Crestline Group Campground

For Californians planning large group outings, whether it’s a family reunion, a church retreat, or a social gathering, finding a suitable and accommodating campground can be a challenge. Crestline Group Campground, nestled on the scenic Palomar Mountain, offers a dedicated and convenient solution. Reopened in May 2025 after reconstruction, this site is specifically designed to host groups of up to 50 people, providing a tranquil mountain setting with essential amenities for a memorable collective experience.

Crestline Group Campground is more than just a collection of campsites; it's a designated space within the Cleveland National Forest, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and practical facilities for large parties. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,390 feet, it’s surrounded by a variety of majestic trees including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir, and Live Oak, creating a serene and forested environment. While some past visitors have noted the presence of gnats, especially during certain times, the overall consensus is that it's a "great area" and a "cool place to stop and visit," particularly with a fire pit available for evening use.

This overview aims to provide comprehensive and factual information about Crestline Group Campground. We will detail its strategic location and accessibility on Palomar Mountain, outline the services and amenities specifically tailored for group use, and highlight the features that make it an ideal choice for collective gatherings. Our goal is to equip local Californians with all the necessary details to plan a successful and enjoyable group camping trip, emphasizing why Crestline Group Campground is perfectly suited for fostering shared memories in the beautiful San Diego mountain region.

Crestline Group Campground is located at Summit Cir, E Grade Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA. This places it on the summit of Palomar Mountain within the Cleveland National Forest, a renowned natural area in San Diego County. Its elevation of approximately 5,390 feet offers cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands and provides a true mountain forest experience.

Accessibility to Crestline Group Campground is well-managed for groups arriving from various parts of California. From San Diego, visitors typically follow U.S. Highway 15 north to State Highway 76, then proceed east to County Road S6. Taking S6 north leads directly to the top of Palomar Mountain, where the group campground is conveniently located at the junction of County Roads S6 and S7. This route, while winding and scenic, is suitable for RVs with a maximum length of 27 feet. For heavier vehicles or those pulling larger trailers, County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw is often recommended as it has a gentler grade. The drive from San Diego is usually under two hours, making it a feasible weekend trip for many Californians. From the greater Los Angeles area, the drive typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and starting point.

The campground's location on Palomar Mountain also means excellent proximity to significant local attractions. It's adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park, offering extensive hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities. Crucially, it's also a popular recreation site for visitors heading to the Palomar Observatory, a world-class center of astronomical research. This blend of natural recreation and scientific interest adds a unique dimension to any group outing. While nestled in a natural setting, the campground is part of a well-traveled mountain area, with amenities available in nearby communities for essential supplies. However, it's always wise to arrive prepared with all necessary provisions, especially considering the mountain environment.

Services Offered

• Group Capacity: Designed to accommodate large gatherings of up to 50 people.
• Vault Toilets: Accessible vault toilets are provided for convenience.
• Potable Water: Available on-site for drinking and general use.
• Picnic Tables: Several picnic tables are available within the campground and cooking area.
• Fire Pit/Fire Ring: A large fire pit is available for communal campfires, perfect for evening gatherings. (Note: Always check current fire restrictions with the Palomar Ranger District before visiting, as conditions often prohibit wood and charcoal fires).
• Accessible Site Features: The reconstruction enhanced accessibility for trails, camp pads, and the group kitchen.
• Parking: Accommodates RVs up to 27 feet in length. Specific parking available for the group.
• No Electricity: The campground does not offer electrical hookups.
• Food Lockers: Likely provided to deter wildlife, although not explicitly stated, common for group sites. (Confirm on arrival).

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Group Site: As the sole group campground within the Palomar Ranger District, it offers a unique and highly requested recreational opportunity for large parties.
• Forested Setting: Located in a wooded area with mature trees like Black Oak, Cedar, and Fir, providing shade and a natural ambiance.
• High Elevation: Sits at approximately 5,390 feet, offering cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air.
• Proximity to Palomar Observatory: An ideal base camp for visiting the world-renowned Palomar Observatory, a highlight for science enthusiasts and stargazers.
• Adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park: Offers easy access to extensive hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and additional recreational activities within the State Park.
• Open Space for Activities: Features plenty of open space suitable for stargazing and group activities.
• Convenient Pit Stop: Even if not camping overnight, it's noted as a "cool place to stop and visit" for a picnic or break.
• Newly Reconstructed: Recently reopened (May 2025) with enhanced infrastructure and improved accessibility, ensuring a better visitor experience.
• Star-Gazing Opportunities: The mountain location away from city lights provides excellent conditions for viewing the night sky.

Contact Information

Address: Summit Cir, E Grade Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA

Phone: (877) 833-6777 (Reservations via Recreation.gov)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-833-6777 (Reservations via Recreation.gov)

For current information or fire restrictions, contact the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250 or via email: SM.FS.PalomarRD@usda.gov.

Crestline Group Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for local Californians, especially those coordinating large gatherings, due to its unique combination of dedicated group facilities, stunning natural setting, and strategic location. For Californians looking to host a memorable family reunion, scout troop adventure, church retreat, or any significant social event in an outdoor setting, this campground specifically caters to their needs with its capacity for up to 50 people. The recent reconstruction and focus on improved accessibility further enhance its appeal, ensuring a comfortable experience for all members of the group.

The location on Palomar Mountain offers a significant draw. The cooler mountain temperatures provide a welcome respite during California's warmer months, while the forested environment creates a serene backdrop for group activities. Proximity to the Palomar Observatory offers a unique educational and awe-inspiring experience, allowing groups to combine their outdoor adventure with a visit to a world-class scientific landmark. Similarly, direct access to Palomar Mountain State Park means endless opportunities for group hikes, nature walks, and picnicking, fostering shared outdoor experiences.

While some visitors have noted the presence of gnats, particularly at certain times, this is a common occurrence in natural environments and can often be mitigated with appropriate repellents and planning (e.g., evenings around a fire pit). The presence of amenities like accessible vault toilets, potable water, and a large fire pit ensures basic comforts for a large group. Ultimately, Crestline Group Campground provides a convenient, scenic, and dedicated space for Californians to gather, create lasting memories, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the San Diego mountains, making it an ideal choice for any group seeking an unforgettable outdoor retreat.

Crestline Group Campground

Summit Cir, E Grade Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA