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4.4(195 reviews)

Observatory Campground

Observatory Campground Co Hwy S6, State Park Rd #21485, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, United States

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About This Campsite

Observatory Campground

Immerse yourself in nature at the Observatory Campground, a charming escape offering a distinctive mix of amenities and rustic elements that appeal to campers of all kinds. Whether you're a seasoned camper or venturing into the woods for the first time, this campground promises a delightful experience under the canopy of nature with the added charm of starry nights.

Location:

The specific address and city title are not provided. However, this is a popular spot known for its proximity to the Palomar Observatory, making it a favorite for astronomy enthusiasts.

Features and Amenities:

  • Wide variety of campsites with ample space and unique exposures.
  • Flush toilets and running water are available throughout the campground.
  • Shower facilities at the campground enhance the experience of camping with a touch of comfort.
  • Coin-operated showers and flushable toilet amenities are maintained reasonably clean.
  • Marked trails including those leading towards the iconic Palomar Observatory.
  • Fire rings and picnic tables at every campsite offer convenient outdoor cooking and dining setups.
  • Basic necessities can be purchased at a small store nearby.

Important Tips:

  • Be prepared for bugs; a bug hat or netting might be necessary to ensure comfort during your stay.
  • Bring your own toilet paper, as it might not always be stocked.
  • Cell reception is limited, making it perfect to disconnect and enjoy nature fully.
  • Some trails may not be well maintained; plan accordingly and perhaps bring a map or guide.
  • Reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
  • Use bug repellents and consider bringing traps for yellowjackets.

Overall Thoughts:

The Observatory Campground provides a wonderful balance of adventure and relaxation. While the campsite's facilities are commendable for a rustic experience, the proximity to nature means you'll encounter various wildlife, including some pesky insects. Preparations for bugs and reserving your spot in advance should ensure a pleasant stay, filled with breathtaking nature walks and, if lucky, stunning celestial views. Whether you’re into stargazing, hiking, or simply want to relish the peace of nature, this campsite should not disappoint.

Photos

Photos provided by Google

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google

MJ Brewer

10/01/2024

Expected a bit more than was promised, I suppose. Welcomed by an empty spot where the volunteer was supposed to be—never saw them in three days. Was granted a warm welcome by a trio of mosquitos, flies, and bees in unison that never left until nightfall. Searched for the trail to the observatory so at least an amazing view would be had. A 45-minute hike ended in the middle of a wooded area with a dilapidated barbed wire fence. Speaking of aged, not being of this education, it seems relatively apparent the wildlife is quickly dying. Throughout a 24-hour period, at least 4 or 5 branches will echo dying aches as they collapse from the tree—be careful where you set up camp. The great news is the guests were in good spirits. The restrooms were clean with toilet paper. The showers are unbelievably divine, considering they are in the middle of the wilderness. And if you appreciate bird songs, you’ll have your fill. There are gorgeous blue jays, blue birds, robins, etc. and an aromatic smell of fires in the evening. PLEASE, for the love of God, CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Your mom isn’t here to do it for you.

Lolita Thompson

10/06/2024

This is my first camping even though I am a hiker. This campground didn’t disappoint. I am always concern about bathrooms. This campground is clean. There is also a coin shower rooms. The fact that they provide walk-ins to camp. Make sure to check the map for spaces that mark W. It is quiet and very nice. You can buy wood on the way. In fact there is a truck that sells them just pay cash and drop off the box or bar code to pay. 5$ is enough to burn for a night for the experience and scare the bugs too. NOTE: there is a lot of bugs( make sure to bring a head net ) no reception that’s fine it will bring you closer to nature. Just bring a book to read . There is a fire ring on every spaces. And they have tables. I will definitely come back to camp. I highly recommend this place.

Ronnie Moacyr

01/29/2024

This is a decent little campground with flush toilets and running water, as well as water spigots near various campsites. There are day use areas and ample parking, especially for those with disabilities. There are a small number of short paved trails. Vegetation is not kept up very well in all spots and some campsites are perpetually shaded. Beware when booking that some spots are double and cost as much. There's a tiny store down the road with the bare essentials including food, fuel and more. This campsite also has SHOWERS although I'm not sure about the water temperature.

Elizabeth Menkin

08/16/2024

Yes, there were bugs More flies and yellowjackets than mosquitoes. Here’s how we dealt with bugs (came prepared): - [ ] Bug zapper swatter (shaped like a tennis racquet) - [ ] Bug hat (with the ring that keeps the mesh off your face) - [ ] Battery fans - tabletop size. Dr Prepare and Ryobi, the latter especially good on level 2 will blow most of the flies away from your face. - [ ] Hand fan (wish we had brought our large Japanese one for sushi rice) - [ ] Screen room - we love our TailVeil (don’t buy the one on Amazon, it is a knockoff) and the Wawona 6. Used the zapper racquet on any strays that managed to get in. - [ ] Window screens for the car - cut roll stock of replacement screen to fit and sew seam binding around the edges, held in place with magnets and blue tape. - [ ] Yellow jacket traps - 4 of them in a wide perimeter (follow the directions!) - [ ] Picardin and 30%DEET lotions, as directed - [ ] Permethrin-treated long sleeve shirt and pants. We stayed after a busy weekend (Perseid meteor shower time), in sites 33 & 34 near the bathroom/showers building. The trash dumpster next to those sites was a yellowjacket magnet. (See above about dealing with bugs. By the second day, the yellowjacket trips were visibly popular, the number bugging us at our meals was fewer, and while one person cooked, the other stood by waving the zapper swatter.) Wished I had brought some Comet for the bathroom sinks, and was glad we had brought some toilet paper. On of the 4 showers was posted as out of order, as was one of 3 toilets in the women’s bathroom. There were electrical outlets in that restroom that were non-functional. We did not need to try any of the vault toilets, but noticed that campsites downwind from them (6&7) were stinky. The potable water taps were conveniently located and the water tasted fine. We did dishes with a solar shower bag and camping sinks at our site, collected the waste water into a leftover kitty litter jug, and dumped it in the toilet. (Wash water with food particles dumped at you site or rinsed near the water taps will attract more yellowjackets.) Getting accurate weather predictions for this campground was a challenge. It turned out to be both hotter and colder than I expected. The campsites vary widely in size, exposure, level vs incline of the tent pad and parking pad, and distance of picnic table from the parking place. The Recreation reservation map is less accurate than the map posted at the campground entrance.

Deeps Shirsath- Jamdade

07/29/2024

There were more than 40 spots at this site. As with all the camping spots, reservations are recommended early. Driving there was pretty smooth. Campground was real pretty, lots of big trees, nice parking, fairly clean restrooms (please bring your toilet rolls). There are couple of trails you can do. There is one trail that goes to Palomar observatory.

Observatory Campground — the United States's Camp Guide