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: 68% of sites (15 sites) are now on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 32% of sites are on a first-come, first- serve basis (7 campsites).
At a Glance
Current Conditions:
Reservations: www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 or first-come, first-served
Reservations: 68% of sites (15 sites) are now on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations are recommended during the summer months and holiday weekends. Reservations need to be made 3 or more days in advance.
This is a concession managed campground, $25.00 a night (includes one vehicle). Mangaed by the Parks Management Company for the Forest Service. (805) 434-1996. 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% 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 Annual Pass for $50. Purchase through www.campone.com or by calling 805-434-1996. Interagency Senoir, Access and Annual Passes are not accepted for day use parking at trailhead or extra vehicle parking overnight.
Usage:
Medium-Heavy
Restrictions:
14 day stay limit.
Closest Towns:
Cerro Alto Campground is located off HWY41 midway between Atascadero and Morro Bay.
Water:
Drinking water available
Restroom:
Accessible, Vault
Passes:
Interagency Senior Passes and Access Passes provide a cardhold 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** $50/annual day use pass. To purchase, contact the PMC at 805-434-1996 or go to their website: www.campone.com - not valid for extra vehicle overnight parking.
Operated By:
Parks Management (805) 434-1996, campone.com or call the campground camphost at 805-461-5626
Information Center:
For more information on Cerro Alto Campground contact the Santa Lucia Ranger Distric at (805) 925- 9538
Guide to Cerro Alto Mountain Bike Trails CLICK HERE
Fees:
$5.00 day Day Use Fee or display Adventure Pass or Parks Management Annual Pass
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Difficult
Camping & Cabins
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Campground Camping
The campground has 22 units, 12 of which are accessible. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and most have a pedestal grill. Several of the sites are walk-in sites.
Fire Information
For current fire restrictions, contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District at (805) 925-9538 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf
No. of Sites
22
Reservation Info
Reservations: 68% of sites (15 sites) are now on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777
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
Parking fee required to hike the Cerro Alto Trail. Day Use Fee is $10.00 or the Parks Management Annual Pass ($50) are honored for day us. www.campone.com. or call 805-434-1996. An Adventure Pass may also be displayed in vehicle for day use only - not camping.
**The Interagency Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Annual Pass are not accepted for day use parking**
Status:
Open
Best Season:
winter, spring, fall
Hours of Operation:
sunrise to sunset
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Difficult
Horse Riding & Camping
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Horse Riding
Amenities
Picnic tables
Yes
Drinking water
Yes
Toilets
Vault
Parking
Yes - Day use parking at Cerro Alto Trailhead is $10 per vehicle or display the Parks Management Annual Pass
![[image] Cerro Alto Campground](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3814026.jpg)
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