” and have room for 16 people instead of 8. If you count these double sites separately, there are 32 standard sites and 5 large sites. Site 3 is wheelchair accessible. Sites 6, 7, and 9 – 16 have short walk-ins that give campers a bit more wilderness immersion.
Sites may be reserved online at recreation.gov. Single sites are $15 per night and double sites are $30 per night. A $5 fee is charged for extra vehicles (prices as of 2018).
Observatory Campground lies in a mountain forest of oaks and pines an elevation of 4,875 feet, 700 feet below Palomar Observatory. Trees have been cleared from much of the campground, affording campers with a clear sky view. Since Palomar Mountain is a place for astronomy enthusiasts, many of the campsites have cement slabs perfect for setting up a telescope to gaze up into outer space. Even without a telescope, you can enjoy a view of the night sky with minimal light pollution. According to the Cleveland National Forest webpage for Observatory Campground:
An exciting amateur astronomy project, called Explore the Stars – Star Parties, occurs monthly during the spring, summer, and fall at Observatory Campground. A group of amateur astronomers from across Southern California bring the beauty and the awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at a location only two miles from the world renowned Palomar Observatory.
Visit the Explore the Stars – Star Parties webpage or call the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest for more information, (760) 788-0250.
To get to the campground: Take the 15 Freeway to exit 46 for Route 76 east toward Pala. Drive east on Route 76 for 20.4 miles and turn left onto South Grande Road (S6). Take South Grade road for 6.8 miles to an intersection with East Grade Road and angle left to continue up South Grade Road, driving north for another 2.4 miles to Observatory Campground. Turn right into the campground.
Campground address: South Grade Road, Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Campground coordinates: 33.342414, -116.878697 (33° 20′ 32.69″N 116° 52′ 43.30″W)
Use the map below to view the campground and get directions:
Or view Southern California trails and campgrounds in a larger map
 | Observatory Trail The 5.1-mile hike travels between Observatory Campground and Palomar Observatory, crossing a pleasant mountain woodland with valley views along the way. |
 | Indian Flats Trail This easy half-mile hike from Atáxam Mámta’ash (formerly Indian Flats) explores seasonal pools in the East Fork of the San Luis Rey River. |
 | Moserate Mountain This 4.4-mile loop begins with a 1 2/3-mile ascent that gains 1,200 feet to reach a panoramic summit and then descends along a ridge for even more views. |
 | Kwaay Paay Peak This 2.5-mile hike rewards a good workout with panoramic views as it climbs to a 1,194-foot summit in Mission Trails Regional Park, just 10 miles from downtown San Diego. |
 | More hikes in Southern California Explore more trails in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. |
 | Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground This 17-site campground in Cleveland National Forest offers first-come first-serve camping for $12 per night. |
 | El Cariso Campground This 24-site campground in Cleveland National Forest offers convenience camping in the Santa Ana Mountains for $15 per night, with access to nearby trails like El Cariso Nature Trail. |
I made reservations for a site a observatory (site 10) campground, for may 9th for 2 days, now I can’t confirm them. can I get some feed back on this?
Best to contact the national forest directly. Have a great trip!
Can you tell me if you have an available days in the middle of June or July??? Thanks Pastor Vilma Everette
Are there any day hikes nearby the campground?
Hello. Do you have an option for renting RVs at the campsite? Looking to camp at the observatory campsite in April
Hi. You would need to rent an RV elsewhere.
Are there first come- first serve sites available?
Sites can be reserved in advance. Any sites that aren’t taken become first-come first-serve.
Are fires currently allowed ?