Can you reserve a site at Fry Creek Campground?

Yes, Fry Creek Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Fry Creek Campground?

12 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Fry Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fry Creek Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Fry Creek Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Fry Creek Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Fry Creek Campground, California — 12 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Fry Creek Campground is situated in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, uniquely located down the road from the world-famous Palomar Observatory. The fresh, clean air of the campground provides a refreshing getaway for visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles.

The observatory, atop Palomar Mountain, boasts five high-tech telescopes, among them, the massive 200-inch Hale Telescope, was the world's largest effective telescope for about 45 years. The observatory is owned by the California Institute of Technology and astronomical research includes near-Earth asteroids and the study of distant galaxies.

Recreation

At Observatory Campground, the site across from Fry Creek, there's a popular astronomy event called Explore the Stars.

Amateur astronomers gather here with their telescopes and share views of planets and constellations with visitors. The event takes place one weekend each month, April through October.

Facilities

A loop hike, great for exploring local flora and fauna, surrounds Fry Creek.

The campground sits beneath a dense pine canopy, which is not ideal for stargazing, but Observatory Campground across the road has level cement platforms for telescopes and an amphitheater that's open to campers.

Natural Features

Fry Creek is at a 4,900 ft. elevation on Palomar Mountain. The area is dense with evergreen and oak, and is usually cooler than the surrounding area.

Nearby Attractions

The visitor center at Palomar Observatory is 2.2 miles away and can be accessed by road or by hiking trail. A restaurant and gift shop are onsite.

The facts

Season: April 1 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
12 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 12 ft
Up to 8 people per site
Loops: FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND

Site types

12 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Grills
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

12 campsites at Fry Creek Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Max rig	People
001	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾
002	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾
005	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
006	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
007	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
009	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
010	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
011	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾
015	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	12 ft	8	🐾
017	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾
018	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾
019	FRY CREEK CAMPGROUND	Standard Nonelectric	—	Paved	Slight	10 ft	8	🐾

Getting there

From Los Angeles, CA: head south on I-15 Fwy, go east on Hwy 76 for approximatley 20 miles, turn left onto South Grade Rd. (S6), follow South Grade up to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Rd/ Canfield Rd. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left into Fry Creek Campground, approximatley 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.

From San Diego, CA: Head north on I-15 Fwy, go east on Hwy 76 for approximatley 20 miles, turn left onto South Grade Rd. (S6), follow South Grade up to the top of Palomar Mountain. Once at the top, turn left to continue on South Grade Rd/ Canfield Rd. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles and turn left into Fry Creek Campground, approximatley 0.25 miles past Observatory Campground.

33.34500, -116.88000 · 33°20'42.0"N 116°52'48.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Aug, down to 51°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	51	51	56	61	69	79	84	84	79	69	58	51
Low °F	37	36	39	42	48	57	64	65	60	51	43	37
Precip in	5.9	7.3	4.6	2.0	0.9	0.2	0.3	0.7	0.5	1.2	2.3	4.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Fry Creek Campground

Can you reserve a site at Fry Creek Campground?: Yes, Fry Creek Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Fry Creek Campground have?: 12 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Fry Creek Campground?: 12 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Fry Creek Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Fry Creek Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Fry Creek Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Fry Creek Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Fry Creek Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Fry Creek Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Fees: $15/Night for single unit, $5/Night for extra vehicle.

Restrictions:

Vehicles 15 ft. max. No trailers in campground.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Fry Creek Campground

Observatory Campground 0.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Crestline Group Campground 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Oak Grove Campground 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Dripping Springs Campground (Ca) 9.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cedar Creek Falls 26 mi · Permit · we watch it
Dripping Springs Trailhead 9.4 mi · Facility
Indian Flats Campground 12.7 mi · Campground
Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground 12.7 mi · Campground
Bautista Creek - National Wild & Scenic River 20.2 mi · Facility
Inaja Memorial Picnic Site 21.1 mi · Facility
Thomas Mountain & Toolbox Springs Yellow Post Site 22.4 mi · Campground
Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites 22.6 mi · Facility

Contact

Phone 7607880250
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Fry Creek Campground