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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Campsite Reviews (162)

3.6 out of 5

5 star		33%
4 star		23%
3 star		20%
2 star		12%
1 star		10%

@LEESBD5BCC0581 · Camped on Nov 27, 2025 at Campsite #10

Usually a great spot, but our neighbors were blasting music and had a blow up projection TV set going all night. No camp host onsite to quiet them down.

@RachelF314E3BC · Camped on Nov 21, 2025 at Campsite #30

Campground was great. Very small. Working bathroom. We will be back in the summer.

@JeromeK29C6EBA · Camped on Nov 21, 2025 at Campsite #39

Great place to camp. Ranger was very helpful and amenable.The shower lights were out except for one shower. Bathroom was clean.Nice see you again!!

@GannonK1BFDD97 · Camped on Nov 9, 2025 at Campsite #10

Our spot was perfect, the weather was perfect and we had a wonderful time.

@TheresaD4F5156 · Camped on Nov 8, 2025 at Campsite #35

Our Site was close to the bathroom, and was handicapped spot, so people kept walking in our site even though they could go around.. our site was kind of next to a group site so they were pretty loud. View of the Night sky was incredible. Temp low 50s, chilly night, warm during the day. Overall will stay again

@PorterD3F49739 · Camped on Nov 7, 2025 at Campsite #9

Hike in campsite like 100 feet from the parking spot. Kind of secluded but one site right in front of it, but there was no one there for us. Super large campsite so super comfortable and enjoyed it a lot.

@PatriciaP14087 · Camped on Oct 26, 2025 at Campsite #41

It was a quiet, wooded, beautiful campground and site. We were so glad to spend a night there after touring the observatory. The weather was great. The bathrooms were clean. The sites were all nice.

@LanceL19154D24 · Camped on Oct 25, 2025 at Campsite #29

it's loud , party central into the early hours of the morning

@MorganD92B1D4B · Camped on Oct 24, 2025 at Campsite #13

Love this campground. Lots of space, lots of trees and birds. Easy access to the observatory trail hike. Bathrooms are clean.Ive stayed two years in a row and I definitely plan to make this a repeat destination.

@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?

@Sarahand65D613 · Camped on Aug 29, 2025 at Campsite #10

The spot was beautiful, the restrooms were as clean as could be expected, parking was easy. Loved it

@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.

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

Observatory

Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)

Campsite Reviews (162)

3.6 out of 5

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