Fry Creek Campground is near Palomar Observatory and Observatory Campground. Campers at Fry Creek can easily walk to Observatory Campground to take part in one of the popular star gazing events called Star Parties. The area around Fry Creek Campground rises above the Pauma Valley and is dense with evergreen and oak. Fry Creek is popular for birding and for hiking.
Most of the sites at Fry Creek Campground are standard campsites, while 6 are double sites. About two-thirds of the standard sites and all of the double sites are available for reservations. The remaining 10 sites are first come, first served.
| Fry Creek Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Fry Creek Campground Location: | Off S6, Palomar Mountain east of Escondido |
| Elevation: | 4,900 feet |
| Mileage/Driving Time: | 84 miles NE of San Diego - 1:55 67 miles east of Escondido - 1:40 |
| Number of Campsites: | 20 |
| Camping Season: | Open April through November, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 1, extra vehicle fee $5 per night |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by: | Cleveland National Forest |
| Campground Information: | (760) 788-0250 |
| Reservations for Fry Creek Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available: | whenever campground is open |
| Booking Window: | Reservations can be made from 8 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival. |
| Maximum RV length - no trailers: | 15 feet |
| Wheelchair Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Fees: | $15 per night |
| Campground Map: | Fry Creek Campground Map |
| Reservations: | Fry Creek Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, Noon |
| Fry Creek Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring, no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | No |
| Attractions near Fry Creek Campground: | Participate in a Star Party at nearby Observatory Campground. Visit Palomar Observatory (open daily, drive or hike 2.5 miles). Enjoy local hiking trails. including the Fry Creek Trail loop. Find nearby bicycling routes. |
| Updates | Last update August 2025 |
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Visitors to the Cleveland National Forest have many wonderful places to explore. Those camping at Fry Creek Campground are close to Palomar Observatory.
Check for any park or campground updates:
Cleveland National Forest - Fry Creek Campground
