Doane Valley Campground
Doane Valley Campground is in Palomar Mountain State Park on the west side of Palomar Mountain, not far from the observatory.
The park is known for its large pine, cedar and fir trees, reminding visitors of the Sierra Nevada. From Highway 76 take either County Road S6 for a steep and scenic approach, or S7 from Lake Henshaw (17 miles) for a gentler grade. Campers enjoy walking to Doane Pond to fish and hiking to the summit of Boucher Hill where they gain wonderful vistas of the desert to the southeast and the ocean to the west.
With an average elevation of 5,000 feet, the park is cool in the evenings.Some sites at Doane Valley Campground are tent-only. Doane Valley Campground also has a Hike and Bike site. Nearby is a Cedar Grove Group Campground.
Reservations become available 7 months in advance. Campsites are released in blocks of one month at a time on the first of each month, usually at 8 AM Pacific Time.
| Doane Valley Campground Basics |
| Doane Valley Campground Location: |
east of Escondido on Palomar Mountain |
| Elevation: |
4,700 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: |
79 miles northeast of San Diego - 1:40
63 miles east of Escondido - 1:20 |
| Number of Campsites: |
31 |
| Camping Season: |
Open May 1 - October 3l, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: |
8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: |
1 vehicle |
| Pets: |
On leash, always attended |
| Operated by: |
California State Parks |
| Campground Information: |
(760) 742-3462 |
| Reservations for Doane Valley Campground |
| Reservations available: |
for camping dates from April through November.
A few sites may be reserved year-round |
| Booking Window: |
Reservations may be made from 2 days up to 7 months in advance of arrival.
Dates are released in 1-month blocks on the first of each month. |
| Maximum RV/Trailer Length: |
Rvs 27 feet, Trailers 24 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: |
#4, #7 |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: |
Palomar Mountain SP Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Fees: |
$40 per night |
| Check-in, check-out: |
2:00 PM, Noon |
| Doane Valley Campground Amenities |
| Campsites: |
Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups |
| Campground: |
Flush and vault toilets, tap water, campfire circle |
| Showers: |
Yes, coin or token operated |
| Dump station: |
no |
| Attractions near Doane Valley Campground: |
Hike to nearby Doane Pond. Head up to the summit of Boucher Hill. Follow the Doane Valley Nature Trail. Visit Palomar Observatory. |
Cedar Grove Group Campground
Cedar Grove Group Campground is located west of the Doane Valley Campground.
The campground has one large group site for between 9 and 25 people, along with 10 vehicles. It also has two smaller tent-only sites for groups between 9 and 15 people. These sites each have room for 5 vehicles.
The campground has restrooms with flush toilets, showers, tap water, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Reservations: Cedar Grove Group Campground
Fees: large site $130, smaller sites $90
Hike & Bike Campsite
A Hike & Bike campsite is for one-night, transient use by hikers and cyclists as they pass through the park. Anyone planning on using these primitive sites should call ahead to be sure of their availability. Fees are $5 a person.
