CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND
22
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND
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 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. 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.
- 22 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (22).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND special
Cerro Alto Campground is a hiker's and mountain biker's paradise tucked into the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Los Padres National Forest, just a short drive from the laid-back coastal town of Morro Bay. The campground sits in a shaded oak woodland along a seasonal creek, with gnarled live oaks and dappled sunlight creating a peaceful canopy overhead. It feels a world apart from the busy Highway 1 corridor, yet the beaches and bayside charm of Morro Bay are barely twenty minutes away. The star attraction is the Cerro Alto Trail, which climbs from the campground through chaparral and oak forest to a panoramic summit offering sweeping views of the Pacific coastline, Morro Rock, and the rolling inland hills. Mountain bikers will find a network of fire roads and trails in the surrounding forest perfect for moderate to challenging rides. Wildflower season in spring transforms the hillsides into a tapestry of lupine, poppy, and paintbrush. The campground is open year-round, with spring and fall delivering the most comfortable temperatures for hiking. Summer can be warm inland, but coastal breezes often moderate the heat. Sites are first-come, first-served, and the campground rarely fills to capacity outside of holiday weekends. San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay provide full services nearby, including excellent dining and shopping. Cerro Alto is a wonderful base camp for anyone wanting to combine mountain trails with coastal living on California's Central Coast.
Campsite Inventory
22 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
15, 20, 24, 25
Driveway surface
N/A, Paved
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
15, 20, 24, 25
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Full, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
805-434-1996
parksman@fix.net
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND?
CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (22).
Where is CERRO ALTO CAMPGROUND located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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