Observatory Campground, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Observatory Campground is located in the Palomar Ranger District, Cleveland National Forest (1 hr southeast of Temecula, CA) with an elevation of 4,908 feet. There are a total of 28 campsites including 21 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 4 sites can accommodate RVs between 12 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include amphitheater. Activities include hiking trails.

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Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (152)

3.5 out of 5

5 star		30%
4 star		24%
3 star		20%
2 star		13%
1 star		11%

@RyanW7011906 · Camped on Oct 12, 2025 at Campsite #32

The camp site was wonderful and clean except for the bathrooms. Great spot for star gazing.

@MichaelC616917 · Camped on Sep 26, 2025 at Campsite #8

Bathrooms decent. No rangers around. Not all camp sites shaded. Nice hike to the observatory. Took a tour at the observatory, fascinating.

@YanivE6CBFDA80 · Camped on Sep 26, 2025 at Campsite #10

I had a great experience staying at Site #11 in Observatory Campground. The site was flat and well-maintained, making it perfect for setting up tents. It was conveniently located close to the parking area, which made unloading gear easy, and it was just a short walk to the water spigot and trash bins.No mosquitoes during my stay, which made evenings much more enjoyable. Overall, Id definitely recommend Site #11 for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient camping spot in the area.

@JulieH3977949 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #26

Very nice campground.

@DonabelCDDEAAB · Camped on Sep 13, 2025 at Campsite #29

Someone took our reserved spot and no camp host was around to help resolve the issue.

@GrantO76689431 · Camped on Sep 13, 2025 at Campsite #5

Campsite was lacking a camp host the last time I was there (or at least it was somewhat understaffed). However, this wasn't much of a problem as the camp itself was well maintained when taking Palomar Mountain itself into consideration.My campsite (#5) was well maintained but would be fairly small if you're planning on using oversized tents (think 5 person or more tent sizes). However, for 2-3 person tents and maybe even 4 person tents; there is ample space to pitch one up and have enough room for a couple of camping chairs. Just be sure to bring some hand wipes as the vault toilets have no washing stations.Holes were everywhere but I always bring a group tarp with me whenever I camp; just be sure to do the same thing here.

@BrandonEAACB32 · Camped on Sep 6, 2025 at Campsite #19

Went early to the observatory and had a nice breakfast while waiting for the gates to open. Highly recommend!

@SabrinaV557F14 · Camped on Sep 5, 2025 at Campsite #37

There was unfortunately apparently no camp host, as a very large party of campers at a group site was extremely loud late into the night. Shrieks of laughter, loudly greeting each other as they met up at the bathroom, etc. I go camping to hear the crickets, crackling campfires, and gentle conversations around them as night draws in. This made it hard for the kids to get to sleep.There's a little stand with firewood just down the road from the campground that's reasonably priced and has good quality, dry wood for fires. Beautiful forest. Maybe Palomar State Park's campground is quieter?

@DONALDR8407362 · Camped on Jul 20, 2025 at Campsite #29

Campground was OK. Restroom needed work!

@DevaN03D159CF7 · Camped on Jul 7, 2025 at Campsite #40

Great campsite. But horrible swarms of mosquitoes. Overall, beautiful site, just bring a lot of repellent.

@kenp1414092 · Camped on Jun 29, 2025 at Campsite #40

First time at the campground the camp site were good but the bath room and showers were disgusting look like had not been cleaned for a long time.

@RichardC284688 · Camped on Jun 22, 2025 at Campsite #29

Campground was nice. Its a .5 mile loop with 40+ moderately spread out campsites. Site #29 was very spacious with enough flat ground for a 4 person tent. It was close to the flush toilets and hot showers. The picnic table is a bit close to the tree line. The squirrel's had easy access to my goodies. The site drive way is long enough for a larger vehicle. I only gave it 4 stars because of the crazy amount of mosquitos throughout the site. Long sleeves and a head net helped. I would recommend this site.

@SteveW7867249 · Camped on Jun 22, 2025 at Campsite #39

Please clean the bathrooms. The mens room looks like it hasn't been cleaned in several months! Gross! I dont expect Ritz Carlton, but it was in worse condition than expected by far. Future campers will thank me for letting you know. Thanks

@MatthewB318226 · Camped on Jun 17, 2025 at Campsite #10

Showers were filthy and very unappealing. There was leftover trash in the woods by my camp sight (29). People need to be more aware of leaving any traces of themselves.

