Cerro Alto Campground
Open — Open year-round. Fifteen sites are reservable through Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling window, and 7 sites are first-come, first-served. Check-in is 3:00 p.m., check-out is 12:00 noon. Limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Gifford Fire Closure Order
Gifford Fire Closure Order 05-07-53-25-21 supersedes Order 05-07-53-25-20 executed on August 24, 2025.
Sespe Condor Sanctuary Closure
The Los Padres National Forest will prohibit entry by the public to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary to support ongoing Condor recovery efforts. This special closure order supports the overall survivorship and sustained population increase of the California Condor species.
Forest Order - Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery
Special Closure - Storm Damage Recovery - Los Padres National Forest - Forest Order NO. 05-07-53-25-07
Dry Canyon Area, Roads and Trails, and Wilderness Closure
Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Dry Canyon Area, Roads, Trails and Wilderness Closure
West Cuesta Fire Use Restrictions
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal campfire, or cooking fire, on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the West Cuesta Fire Use Restriction Area
Prohibition of overnight camping and campfires at San Carpoforo Beach
The following acts are prohibited on San Carpoforo Beach, which includes all National Forest lands west of Highway 1 to the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean in Section 16, Township 25 South, Range 6 East, Mount Diablo Base a
Fire Restrictions for Santa Barbara Front Country
Fire restrictions are still in effect in the Santa Barbara front country. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 26, 2026.
About
Cerro Alto Campground is situated at 1,000 feet elevation in a lush canyon pass within Los Padres National Forest, surrounded by mixed oak, pine and sycamore trees along a seasonal mountain creek. The campground offers 22 campsites, with 15 available through advance reservation and 7 on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with most sites also featuring pedestal grills. Twelve sites are ADA accessible, and several are walk-in sites. The campground serves as the trailhead for the popular 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail, which climbs to the 2,624-foot summit where a Forest Service fire lookout once stood until 1973. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians enjoy the challenging ascent and are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views encompassing the Pacific coastline, Whale Rock Reservoir, Morro Bay, and the Santa Lucia Mountains. The roads within the campground are paved but narrow and winding with single-lane access and turnouts. Located less than 10 miles from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay, the campground provides easy access to coastal activities including surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving. The nearby towns of Morro Bay and Atascadero offer dining, shopping, and museums. The campground is also within 20 miles of Paso Robles wine country and makes an excellent base for exploring the Central Coast communities of San Luis Obispo, Cayucos, Harmony, and Cambria, as well as historic Hearst Castle.
Directions
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 1 mile to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| parksman@fix.net | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 434-1996 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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