Julian, California
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat

About Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
Private mountain campsites at 3200 feet. Escape the city and settle into true solitude at our private campsite, tucked inside a designated dark sky zone. Watch the Milky Way emerge overhead while the sounds of nature and the scent of wild lilac and sage fill the air around you.
Accommodations on the property
- Primitive site
Location
Julian, California
Open in Google MapsWhat people say about their stay at Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat
Synthesized from 32 review mentions across 6 aspects.
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Setting & Nature
“If you're looking for a private camping experience with some added comforts, this site offers a blend of nature and convenience. Many campers appreciated the privacy, stunning star…”
13 mentions
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Cleanliness
“the cleanest porta potty I’ve ever been in”
6 mentions
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Host & Communication
“Jeff, the host, is highly praised for his attentiveness and helpfulness. Campers appreciate his quick and detailed communication and the thoughtful amenities provided at the campsi…”
5 mentions
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Comfort & Sleep
“rickety stairs down from the road need maintenance”
3 mentions
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Amenities
“Includes: kitchen area w/ cookware, sink, grill, picnic tables”
3 mentions
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Value for Price
“The amenities are amazing—a perfect balance between camping and glamping”
2 mentions
Gallery





Recent reviews
[hipcamp aggregate summary]
The campsite feels private at night and you can see every star. It’s an incredible view and Jeff is the most accommodating host with really cool extra amenities. I loved the hammocks he provided! The port a potty was so clean and the walk isn’t that far. Thank you for such a great time Jeff. Will be back soon.
I had a very wonderfull time... Very Quiet and Peacefull... Janis and Lana are very nice...
We came here to view the Perseid meteor shower. It was so private and secluded. We were able to talk & listen to some light music late into the night—without bothering anyone. Although the campsite is next to a road, we only saw one car pass by. Even though the moon was SO bright, the stars were still beautiful. It was really nice to use the two hammocks provided by the host. The porta-potty was relatively clean, but there were a lot of fire ants near it. Other than that, thank you for the lovely stay, Jeff!
Exactly as described. Loved the site. So accessible, but you really felt away frim everyone.
Nice site that’s great for stargazing. Short drive from San Diego.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat located?
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat is located in Julian, California.
What types of accommodations does Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat offer?
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat offers Primitive site. Specifics vary — verify the exact unit availability with the operator before booking.
How is Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat rated?
Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat has a 4.9/5 rating from 66 reviews on aggregate. Ratings reflect aggregate sentiment from public review platforms; we don't moderate operator reviews.
How do I book Santa Ysabel Dark Sky Retreat?
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