Palomar Mountain SP

The campgrounds at Palomar Mountain State Park are now open. You can make reservations through Reserve America at http://www.reserveamerica.com/.

Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, no oak firewood will be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park.   Wood can be purchased at the park or you can bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.

To find out more about this pest, please go to http://ucanr.org/sites/gsobinfo/

The beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern San Diego County, high atop the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The park features camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond. Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the dry lowlands surrounding the mountain.

Elevation within the park averages 5,000 feet above sea level, making evenings cool even during the summer. A number of vista points offer spectacular panoramic views both westerly toward the ocean and inland toward the desert, particularly from Boucher Hill Summit, which has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peaks Section" since first published in 1946. There, you'll also find the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout.

The park is open from dawn 'til dusk daily. Reservations are highly recommended for camping during peak season. Day use fees are $8.00 per vehicle, cash or check only. Trails are open to foot traffic only, and dogs and mountain bikes are not allowed on trails. Please note that there are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain.  For more information, visit http://www.palomarsp.org/

Location-Directions
From 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. Please note that there are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain. If you're using GoogleMaps or MapQuest, the park's physical address is: 19952 State Park Rd. Palomar CA 92060.