Palomar's Star Power

Camp at Observatory Campground on Palomar Mountain

07.17.2015

Palomar Mountain State Park in northern San Diego is like having a friend in a high place. There are perks to be had! The 6,138-foot namesake mountain offers cooler temps during the hot summer, and a way-up-there campground brings you even closer to the stars—and closer to one of the most famous observatories in the world! The Observatory Campground is just 2.2 miles from the Palomar Observatory … accessed via the (you guessed it) Observatory Trail.

The campground has a total of 42 sites (including 10 first-come, first-served sites) for those who prefer open meadows as well as those looking to sleep tucked into the oak-canopied forest. Budding astronomers will be happy to know there are several telescope-friendly sites, designated by paved cement squares positioned near the meadow. Pitch your tent, then hike to the observatory and check out the three massive telescopes, including the 200-foot Hale Telescope. Afterwards, hike back down to camp and count your lucky stars—now that you've also seen them up close.

BONUS: Palomar Observatory hosts some summer Star Parties.

Here's a map to the Observatory Campground. Reservations are essential, and summer is very popular. There are 10 first-come, first served sites, and summer is very popular so you're going to have to go early and get lucky. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View