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Recreation Region: Santa Lucia Ranger District

Cerro Alto Campground

The campground sits at 1,000′ above sea level in a verdant canyon pass astride a semiannual creek. Cerro Alto Peak (2,624′) is the destination of Hikers, Bikers and Equestrians with its 360° view encompassing the Central California Coast and Inland Valley.

The campground has 22 units, 12 of which are handicapped accessible. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and most have a pedestal grill. Several of the sites are walk-in sites.

Cerro Alto Campground is located at the base of Cerro Alto Peak. The Forest Service maintained a fire lookout tower at the top of Cerro Alto Peak until 1973. At an elevation of 2,620 feet, Cerro Alto Peak provides a commanding view of the Pacific coastline, Whale Rock Reservoir, Morro Bay, and the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Reservations: 15 sites are on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  There are 7 campsites available on a first-come, first- serve basis .

General Information

In campgrounds and picnic areas, dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs must wear a collar with current tags, as state and county laws apply on National Forest System lands. and within your control at all times.

Campground check-in time: 3:00pm, check-out time: 12:00 noon. Quiet Hours: 10:00pm – 6:00am.

Interagency Senior Passes and Access Passes provide a 50% discount on camping fees only - not valid for day use fees within the campground, parking at the trailhead or extra vehicle overnight fees.  The Parks Management Company Annual Pass can be used for day use parking at the Cerro Alto Trailhead. To purchase, go to www.campone.com for more information - not valid for extra vehicle overnight parking. 
14 day stay limit.

This is a concession managed campground, $35.00 a night (includes one vehicle). Managed by the Parks Management Company (PMC) for the Forest Service. There is a camphost on site. Two cars and 6 people maximum per site. (one vehicle is included in the price of the campsite).  Extra vehicles $10.00 per vehicle per night. Interagency Senior Pass or Access Pass provides 50% discount of camping fees only, not for day use parking or extra vehicle parking. Day use fee for parking at the Cerro Alto Trailhead is $10 per vehicle or you can purchase and display the Parks Management Company (PMC) Annual Pass for $50. More info: www.campone.com. Interagency Senoir, Access and Annual Passes are not accepted for day use parking at trailhead or extra vehicle parking overnight. 

Getting There

Parking

Yes - Day use parking at Cerro Alto Trailhead is $10 per vehicle or display the Parks Management Annual Pass

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restroom information is not currently available for this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Yes

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Hiking

Day HikesDay Hikes

Last updated February 19th, 2025

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