97% (16) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Poway
Starlight Outpost | Stargazing Stay
1. Starlight Outpost | Stargazing Stay
97%
(17)
43mi from Poway · 3 sites · Lodging
Starlight Outpost is a private, design-forward desert stay near Jacumba Hot Springs, located in Campo, California, about an hour east of San Diego.
This peaceful retreat is ideal for travelers looking for:
• Stargazing
• Quiet desert nights
• Romantic getaways
• A calm alternative to crowded Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel
Guests stay in a thoughtfully curated, enclosed structure designed for comfort, privacy, and sleep under dark desert skies.
If you’re searching for a Jacumba Hot Springs alternative that’s quiet, unique, and intentionally hosted — Starlight Outpost offers space to unplug, rest, and reconnect.
WHAT MAKES THIS STAY SPECIAL
• Exceptionally dark skies for stargazing
• Quiet desert location away from crowds
• Thoughtfully styled interior (not rustic camping)
• Private bathroom and kitchen setup
• Designed for couples and intentional travelers
This is not a party spot or campground — it’s a calm desert retreat.
WHAT THIS STAY IS PERFECT FOR
✅ Couples
✅ Solo travelers
✅ Stargazers
✅ Writers, artists, creatives
✅ Guests visiting Jacumba Hot Springs who want privacy
NOT A GOOD FIT IF
❌ You want nightlife or group gatherings
❌ You’re looking for a resort or social hot springs scene
❌ You plan to host parties or events
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Sleep & Comfort
• King-size mattress with memory foam topper
• Heated mattress pad (winter)
• AC available
• Multiple blanket & pillow options
Kitchen
• Refrigerator
• Sink with hot & cold water
• Hot plate + air fryer
• Dishes, glassware, utensils
• Basic spices, oil, pancake mix
• Indoor dining area
Bathroom
• Flushing toilet
• Hot & cold shower
• Towels & robes provided
Outdoor Amenities
• Fire pit for cooking
• Propane BBQ
Optional Add-Ons
• Stargazing telescope
• Electric s’mores kit
• Pizza oven with premade pizzas
Guests only need to bring food & drinks — everything else is provided.
LOCATION & AREA
Starlight Outpost is located in Campo, California, close to:
• Jacumba Hot Springs
• Lake Morena
• Desert hiking trails
• Historic rail sites
This is a peaceful desert area — quiet, dark, and intentionally slow.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$169
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
2. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
863 sites · La Quinta, California
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
97% (16) • 3 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Poway
Starlight Outpost | Stargazing Stay
1. Starlight Outpost | Stargazing Stay
97%
(17)
43mi from Poway · 3 sites · Lodging
Starlight Outpost is a private, design-forward desert stay near Jacumba Hot Springs, located in Campo, California, about an hour east of San Diego.
This peaceful retreat is ideal for travelers looking for:
• Stargazing
• Quiet desert nights
• Romantic getaways
• A calm alternative to crowded Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel
Guests stay in a thoughtfully curated, enclosed structure designed for comfort, privacy, and sleep under dark desert skies.
If you’re searching for a Jacumba Hot Springs alternative that’s quiet, unique, and intentionally hosted — Starlight Outpost offers space to unplug, rest, and reconnect.
WHAT MAKES THIS STAY SPECIAL
• Exceptionally dark skies for stargazing
• Quiet desert location away from crowds
• Thoughtfully styled interior (not rustic camping)
• Private bathroom and kitchen setup
• Designed for couples and intentional travelers
This is not a party spot or campground — it’s a calm desert retreat.
WHAT THIS STAY IS PERFECT FOR
✅ Couples
✅ Solo travelers
✅ Stargazers
✅ Writers, artists, creatives
✅ Guests visiting Jacumba Hot Springs who want privacy
NOT A GOOD FIT IF
❌ You want nightlife or group gatherings
❌ You’re looking for a resort or social hot springs scene
❌ You plan to host parties or events
WHAT’S PROVIDED
Sleep & Comfort
• King-size mattress with memory foam topper
• Heated mattress pad (winter)
• AC available
• Multiple blanket & pillow options
Kitchen
• Refrigerator
• Sink with hot & cold water
• Hot plate + air fryer
• Dishes, glassware, utensils
• Basic spices, oil, pancake mix
• Indoor dining area
Bathroom
• Flushing toilet
• Hot & cold shower
• Towels & robes provided
Outdoor Amenities
• Fire pit for cooking
• Propane BBQ
Optional Add-Ons
• Stargazing telescope
• Electric s’mores kit
• Pizza oven with premade pizzas
Guests only need to bring food & drinks — everything else is provided.
LOCATION & AREA
Starlight Outpost is located in Campo, California, close to:
• Jacumba Hot Springs
• Lake Morena
• Desert hiking trails
• Historic rail sites
This is a peaceful desert area — quiet, dark, and intentionally slow.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$169
/ night
San Bernardino National Forest
2. San Bernardino National Forest
94%
(151)
863 sites · La Quinta, California
Test your summiting skills on some of Southern California's most picturesque peaks.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Meyleen
2 weeks ago
With pets
This place has everything you need. Spacious, comfortable and very well equipped. Literally just bring your food and drinks. We had an amazing experience even though the weather was not the best, we were able to stay warm and enjoy everything the outpost had to offer. It's our new fav get away place.
See more
Kaitlyn
November 2025
2 nights at Starlight Outpost | Stargazing Stay
Had an amazing stay! From the moment we pulled in I was in love! Had everything we needed to be comfortable. The night time vibes were amazing with the lighting and adorable decor. Don’t forget your warm clothes though, it was definitely colder then I expected but the heated bed made sleeping cozy!
See more
