Observatory Campground

Science buffs and families are drawn to Observatory Campground for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomy research operated by the California Institute of Technology. Just two miles from the observatory, the campground provides visitors with a unique learning experience in the great outdoors. The facility offers a variety of amenities for both tent and RV camping. Hiking, biking and picnicking can be found nearby.

Facilities

The campground is organized around one large loop with parking spurs for each campsite. Several sites are equipped with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their telescopes. The sites can accommodate vehicles up to 32 feet in length. Drinking water, coin-operated showers (peak season only), grills, trash cans, campfire rings, picnic tables, a flush toilet (peak season only) and two vault toilets are provided.

Nearby attractions

The campground is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park and under a two-hour drive from San Diego, California. A general store with basic necessities is down the road.

Natural feaures

The campground sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet in the Palomar Mountains of Southern California. The site is forested with pine and oak trees, though several sites have been cleared to allow campers a wide view of the night sky.

Recreation

An exciting amateur astronomy project, Explore the Stars, occurs at the campground on several weekends each summer. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California shares the beauty and awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at the campground. Visitors can also walk a 2.25-mile trail to the observatory itself. Day hiking, biking, picnicking and scenic driving are available in the area. The campground makes a good base camp for visiting Palomar Mountain State Park and exploring the surrounding forest.

Driving directions to Observatory Campground

The closest address to the campground is 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, California. The campground is about 2 miles north of this address along Canfield Road. From Los Angeles, California, 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.

Location and contact info

South Grade Road, CA 92060

For campground inquires, please call:760-788-0250

Observatory Campground details

Campfire allowed
Checkin time: 2:00 PM
Checkout time: 12:00 PM
Hike in distance to site: 0
Location rating: Good
Max num of people: 8
Max num of vehicles: 2
Max vehicle length: 12
Pets allowed
Site rating: Basic

Camping with an RV

Have you ever wanted to sleep at the foot of a mountain or wake up to the sound of the ocean’s waves gently crashing on the shore? When on a road trip, do you like to stop at every weird and wonderful roadside attraction? Do you ever just want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get out into the great outdoors? Then renting an RV is definitely for you.

Camping in an RV allows you to adventure on your terms. Whether you’re looking to bond over an open fire with family and friends or you just want to get away for a while, there’s no better way to do it than from behind the wheel of an RV.

How Outdoorsy Works

Find the perfect RV

Choose your location, dates, and send the host a request to book.

Delivery or Pickup

Arrange a pick up time with the host or have it delivered to your driveway or destination.

Let us help

Most hosts have the option to deliver and set up the RV right to your destination.

Adventure awaits!

Enjoy the freedom of the open road nd the assurance of 24/7 roadside assistance.

After your trip, return the RV to the host in the same condition you recieved it.

Amenities at Observatory Campground

other
Quiet area
Shade

supplies
BBQ
Fire pit
Picnic table

Activities at Observatory Campground

Day use area

Camping

Hiking

RV Travel Tips

Headed off-the-grid? Make sure you have a portable RV generator and know how to use it. Outdoorsy community member Mike Jackson shows you how.

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Find the perfect RV for Observatory Campground

2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - The Sand Shark - Adventure Wagon -

2018 Camper van19 ftSan Diego, CA

5(84)Sleeps 5, Seats 5

2019 Hymer Aktiv 1.0 Loft

2019 Class B20 ftTorrance, CA

5(60)Sleeps 5, Seats 6

Miss Majestic - Little Memory Maker

2013 Class C25 ftSan Diego, CA

4.9(57)Sleeps 5, Seats 7

2018 Keystone Springdale

2018 Travel trailer23 ftApple Valley, CA

4.7(55)Sleeps 5

2017 Forest River Cruise Lite (No cleaning fee!)

2017 Travel trailer23.67 ftVista, CA

5(47)Sleeps 5

2019 Keystone Outback

2019 Travel trailer30 ftSan Diego, CA

4.9(43)Sleeps 7

Marvelous MO Ram Promaster, close to LAX, BUR, LGB airports

2019 Class B20 ftAltadena, CA

4.9(41)Sleeps 2, Seats 2

Airstream Bambi 16ft

2020 Travel trailer16 ftIrvine, CA

5(41)Sleeps 4

Questions about RVs?

Q.
What type of RV should I choose?

Start by determining how many people are planning to travel with you. Going on a solo-journey? Choose a camper van or a teardrop trailer. Bringing the whole family along for the ride? Consider a spacious Class A or five-wheel.

You’ll also want to consider amenities. For example, if you’re planning to cook on the road, you’ll want a kitchenette. If your campground doesn’t have public restrooms, you’ll want to search RVs with bathrooms. Check out full descriptions of our models to help you decide here.

Q.
Do the RVs have bathrooms?

Yes. Class A’s, Class B’s, and Class C’s and five-Wheels typically have bathrooms. Depending on where you plan on camping, you’ll want to double-check the availability of restrooms if selecting a rig without a bathroom. Nervous about renting an RV with a bathroom? Owners can help show you how to clean the tank or will offer to do it for you for a fee.

Q.
How does check-in work?

Once an Owner approves your RV reservation, you can coordinate a time to pick up your rig or have it delivered to your doorstep or campsite. At that point, the owner will do a key exchange with you and walk you through the RV and answer any questions you might have.