What are the hours and season for Observatory Campground?

Observatory Campground is open May through October. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

How do I book a campsite at Observatory Campground?

Observatory Campground is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Observatory Campground"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/observatory-campground to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Observatory Campground

Cleveland National Forest — hiking

Palomar Mountain, CA3.6 (245)

Share: X Facebook

Cell signal:

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.

Things to do nearby

Cleveland National ForestPalomar Mountain State Park

Best For

HikersFamilies

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Fire Rings

Picnic Tables

Vault Toilets

Drinking Water

Showers

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

May through October

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Federal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov: full refund if cancelled 7+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Observatory Campground cost per night?+

Observatory Campground costs $20–$40 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.

What season is Observatory Campground open?+

Observatory Campground is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Observatory Campground have hookups?+

No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.

What is the maximum RV length at Observatory Campground?+

Observatory Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Observatory Campground?+

Observatory Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

How far is Observatory Campground from the nearest town?+

Observatory Campground is located in Palomar Mountain, CA. Check the map above for distance to nearby services.

Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Own a campground nearby?

List free on CamperWatch — we take 5% only on bookings we send. No monthly fee.

List your campground →