Crestline Group Campsite

For Californians organizing large family gatherings, church retreats, scout troop outings, or any substantial social event, finding a dedicated and accommodating outdoor venue is crucial. Crestline Group Campsite, situated on the majestic Palomar Mountain, offers an exceptional solution. Recently reconstructed and reopened in May 2025, this site is specifically designed to host groups of up to 50 people, providing a unique blend of natural serenity and essential facilities for a seamless and memorable collective experience.

Crestline Group Campsite is much more than just a place to set up tents; it's a specialized facility within the Cleveland National Forest that caters specifically to the needs of large parties. Nestled at an elevation of approximately 5,390 feet, the campground is surrounded by a diverse array of mature trees, including Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir, and Live Oak, which create a peaceful and deeply forested environment. While past visitors have occasionally noted the presence of gnats, particularly during certain seasons, the overwhelming sentiment is that it's a "great area" and a "cool place to stop and visit," especially with the central fire pit offering a perfect spot for evening camaraderie.

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

Crestline Group Campsite is located at Summit Cir, E Grade Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060, USA. This address places it squarely on the summit of Palomar Mountain, a prominent and cherished natural landmark within the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County. The campground's elevation of approximately 5,390 feet ensures cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands and provides a genuine high-mountain forest experience.

Accessibility to Crestline Group Campsite is designed to accommodate groups traveling by various means, including RVs up to 27 feet in length. From San Diego, the most common route involves taking U.S. Highway 15 north to State Highway 76, then proceeding east to County Road S6. Following 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, though scenic with typical mountain curves, is generally well-maintained. For those with larger or heavier vehicles, County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw offers a more gradual ascent. The drive from downtown San Diego is typically under two hours, making it an ideal choice for a convenient weekend escape or an extended retreat. From the greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas, the journey usually spans between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic, providing a manageable distance for a mountain getaway.

The campsite's strategic location on Palomar Mountain offers excellent proximity to several significant attractions. It is adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park, which boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, biking routes, and picturesque picnic areas. Furthermore, the world-renowned Palomar Observatory, home to the massive Hale Telescope, is a major nearby draw, offering educational opportunities and spectacular views for those interested in astronomy. While nestled in a pristine natural setting, the campground benefits from being part of a well-established mountain recreation area, with small towns nearby for essential supplies, though visitors should arrive prepared. This blend of natural beauty, recreational access, and convenient location makes Crestline Group Campsite an exceptionally appealing destination for Californian groups.

Services Offered

• Group Capacity: Specifically designed to accommodate large groups of up to 50 people, making it unique in the district.
• 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 the designated cooking area.
• Large Fire Pit: A spacious central fire pit serves as a focal point for communal campfires and gatherings. (Important: Always check current fire restrictions with the Palomar Ranger District before your visit, as conditions frequently prohibit wood and charcoal fires. Propane or gas stoves are often permitted.)
• Accessible Features: The campground's recent reconstruction (reopened May 2025) improved accessibility for trails, tent pads, and the group kitchen area, enhancing access for all visitors.
• Parking: Accommodates RVs up to 27 feet in length. Specific parking is available for group vehicles.
• No Electricity: The campground does not offer electrical hookups, reinforcing the rustic group camping experience.
• Food Lockers: While not explicitly detailed, food storage lockers are often provided at group sites in forest areas to deter wildlife. (It is advisable to confirm availability upon inquiry.)
• No Showers: As a group campground in a national forest, private showers are typically not available.

Features / Highlights

• Exclusive Group Site: As the sole group campground within the Palomar Ranger District, it offers a highly sought-after and dedicated space for large family, church, or social gatherings.
• Forested Mountain Environment: Situated in a beautiful wooded area at 5,390 feet elevation, surrounded by Black Oak, Cedar, White Fir, and Live Oak trees, providing ample shade and a natural ambiance.
• Proximity to Palomar Observatory: An ideal base camp for visiting the world-renowned Palomar Observatory, offering a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and educational visits.
• Adjacent to Palomar Mountain State Park: Provides easy access to extensive hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and diverse recreational activities within the State Park.
• Open Space for Activities: Features plenty of open space within the group area, suitable for stargazing, group games, and various outdoor activities.
• Recently Reconstructed: Reopened in May 2025 with significant upgrades to infrastructure and accessibility, ensuring a more comfortable and modern experience for groups.
• Excellent Stargazing: Its high elevation and distance from city lights create superb conditions for viewing the night sky, a major highlight for many visitors.
• Cooler Temperatures: Offers a pleasant respite from the heat of lower elevations, especially during California's warm summer months.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (877) 833-6777 (For reservations, typically through Recreation.gov)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-833-6777 (For reservations, typically through Recreation.gov)

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

Crestline Group Campsite is an exceptionally suitable destination for local Californians, particularly for those organizing large group outings, due to its unique combination of dedicated facilities, stunning natural setting, and strategic location. For Californians seeking to host memorable family reunions, scout troop adventures, church retreats, or any significant social event in an outdoor setting, this campground is purpose-built to cater 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, including those with mobility challenges.

The campground's location on Palomar Mountain offers significant advantages. The cooler mountain temperatures provide a welcome respite during California's hot summer months, while the deeply forested environment creates a serene and beautiful 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 and lasting memories.

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

Crestline Group Campsite

California 92070, USA