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Cerro Alto Campground
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Los Padres National Forest |
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest · 35.42750, -120.73833 · Map |
| Sites | 22 public sites counted from the federal listing — 9 tent only nonelectric; 9 standard nonelectric; 4 walk to |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 22 sites Water hookups at 0 of 22 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 22 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 22 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 35 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 7 sites · 30 ft: 4 sites · 35 ft: 1 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people). Maximum number of vehicles per single site is 2 ($10.00 additional charge for 2nd vehicle per night). Extra Vehicle and person fees will be charged at the facility. |
| Check-in / out | In 3:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 22 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 805-434-1996 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Cerro Alto Campground is a well-known hiking and mountain biking paradise. It is located a short distance from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay, where visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. While the campground offers a serene, relaxed environment, both Morro Bay and the nearby town of Atascadero offer numerous dining opportunities, shopping, museums and other activities. Wine Tasting in the Tempelton, Paso Robles Area is also a very popular experience. Recreation Visitors enjoy ample hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities, along with a 360-degree view of the Central California coast and inland valleys. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail, which leads to the peak, begins within the campground.
Morro Bay beaches are less than 10 miles from the campground, offering wide sandy stretches and swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. An 18-hole championship golf course is located in the oceanside town. Facilities The campground offers single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring and grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but no hookups are available. Trash collection bins are scattered throughout the campground. Natural Features The campground is situated in a mixed oak, pine and sycamore forest at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. It lies in a verdant canyon pass along a semiannual mountain creek. The roads are paved, but narrow, winding and single lane with turnouts to each site. Nearby Attractions Paso Robles, which is quickly becoming known as a premier spot for Central Coast wines, is located 20 miles from the campground. Wine tasting tours are offered daily, or visitors can select individualized tours of numerous wineries located in the area.
The campground makes a great base camp for motorcyclists or day-trippers to visit the quaint, neighboring towns of San Luis Obispo, Cayucos, Harmony and Cambria, all of which are within 35 miles of the campground.
Tours of historic Hearst Castle are also available. Visitors can spend time relaxing at the many available day spas located at nearby Avila or Grover beaches. Off-road vehicle trails are available on famous Pismo Beach.
Directions, from the listing
From Atascadero, travel southwest on Highway 41 for about 8 miles. Campground entrance is on the left; turn and continue south for about 1 mile to the campground. From Morro Bay, travel east on Highway 41 for about 8 miles. Campground entrance is on the right; turn and continue south for about a mile to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
22 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceNavajo Flats Campground
24 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceAmerican Canyon Campground
26 mi straight-line · Santa Maria CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLa Panza Campground
27 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorseshoe Springs Campground
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Trip Card — Cerro Alto Campground
California · Los Padres National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Los Padres National Forest |
| Fees | All single campsite reservations are good for 6 people and 1 vehicle. Maximum number of people per single site is 8 ($10.00 additional charge per person per night after 6 people).… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 35 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 22 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233117 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.