Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

4.44

48 reviews

19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Reservations open fr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

31 campsites

Season

Reservations open fr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

$20.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsites cost $40 per night. Seniors (age 62+) pay $38 per night, while Disabled Discount Pass holders pay $20 per night. An extra vehicle...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$130.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

760-742-3462interp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 48 reviews

856 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the park's serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and diverse activities. Some complain about bugs and lack of cell service, while others enjoy the escape from digital communication."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060

Driving directionsFrom Highway 76, either of two roads can be used to reach the park. The one from Rincon Springs (County Road S6) is scenic but rather steep and winding. County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw is longer, but its gentle grade makes it more suitable for heavily loaded vehicles and those pulling trailers.

Road access quality varies between County Road S6, which is steep and winding, and County Road S7, which has a gentler grade and is more suitable for trailers. Neither route has gas stations along the mountain path.

Nearby places

Escondido (33 miles, ~1 hour), San Diego (~75 miles, ~1.5 hours), Oceanside (approximately 60 miles, ~1.2 hours).

Nearby supplies

No gas stations on Palomar Mountain

limited supplies available at Palomar Mountain General Store (~2 miles from the park entrance). Larger grocery stores and fuel stations in Escondido (~33 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

Experience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise, where summer days warm to a comfortable 80°F, perfect for hiking and exploring without the scorching heat of the valleys below. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland, with occasional snowfall and crisp temperatures that can dip below 30°F, creating cozy nights around the campfire. Spring awakens the meadows with wildflowers and gentle breezes, while autumn paints the deciduous trees in golden hues against the evergreen backdrop.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers comfortable ~80°F weather, lush vegetation and favored by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall has moderate weather and fewer crowds; scenery still appealing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower meadows and good weather; popular season with higher visitation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park sees winter snow and attracts visitors, but services/routes may be limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations open from April 1 to November 30. First-come, first-serve camping available from December 1 to March 31.
Current Alerts: Current firewood restrictions prohibit bringing oak firewood due to pest threats. Firewood available for purchase.

About Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

Escape to Doane Valley Campground, where 31 thoughtfully designed sites await beneath a canopy of towering conifers in Palomar Mountain State Park. This family-friendly mountain retreat welcomes both tent campers and trailer enthusiasts to experience the magic of camping among ancient forests and wildflower meadows. Each site serves as your personal basecamp, complete with a sturdy table for evening card games, a crackling fire ring for s'mores and stories, a barbecue for grilling fresh catches, and a secure food locker to keep your provisions safe from curious wildlife.

Palomar Mountain State Park Campground provides a variety of camping options, including family campsites and group sites. The environment is ideal for tent camping and small RV setups.

Historical SignificanceCamp on ancestral Luiseño lands, where centuries of indigenous stewardship shaped these mountain ecosystems. Discover layers of history along the legendary Nate Harrison Grade Road, once traveled by one of the region's first African American homesteaders. Throughout the park, weathered foundations and forgotten orchards whisper stories of early settlers who tried to tame this rugged landscape, leaving behind intriguing remnants of their mountain dreams.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons in this mountain paradise, where summer days warm to a comfortable 80°F, perfect for hiking and exploring without the scorching heat of the valleys below. Winter transforms the landscape into a potential wonderland, with occasional snowfall and crisp temperatures that can dip below 30°F, creating cozy nights around the campfire. Spring awakens the meadows with wildflowers and gentle breezes, while autumn paints the deciduous trees in golden hues against the evergreen backdrop.

ElevationPerched at a refreshing 5,000 feet above sea level, Doane Valley offers a natural air conditioning system that delivers cool, pine-scented evenings even when summer heat grips the lowlands. This mile-high sanctuary provides the perfect escape, where afternoon clouds drift through camp and nighttime temperatures invite you to zip up your sleeping bag and drift off to the symphony of mountain sounds.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into Southern California's best-kept secret—a landscape that transports you to the Sierra Nevada without the long drive north. Majestic pines, firs, and cedars create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Mountain meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers, while nearby Doane Pond reflects the sky and offers anglers the chance to cast for stocked trout in its peaceful waters.

