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Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

97%

· Julian, San Diego, California

10 acres hosted by Jeff S.

1 tent site

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Jeff is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Disconnect at this quiet campsite (zero neighbors) that is located in a dark sky zone. Gaze at the Milky Way at night as you relax while listening to the sounds of nature. Come here to disconnect from city life and recharge while enjoying the smell of wild lilac and sage. Private mountain camp site at 3200 feet. Enough space to pitch 3 tents. Water tank on site for dish washing and showers. Small propane bbq for cooking.Park just passed the White Sage Camp Site where there is a “Private Parking” sign and Porta Potty, then walk back to the campsite where you’ll walk down the stairs to an area where you can pitch your tents. There's a 250 gallon water tank there for showers/washing dishes. There’s a small camping bbq. Please bring your own Coleman propane tank (little green ones) to power it. The Hideout Saloon is nearby and is great for burgers and cold beer. There is great hiking all around including hiking the private road this camp site is off of, hiking to Eagle Head rock (part of the Pacific Crest Trail), and hiking the Santa Ysabel East preserve. After these hikes you can grab some apple pie in downtown Santa Ysabel. Dudley’s bakery is also there and has excellent sandwiches, breads, and pastries. If you need any supplies, Dons Market has pretty much everything.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Mountainous

97%

58 ratings · 47 reviews

Kaitlyn B.recommends

October 14, 2024

Mountain Campsite

We loved camping under the stars at this spot! Jeff has supplied it with many basics (and some not-so-basic like a putting green) that make it a special place. Like others have said, the kennel down the road makes some noise at night, but not badly enough that it affected our sleep. We loved staying here and can’t wait to be back soon!

Heather B.recommends

September 30, 2024

Mountain Campsite

New Favorite Campsite

This is one of the best campsites I’ve been! It’s so tranquil and not cluttered like a big campsite. It allowed me to have some quality time with my family knowing I wasn't bothering anybody or vice versa. The views were amazing and using the hammocks provided to look at the stars was an experience itself. The views were beautiful in every direction, especially the sunrise. Very well kept area to enjoy the surrounding landscape and views to really soak up the camping atmosphere. The host was so impressive with communication, providing any help, and amenities provided; 2 hammocks, hanging egg chair, grill, table with 4 chairs, 500 gallon water tank with a hose, porta potty( Very Clean ), and an EZ up. Great memories! Definitely recommend to anybody wanting to get away and have some quality relaxing time. You do still have cell phone reception if needed for an emergency or calls.

Caro M.recommends

September 22, 2024

Mountain Campsite

Nice private getaway

This was a very nice get away. Fairly easy to get to once you come across it. I could lock my car from the campsite so its not too far. Beautiful milky way views. Bobcats calling nearby left a good level of excitment. Portapotties are clean and the pop up tent/tables /hammock were all appreciated! No water left when i came and i had some car trouble pwrsonally but it didnt damper the experience. Ill be back!

Camila T.recommends

September 15, 2024

Mountain Campsite

It was great! We loved the hammocks to stargazing!

Jillian D.recommends

August 14, 2024

Mountain Campsite

Secluded, equipped & Great views!

Great secluded campsite equipped with chairs, fire pit, stove and easy-up. Shaded areas and in the canyon. Parking and Porto-potty as well. Great for stargazing amd getting away into the wilderness <3

Steven S.recommends

July 31, 2024

Mountain Campsite

Nice spot overrun with yellojackets

We were here a week ago and it was perfect, but for whatever reason, this time it was overrun with yellow jackets. Every time we cooked anything they swarmed around us. No stings, but I think it’s enough of them to be a problem. Probably necessary for Jeff to put up some wasp traps around the site to get it under control, especially as we go into late summer/early fall when yellow jackets get a lot more aggressive.

Location

Julian, San Diego, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Kumeyaay/Kumiais First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking