Campsite #40 at Observatory Campground, CA

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Campsite #40

12 reviews
Drive-In 8 people
35 ft Back-In
2 fair
40
5/28
5/30
Campsite #40 Features: Drive-In access, Back-In parking, 35ft driveway, Fire ring, Picnic Table, RV Site, Tent Site, Trailer Site, Pets Allowed

Campsite Reviews (12)

4.0 out of 5

5 star
25%
4 star
33%
3 star
33%
2 star
8%
1 star
0%

@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.
@RobertE4617436 · Camped on Aug 13, 2024 at Campsite #40
I thoroughly enjoyed my overnight stay. The campground is quite nice overall. Lots of trees and at a high elevation, so both day and night weather was comfortable in August.
@porntripwCF621 · Camped on Nov 21, 2023 at Campsite #40
Restroom need to be cleaned but something else is good
@RyanS4713424 · Camped on Oct 27, 2023 at Campsite #40
The campground is well maintained and was good for our 1 night stay. It's a simple campground, with no store or anything. It was perfect for us though. We enjoyed that it felt spread out and not crowded. The campsite had a nice size pad for a vehicle and a table and firepit.
@stevenb5011158 · Camped on Aug 6, 2023 at Campsite #40
Bring your own table, because the picnic tables and benches are in severe disrepair. This is a potentially beautiful site, but it really needs attention.
@RichardK748784 · Camped on Jun 20, 2023 at Campsite #40
Enjoyed how quiet it was
@GeorgeC007DA80 · Camped on May 12, 2023 at Campsite #40
Great campground that is the Southern California version of the Eastern Sierras. There is a small creek running alongside certain sites. Some spots had lots of tree shade.
@JOSHK7134948 · Camped on Jan 30, 2023 at Campsite #40
Observatory campground is a peaceful place to relax, take a hike and look to the stars(if you have a telescope). My second winter camp here at site 40 and this time I had snow. It was a pleasant experience. Broke in some new camping gear, including a new hot tent and tent stove. It was mid - lower 20's at night but my stove had the tent toasty at around 85-90*. Once again I was the only camper on site, like my last trip up, so I had run of the place. Sadly, the showers and "good" toilets were locked up, being the off season, so I had to walk a bit to the vault toilets. No biggie. Those could use a cleaning a bit more often, even in the off season. If you value your privacy I recommend site 6,7 as they are a bit back off the roundabout(Stayed on this site my last visit). The grounds are in need of a bit of maintenance and TLC but overall this is a nice place to camp. Definitely recommend.
@SaraC343 · Camped on Nov 12, 2021 at Campsite #40
The campground is in an interesting area, and the drive up is lovely. The facilities are rundown--picnic tables falling apart, no paper in the bathrooms. Our kids enjoyed playing in the woods.
@BlairK834 · Camped on Jul 4, 2021 at Campsite #40
Awesome view of the stars but the compound is really bad. Looks like no one is taking care of the site.
@KevinJ376 · Camped on Mar 30, 2021 at Campsite #40
Great little campground. The bathrooms near us were not open the entire stay (bummer) but the hike to the Observatory area was fun. Unfortunately, the Observatory was closed but it still made for a fun hike.
@WayneS774 · Camped on Mar 25, 2021 at Campsite #40
Great campground! It was extremely beautiful.
The forest service volunteer was extremely friendly and helpful!
Can't wait to return.
I agree with other reviews that although there were plenty of spots a longer rig can fit into they only allowed it in a couple which had me confused as to why that is.

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