Observatory Campground
Cleveland National Forest
Official page checked Oct 23; last changed Sep 30.
Open (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026).
Forest Order 02-26-10 allows a campfire at this developed site through Dec 31, 2026. The campfire ban still applies outside the listed sites.
- Road
- Max rig length 32 ft (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Gate
- Gate: Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- Water
- Water: Boil Water Advisory – Fry Creek & Observatory Campgrounds The Forest Service has issued a Boil Water Advisory for both Fry Creek Campground and Observatory Campground. All drinking water should be boiled for at least one minute before use (including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes). (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Fees
- $15 a night (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Fire rules
- Fire rules: Forest Order 02-26-10 allows a campfire at this developed site through Dec 31, 2026. The ban applies outside the listed sites. (Forest Service, Jun 12, 2026)
- Sites
- 28 sites (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- Toilets
- Toilets: Observatory Campground shower facilities are closed until further notice. Flush Toilet, Vault Toilet (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Trash
- Not listed
Recent reports
No approved community reports yet.
From Holoholo
Phone: 760-788-0250
No closure listed.
- alert: Boil Water Advisory – Fry Creek & Observatory Campgrounds The Forest Service has issued a Boil Water Advisory for both Fry Creek Campground and Observatory Campground. What Visitors Need to Know: • All drinking water should be boiled for at least one minute before use (including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes). • Observatory Campground shower facilities are closed until further notice. • Recreational staff have posted on‑site notices at all spigots and shower units. (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Toilets: Observatory Campground shower facilities are closed until further notice. Flush Toilet, Vault Toilet (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- directions: The closest address to the campground is 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, California. The campground is about 2 miles north of this address along Canfield Road. From Los Angeles, California, drive south on I-15 to State Highway 76. Go east on 76 for approximately 20 miles and turn left onto South Grade Road (County Road S6). Follow to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Road/Canfield Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right i… (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- Fees: Fees: $15/night for single unit, $30/night for double unit, $5/night for extra vehicle. A Forest Adventure Pass is required for day use, but is not required for camping. (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- $15 a night (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Fire rules: Forest Order 02-26-10 allows a campfire at this developed site through Dec 31, 2026. The ban applies outside the listed sites. (Forest Service, Jun 12, 2026)
- Gate: Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- Status: Open (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Pass: Adventure Pass required (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Phone: 760-788-0250 (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- Booking: Reserve ahead (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- shade: yes (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- 28 sites (Recreation.gov, Feb 25, 2026)
- status banner: Site Open (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
- Water: Boil Water Advisory – Fry Creek & Observatory Campgrounds The Forest Service has issued a Boil Water Advisory for both Fry Creek Campground and Observatory Campground. All drinking water should be boiled for at least one minute before use (including drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes). (Forest Service, Sep 30, 2026)
Official page
The agency’s own page for this camp.
Drive time
Campground location 33.34278, -116.87640.