Geological RegionDiscover an unexpected alpine oasis crowning Palomar Mountain in northern San Diego County, where ancient geological forces lifted this 5,000-foot sky island above the surrounding desert and chaparral. This remarkable elevation creates a unique microclimate supporting lush coniferous forests more commonly found hundreds of miles north, offering visitors a rare glimpse of Sierra Nevada-style landscapes just an hour from the coast.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group campsites accommodate 15-25 people and allow trailers up to 21 feet in length. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground layout includes 31 individual sites and three group campsites. Sites are nestled among trees, providing shade and privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReserve California website and hotline (800-444-7275).

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from December 1 to March 31. First-come, first-serve sites may fill quickly during weekends or holidays.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through Reserve California. Specific deadlines and penalties vary based on the reservation date.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include designated accessible campsites with firm pad surfaces, accessible tables, and accessible restrooms. Some areas, such as shower controls, may require assistance.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate small to medium setups; some sites are described as being on slopes, so visitors are advised to check site dimensions and layouts.

PrivacySites offer moderate privacy with natural foliage providing separation; however, noise from neighbors can be an issue, as mentioned in user reviews.

Total Campsites31 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with flat terrain for tents if possible; some campsites are sloped.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Palomar Mountain State Park offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and historical exploration. The park's unique elevation provides panoramic views and diverse ecosystems, enhancing recreational opportunities.

HikingThe park features multiple hiking trails, such as the Doane Valley Nature Trail, Boucher Trail, and Cedar Trail. Trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of forests, meadows, and historical sites like Scott's Cabin. "Stopping by the fire lookout tower is a must," according to user reviews.

FishingFishing is available year-round at Doane Pond, primarily for trout. Anglers over 16 require a California fishing license. The pond is stocked by the Department of Fish and Game, but native trout populations in nearby creeks are protected.

Wildlife viewingThe park is a haven for birders, featuring species such as western bluebirds and red-shouldered hawks. Sightings of gray foxes, coyotes, and southern mule deer are common. One user described observing wild turkeys during their visit.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive programs and Junior Ranger activities are offered seasonally, focusing on local wildlife and ecosystems.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBeware of poison oak, ticks, and abundant flying insects (flies, gnats, mosquitoes).

Active AlertsCurrent firewood restrictions prohibit bringing oak firewood due to pest threats. Firewood available for purchase.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite to protect against wildlife.

Fire PolicyFires permitted only in designated fire rings; portable stoves allowed in specific areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals in Escondido (~33 miles away), police stations, and ranger stations located within the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, encouraging visitors to keep the park clean and protect wildlife by securely storing food and waste.

Water FeaturesDoane Pond, located nearby, offers trout fishing opportunities.

Camp HostCamp hosts are not consistently visible but wood sales may be available at their site.

Weather at Palomar Mountain State Park Campground

Reviews

4.4

48 reviews

Recommended

Palomar Mountain State Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and diverse activities. Some complain about bugs and lack of cell service, while others enjoy the escape from digital communication.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the clean restrooms, scenic views, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife observation. Many users emphasize the freshness of the mountain air and cooler temperatures.

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the prevalence of bugs (flies, mosquitoes, ticks), poorly marked trails, and occasional noisy neighbors. Sites are described as small, with some situated on slopes.

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest arriving early for parking, bringing bug spray, and purchasing firewood on-site. Glasses or head nets are recommended to deter flies. Hiking boots and printed maps are also advised.

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is favored for its manageable temperatures and lush vegetation, while winter attracts visitors for snow-covered landscapes. Spring and fall offer moderate weather and fewer crowds.

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The wildlife, both plant and animal, is enough to refresh and recharge you after a long week," noted Morgan Twiddy. "Stopping by the fire lookout tower is a must," echoed Frank Grippo in his review.

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 8, 9, 16, 26, 29, and 30 are considered the best by user reviews due to their spaciousness and scenic locations.

Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include designated campsites and restrooms, although some elements like shower controls may require assistance.

Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted in the campground but must be leashed and confined to tents or vehicles at night. Dogs are prohibited on hiking trails to protect wildlife.

Based on 48 reviews

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