@RogerN1078048 · Camped on Jun 7, 2025 at Campsite #37

The campsite is nice and roomy. The group campsite has 2 picnic tables, 1 grill stand, and 1 campfire pit. Restrooms and showers were a short walk away. I recommend bringing your own toilet paper, as there was none available in the women's restroom. Spigots for water are close by. Prepare to be surrounded by mosquitoes and other bugs throughout the day, especially in the evenings. The Observatory Trail hike nearby is not paved well in certain sections, so my group got a bit lost in the middle of the hike in the ravine section. Other than that, the campsite is simple and beautiful.

@BrandonG884979 · Camped on Jun 6, 2025 at Campsite #17

Great location that is easily accesible. The campsites are well kept and clean. The vault toilets and bathroom/shower facility were not clean at all.The hike from the campground to the observatory is beautiful. Touring the observatory is worth it.

@AlexysB50BF4A0 · Camped on May 24, 2025 at Campsite #40

This is a cute campground with well-spaced sites, but be aware that mosquitoes and bees are more common at site #40 compared to other nearby sites. The morning sun can be intense due to the lack of early shade, but afternoons and evenings offer more shaded relief. The bathrooms were usable, and while they could have been cleaner, it wasn't a major issue. They did run out of toilet paper, so bring some and hand soap! Will definitely be back to this campground but site #29 looks best.

@JayC7170948 · Camped on Nov 29, 2024 at Campsite #34

Water to campground was shut off at least a few days before end of season. Recommend calling ahead.

@SusanW3089432 · Camped on Nov 29, 2024 at Campsite #17

Our site said 8 people max but only able pitch 1 tent, due to small space and not enough flat ground

@BrandonAD01481 · Camped on Nov 24, 2024 at Campsite #17

Definitely not the place to be off-season.All facilities were closed and all water was shut off with no posted notices. For the bathrooms that was fine but having no water spigots really put a hamper on things. I stayed 2 nights at site 17 and there wasnt a ranger or host volunteer in sight the entire time; I checked in 3 hours early due to this.Multiple campers asked me if Id seen any park staff also. Sites 13-16 are definitely Walk-in sites though they are not listed as such; With the parking for them being downhill from the sites; Site 15 being the furthest so definitely bring a wagon to account for this, as you will be nowhere near your vehicle.As for the positive it is definitely an amazing camp ground for looking at the sky. Cant say much else about this place. If youre looking to get outdoors over the weekend without driving far or out of state like myself, sure why not. Wouldnt recommend this place otherwise unless youre specifically chasing lunar events.

@CraigC6363433 · Camped on Nov 4, 2024 at Campsite #29

Nice classic campground, empty this time of year.

@JenniferC92685 · Camped on Oct 17, 2024 at Campsite #39

Peaceful campground, easy to get to, only issue was the yellow jackets. The site had a trap at it but there was still several out and about so I had to stay in my tent or car to eat and relax at the site until sundown.

@SadeHA66B75C60 · Camped on Oct 13, 2024 at Campsite #6

I brought my family with our 2 dogs for Thanksgiving and unfortunately we left early because it was a major danger for our dogs with the very bold and brave coyotes. We tent camped but I feel like if we had an RV it would have been safer for the dogs.. for us alone with out the dogs, tent camping would have been fine!Other than that. BEAUTIFUL!!! We loved every single moment from the colorful drive up to the stars and checking out the observatory which was also pet friendly. Its SO FUN to see all the different color leaves and the sunsets, the sunrises, the crisp air, the views on the way up.all of it was so beautiful.

@MJB433612E037D · Camped on Sep 29, 2024 at Campsite #8

This campground appears to be dying, and it would behoove those in charge of it to cease use and allow its re-establishment. The insects have taken over, falling branches can be heard every 4-5 hours, trees appear as if theyre ready to fall over if a squirrel runs at them too hard. I was scheduled for three days, but couldnt bear to endure the final night. Between bees, flies, and mosquitoes, one can barely hear themselves think.One saving grace about this campsite is the AMAZING showers!!!! Half an hour of a cleansing hot shower for under $5 is insane! We took the shower after the disappointing hike up to the observatory. The lookout point, 3/4 up, was beautiful, although continuing the hike leaves you surrounded in the midst of an entire decaying forest. About an hour of hiking.Having been camping in California for the past two months, Id say this one is in the bottom two places Ive been. Please allow it to repopulate before theres nothing left!

@MattD1154148 · Camped on Sep 13, 2024 at Campsite #25

Love this campground! Has a nice variety of group and more private campsites. On-site hosts were great to work with. Would recommend.

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Observatory Campground, CA - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map

Observatory

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (152)

3.5 out of 5

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