Cedar Grove Group Campground

For Californians seeking an enriching and well-equipped group camping experience, Cedar Grove Group Campground, nestled within the majestic Palomar Mountain State Park in Pauma Valley, stands as an exceptional choice. This campground is celebrated for its ability to combine the rugged beauty of a mountain setting with the essential comforts that make group outings enjoyable and manageable. Unlike some more rustic options, Cedar Grove provides "running water and flush toilets," amenities that significantly enhance the camping experience for any group, from scout troops to large family gatherings.

Palomar Mountain State Park itself offers a distinct environment, providing a "Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere" with its towering coniferous forests, including large pine, fir, and cedar trees, a rare find in Southern California. This elevation and lush greenery contribute to cooler temperatures, making it a refreshing escape during warmer months. Cedar Grove Group Campground specifically caters to larger parties, offering three separate group sites. Group Camp 1 can accommodate up to 25 people and allows trailers/camper vans up to 21 feet, while the other two sites are suitable for up to 15 people each and are designated for tent camping only. This flexibility ensures that groups of various sizes and preferences can find a suitable spot.

Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the campground and the quality of its facilities. Visitors praise the "clean" conditions and the presence of "grills on the fire pits," making meal preparation convenient and enjoyable. Beyond the practicalities, Cedar Grove Group Campground is an ideal base for outdoor adventures. As one happy camper noted, "There's a great hike from the campground up to the fire watch tower, with great views." This combination of comfort, natural beauty, and exciting recreational opportunities makes Cedar Grove Group Campground a premier destination for local Californians looking to create memorable group experiences in the great outdoors.

Cedar Grove Group Campground is located within Palomar Mountain State Park, at an address typically associated with the park: 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar, CA 92060, USA, falling under the broader Pauma Valley, CA 92061, USA designation. This prime location places it high in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, offering stunning vistas and a distinctly elevated, forested environment that contrasts sharply with the drier lowlands surrounding it.

For locals in Southern California, particularly from San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties, accessing Palomar Mountain State Park and Cedar Grove is a scenic and manageable journey. The park is typically reached via Highway 76, then a winding but well-maintained route up Highway S-6, followed by a left onto Highway S-7 which leads directly into the park entrance. While the mountain roads are known for their curves and elevation gain, they are suitable for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers (with length restrictions for some sites within Cedar Grove). It's important to note that there are no gas stations directly on Palomar Mountain, so it's advisable to fill up before ascending.

Once inside Palomar Mountain State Park, Cedar Grove Group Campground is clearly signposted. Its elevated position (around 5,000 feet) provides not only cooler temperatures but also spectacular panoramic views. The park is open from 8 AM to sunset daily, with reservations for camping highly recommended, especially during peak season, given its popularity. This accessibility, combined with the feeling of being truly "away from it all" in a Sierra Nevada-like setting, makes Cedar Grove an ideal and convenient natural escape for Californians looking to immerse their groups in a pristine mountain environment.

• Group Campsites: Three distinct group areas are available: Group Camp #1 (accommodates up to 25 people and trailers/camper vans up to 21 feet), and Group Camps #2 and #3 (each accommodates up to 15 people for tent camping only).
• Running Water: Potable running water is available at the campground, ensuring convenience for cooking and hygiene.
• Flush Toilets: Clean restrooms with flush toilets are provided, offering a significant comfort upgrade from many other campgrounds.
• Picnic Tables: Each group site comes equipped with multiple picnic tables to facilitate group dining and activities.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Fire pits with grills are available at each site, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Parking: Ample parking space is provided, with one reviewer noting "room to park 5 cars at our site" (though specific limits may vary per group site, e.g., Group Camp #1 includes 10 vehicles, others 5).
• Accessible Features: One accessible site and restroom are available within the Cedar Grove Group Campground.
• Designated Smoking Areas: Specific smoking areas are designated within the park for safety.
• Generators: Generator use is permitted within the park between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
• Wood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the entrance station and from camp hosts.
• Youth Camps: The park is a popular location for various youth camps, highlighting its suitability for structured group activities.

• Fantastic Group Site: Specifically designed to accommodate larger groups, making it an excellent choice for scout troops, youth organizations, and family reunions.
• Clean and Well-Maintained: Consistently praised in reviews for its "clean" facilities, including restrooms with "running water and flush toilets," enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Proximity to Fire Watch Tower: Offers direct access to a "great hike" up to the historic Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower, providing "great views" of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and even the ocean on clear days.
• Sierra Nevada-Like Atmosphere: Experience the unique beauty of a coniferous forest at 5,000 feet elevation, a refreshing contrast to Southern California's typical dry landscapes.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Palomar Mountain is renowned for its clear, dark night skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. The famous Palomar Observatory is also nearby.
• Abundant Hiking Trails: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, from leisurely walks around Doane Pond (stocked with trout) to more vigorous climbs, suitable for different fitness levels. Dogs are not allowed on trails.
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: Opportunities to observe various bird species and other wildlife in a protected natural environment.
• Year-Round Camping: The campground is open year-round, allowing for seasonal experiences including wildflowers in spring and occasional snow in winter.
• Historic Significance: The area has a rich history, from Native American presence to early settlers and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) who built many of the park's trails and facilities.
• Educational Programs: During summer, the park often offers guided nature walks and campfire programs to learn more about the area's natural and cultural history.

Address: Palomar Mountain State Park, 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar, CA 92060, USA (This is the park's physical address, where Cedar Grove Group Campground is located.)

Phone for Palomar Mountain State Park: (760) 742-3462

Reservations: Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Cedar Grove Group Campground within Palomar Mountain State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in California, particularly those residing in the bustling Southern California region. Its distinct "Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere" provides a unique and refreshing escape to a coniferous forest at a higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures and a dramatic change of scenery not commonly found in the surrounding lowlands. This makes it an ideal retreat during warmer months or a magical snowy wonderland in winter, all within a manageable drive from major urban centers.

For Californian families, scout troops, and other large groups, Cedar Grove's design is a significant advantage. The spacious group sites, complete with "running water, flush toilets," picnic tables, and "grills on the fire pits," simplify the logistics of group camping, allowing organizers to focus more on the experience and less on basic necessities. This level of comfort is a huge draw for those who appreciate outdoor immersion without sacrificing essential conveniences.

The array of activities available directly from the campground further enhances its appeal for locals. The opportunity to embark on a "great hike from the campground up to the fire watch tower," offering "great views" of the landscape stretching to the ocean, is a compelling reason to visit. Furthermore, Palomar Mountain's renowned dark skies provide unparalleled "stargazing" opportunities, a truly awe-inspiring experience often unavailable in light-polluted urban areas. The proximity to the world-famous Palomar Observatory adds an educational and engaging dimension to any trip.

In summary, Cedar Grove Group Campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and exciting recreational opportunities tailored for group experiences. Its accessibility, combined with the serene yet adventurous spirit of Palomar Mountain State Park, makes it a premier choice for Californians seeking to connect with nature, build community, and create lasting memories in a truly special part of their home state.

Cedar Grove Group Campground

Pauma Valley, CA 92061, USA