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Moderate to BookNational Forest

Observatory Campground

Cleveland National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Observatory Campground is a campground in Cleveland National Forest, California with 26 campsites. Observatory Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Observatory Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Observatory Campground is located at 33.3417° N, 116.8786° W.

people allowed on 20 of 26 sites: 8
people allowed on each of the 6 largest sites: 15

Observatory Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 4 (19 sites)Oct 5 (23 sites)Oct 6 (23 sites)

19 sites open on Oct 4 at Observatory Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 21:02 UTC.

Campsites at Observatory Campground

35689101113171924252628293033343940

Standard 26
Accessible 3

What an RV fits

12 ft1 site
30 ft1 site
35 ft2 sites

Amenities

restrooms
showers
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: hiking, photography, stargazing.

All sites at Observatory Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the OBSERVATORY CAMPGROUND loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
001/002	Standard	15	-	-
003	Standard	8	-	Accessible
005	Standard	8	-	-
006	Standard	8	-	-
008	Standard	8	-	-
009	Standard	8	-	-
010	Standard	8	-	-
011	Standard	8	-	-
013	Standard	8	-	-
017	Standard	8	-	-
019	Standard	8	-	-
021/022	Standard	15	-	-
024	Standard	8	-	-

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV	Access
025	Standard	8	-	-
026	Standard	8	-	-
028	Standard	8	-	Accessible
029	Standard	8	-	-
030	Standard	8	-	-
031/032	Standard	15	-	-
033	Standard	8	-	-
034	Standard	8	-	-
035/036	Standard	15	12 ft	Accessible
037/038	Standard	15	30 ft	-
039	Standard	8	-	-
040	Standard	8	35 ft	-
041/042	Standard	15	35 ft	-

About Observatory Campground

Overview

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. Hiking, biking and picnicking can be found nearby.

Recreation

An exciting amateur astronomy project, Explore the Stars, occurs at the campground on several weekends each summer. A group of amateur astronomers from all across Southern California shares the beauty and awe of the night sky to more than a hundred non-astronomers at the campground. Visitors can also walk a 2.25-mile trail to the observatory itself.

Day hiking, biking, picnicking and scenic driving are available in the area. The campground makes a good base camp for visiting Palomar Mountain State Park and exploring the surrounding forest.

Facilities

The campground is organized around one large loop with parking spurs for each campsite. Several sites are equipped with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their telescopes. The sites can accommodate vehicles up to 32 feet in length.

Drinking water, coin-operated showers (peak season only), grills, trash cans, campfire rings, picnic tables, a flush toilet (peak season only) and two vault toilets are provided.

Natural Features

The campground sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet in the Palomar Mountains of Southern California. The site is forested with pine and oak trees, though several sites have been cleared to allow campers a wide view of the night sky.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park and under a two-hour drive from San Diego, California. A general store with basic necessities is down the road.

Rules and notices at Observatory Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Observatory Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Contact campground or Palomar Observatory for schedule of summer special events

Campground and reservations subject to inclement weather. This campground will close temporarily during major winter weather events.

Be sure to check current area fire restrictions prior to visiting this, or any campground. Conditions frequently exist which prohibit the use of wood and charcoal fires. Please contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250 or visit here for updated information.

Click here to learn more about Cleveland National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Observatory Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Observatory Campground?

Observatory Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 26 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Observatory Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Observatory Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Observatory Campground have?

Observatory Campground has 26 campsites.