Cerro Alto Campground

California's Best Camping

Hartzell Ridge near Cerro Alto
Hartzell Ridge near Cerro Alto

Cerro Alto Campground

Los Padres National Forest


Cerro Alto Campground

Cerro Alto Campground is 9 miles southwest of Atascadero in Los Padres National Forest. Campers at Cerro Alto find an abundance of hiking trails used also for horseback riding and mountain biking. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail to Cuesta Ridge and Cerro Alto affords hikers a 360-dregree view of the central coast and inland landscape. Morro Bay is only 10 miles from the campground.

Cerro Alto Campground has 22 campsites. Ten of the sites can accommodate RVs, trailers and tents. Another 8 sites are designated for tents-only. Also 4 sites have a short walk to reach them. The campground has plenty of shade from oaks, pines and sycamores. Campsites are well spaced out with some situated along an intermittent creek.

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Cerro Alto Campground Basics
Cerro Alto Campground Location: 1 mile off Highway 41, 8 miles southwest of Atascadero
Campground Open: year-round
Elevation: 1,020 feet
Distance from gateway cities: Santa Barbara - 121 miles
San Luis Obispo - 26 miles
Number of Sites: 22
Max. People per Site: 6-8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (fee for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Parks Management Company for Los Padres National Forest
Information: (805) 434-1996

Reservations for Cerro Alto Campground
Reservations available year-round
Booking Window: Reservations taken from 3 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: 12 campsites are handicapped accessible.
Fees: $35 per night
Reservations: Cerro Alto Campground Reservations
Check-in, Check-out: 2:00 PM, 12:00 PM

Cerro Alto Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump Station: No
Attractions near Cerro Alto Campground:
  • Hike the 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail to Cuesta Ridge and 2,620-foot Cerro Alto.
  • Make the 10-mile drive to Morro Bay with beaches, kayaking, and golf.
  • Visit dramatic Morro Rock.
  • Go on the wild side at Montana de Oro State Park.


Cerro Alto Campground, Los Padres National Forest, CA

Cerro Alto Campground



Cerro Alto Campground, Los Padres National Forest, CA

Cerro Alto Campground

San Luis Obispo County Attractions

San Luis Obispo County offers attractions for every age and interest. Campers at Cerro Alto Campground have the beauty of the Los Padres National Forest while still being within easy driving distance of the coast.

  • Fish from Pismo Beach's 1370-foot pier.
  • Explore the tide pools at Shell Beach.
  • Head out sea kayaking through the Dinosaur Caves.
  • Set out on a wine tasting tour through the San Luis Obispo countryside.
  • Hike up the Valencia Peak Trail.
  • Watch elephant seals at Piedras Blancas.
  • Explore Montana de Oro State Park.
  • Take a tour of the famous Hearst Castle.
  • See all the animals at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
  • Spend a day at Morro Bay, visiting shops, beaches, and other attractions.
  • Go stand-up paddleboarding at Avila Beach or Morro Bay.
  • Visit old Mission San Miguel.
  • Go cycling around Cambria, set out on scenic Highway 1 or pick a quiet country road.

Key Cerro Alto Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under adult supervision at all times. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
  2. Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  3. Generators may only be operated between 10 AM to 8 PM.

Check for any campground updates at Los Padres National Forest - Cerro Alto Campground.