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Cerro Alto Campground
![[image] Cerro Alto Campground](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprd3814026.jpg)
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 .
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Campground check-in time: 3:00pm, check-out time: 12:00 noon. Quiet Hours: 10:00pm – 6:00am. |
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| Reservations: | 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. |
| Area Amenities: |
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| Fees: | 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. |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Best Season: | Year-round |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | 14 day stay limit. |
| Closest Towns: | Cerro Alto Campground is located off Hwy 41 midway between Atascadero and Morro Bay. |
| Water: | Drinking water available |
| Restroom: | Accessible, Vault |
| Passes: | 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. |
| Operated By: | Parks Management for the Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Santa Lucia Ranger District at (805) 925-9538 ext. 0 or visit the Parks Management Company's website. |
General Information
Accessibility:12 campsites are handicapped accessible.
General Notes:
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.
Parking:
Most campsites will accommodate two vehicles.
Activities
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. There are NO cabins.
| No. of Sites | 22 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations: 15 sites are now on the reservation system: www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 |
| Fire Information | For current fire restrictions please visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 12 |
| Reservation info: | www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 |
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| Hours of Operation: | Check in time 3:00pm, Check out time 12:00 noon. Quiet Hours: 10:00pm – 6:00am. |
Day Hiking
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 use: www.campone.com.
The Interagency Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Annual Pass are not accepted for day use parking
| Status: | Open |
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| Best Season: | winter, spring, fall |
| Hours of Operation: | sunrise to sunset |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
Quick Links
Location
