Cerro Alto Campground

About

Cerro Alto Campground is located in a verdant canyon pass within Los Padres National Forest, surrounded by a mixed forest of oaks, pines, and sycamores at about 1,000 feet elevation. The campground features 22 sites, including standard drive-in sites and walk-in tent sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. The campground has vault toilets, with 12 sites designated as accessible. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail departs directly from the campground, climbing to the peak for sweeping views of the Central Coast and inland valleys. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also popular activities. The sandy beaches of Morro Bay are less than 10 miles west, offering surfing, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. The wine country of Paso Robles lies 20 miles to the northeast, and the historic Hearst Castle is within easy driving distance. The campground is operated by Parks Management Company under a USFS concession. Of the 22 sites, 15 are reservable through Recreation.gov and 7 remain first-come, first-served. Roads within the campground are paved but narrow, winding, and single-lane with turnouts.

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 a mile to the campground.