Observatory Campground

Shared by @public_lands (Public Lands)

Cleveland National Forest

Campground · USDA Forest Service · Cleveland National Forest Fees: Fees: $20/night for single unit, $40/night for double unit, $5/night for extra vehicle. A Forest Adventure Pass is required for day use, but is not required for camping. Season: April 01 Reservations: The 32 campsites are available by reservation on http://www.recreation.gov/ Reservations must be made 8 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Overview 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. 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… Getting there: 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… Rules: Vehicles 32 ft. max. Phone: 760-788-0250 Official page: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233300 Source: Recreation.gov, USDA Forest Service. Fees and seasons change; check the official page before you go. Photos: Local staff, Recreation.gov