The location was good, close to the bathrooms, and had a nice flat spot for our tent. It is adjacent to site number 25 with no privacy whatsoever. This didn't bother us as there was no one camping there. The minute we stepped out of the car we knew we'd made a mistake. The bugs were simply unbearable. We had taken bug spray and that kept them from biting but they were in constant swarms around you no matter where you went.
If you were in the hot sun they were much better, but they were horrible at the campsite and on the trails. They seemed to be little black flies with some mosquitoes. But far worse than the flying bugs were the bees. There was a nest in the ground right between our site and Everytime we had food or water out they were in a huge swarm around us. Rangers came around rarely, but when we finally saw one in another part of the park, we mentioned the bees.
We didn't even have to tell him which site because he already knew. This told us that others had complained. However no one showed up to do anything about it. For someone who is allergic to bees, this could be deadly as it would take a very long time to get medical attention at the top of the mountain. I'm sure they believe in the "live and let live" philosophy, but in this case it could be a dangerous situation.
Perhaps other times of the year the bugs are better. For us it made staying there impossible. We had reservations for two days but left after one.
The trails in the park were nice and very well cared for. If you could stand the bugs, the scenery was great and the trails were very well marked. I suggest taking firewood with you if possible. They have a rule against gathering wood and the ranger station was closed so impossible to buy wood there.
I think they probably staff it in the summer or on the weekends. We were able to pick up some wood at the little store at the outside of the park.
Also take citronella candles or some sort of bug balm. Perhaps that would have made our stay more enjoyable. None of that was available at the store. Also take quarters for the showers. It was unfortunate that the bugs were bad as I think we would have really enjoyed our stay. The scenery around the park was beautiful.
Be sure to go to the observation deck at the top. The view was incredible. Observatory Camping and Hiking. Great location outside of San Diego and beautiful scenery of giant pine trees with pine cones the size of your head! We stayed a Fri and Sat night at campsite 9. It was a great campsite with lots of space. There was some shade except in the late afternoon.
There are a lot of other spots with no shade at all or complete shade. This site had a little ravine which is good for kids to climb and play in but also bad if you have a little one like we did. Kids in our group played with kids at the campsite across the ravine at Our spot was enough away from the crowd in the center that we weren't bothered by much noise.
The site was located on the opposite side of the flush toilets which made for a bit of a walk if you wanted running water or a shower but it bead manageable. There are also 2 bathrooms with pit toilets close by which came in handy in the middle if the night.
There is a volunteer camp host on site but we never saw her. The trash cans stayed full the entire weekend but at least they didn't overflow. We hiked the Observatory Trail one way from the Observatory back to the campsite.
It is a really nice hike and great for kids. We had a small one so opted for the one way hike which is about 2 miles. We really liked the campground and want to go back. Next time we hope to explore the trails around Duane Pond. Celebrated my birthday at Cedar Grove group camp site 1 which is fully developed more than the other sites. We had some first timers and experts in our group who were all happy. Concrete fire pit with cobblestone and slate surround.
Huge deck with picnic tables and bench seating along the side. Tons more space than we ever needed. Be aware of the time because we were warned by the ranger of our volume after hours. For mid-june, very foggy weather. Hard to see and feel confident which way you were going. Bring plenty of firewood and extra clothes to keep warm at night. We had camp site 3.
This site has several steps down from the parking spaces to the site. The site also could only fit our large Coleman tent 14'x12', but we could fit no other tents. It was a site with good privacy.
If you have a bigger group and need two sites, 3 and 5 are adjoined closely. Family events are fishing in Doane Pond and hiking the trails. The short nature hike starts at the campground and ends up at the pond. All these spots are walking distance from site 3 in the campground. We did experience a few bugs, but hey, this is nature.
Detracting from a lot of beauty in the park is the burn-out areas from recent wildfires, but it is still a refreshing location to which we will surely return. Showing results of Timothy F. Sorry this took so long.
Read all replies. Jessica J 2 contributions. Hey I'm looking to stay at a camp site on palomar mountain. Which site 's are the best? Great view? I didn't get a chance to go to the campsites; I stayed at the picnic area. I'm sure someone else will be able to help you. I definitely need to go back. Have a great stay! Add a reply. Is it possible to have 2 vehicles when max says 1?
The camp sight says its for 8 people, yet only allows one car? DebMurphy57 Clayton, NC 80 contributions. I'm not sure since we were just day visitors. You can call for park information. Michael A Beaumont, CA contributions. Elizabeth J. I did not see any "no dogs" signs.
Although with the nature of the observatory I doubt dogs other than service dogs would be allowed inside. I would definately stay on the trails with a dog. You can call for information regarding pets. Shawn W. Is this a good place for a total novice to bring a 4 year old girl? Upcoming Park Events No events scheduled at this moment. From Highway 76, either of two roads can be used to reach the park. Vista: Parks from Ridge to River.
California State Parks Kid's Safari. Park Regulations. Campsites are limited to 2 vehicles. All juveniles must be in their own campsite at PM. Quiet hours are from PM to AM. Visitors are not allowed between to AM Generators may be operated in the park between the hours of Am and PM. Campsites are limited to 8 people maximum and is designed for individual family use.
Parking is allowed in designated camping and day-use parking spaces. Parking off road is prohibited. Vehicle speed limit in the campground is 15 mph maximum. Dogs must be on a leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed on trails. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited beyond your campsite. Bicycles are restricted to the pavement and approved trails. Helmets are required for those under 18 years old while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
Campfires are permitted in provided fire rings only. Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance station and camphost sites. Wood gathering is prohibited.
All State Park features natural and cultural are protected. Disturbance or destruction of these resources is strictly prohibited. Visitor Center and Gift Shop will be on your right. We've answered many common visiting, media, and academic questions in our public FAQ page.
Please share your feedback on this page at the COO Feedback portal. Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by Caltech , and administered by Caltech Optical Observatories.
Map of Southern California and Palomar Observatory. County Road S6 is a mountain road with many curves. Please drive carefully. Watch for fog, fallen rocks on the road , especially during and immediately after rainfall. Winter storms usually mean snow and icy conditions on Palomar and generally, in these circumstances, tire chains are required by the Highway Patrol.
Again, please drive with caution. The Observatory will be closed in the event of hazardous travel conditions.
0コメント