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State Park
Cerro Alto Campground
Los Padres National Forest · Atascadero, CA
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
44 Tent9 RV
Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
Source of truth
- Operator website
Listed website for the campground operator.
Managing agency
- Los Padres National Forest — official page
Park unit page with alerts and visitor information.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:805-434-1996
- Email:parksman@fix.net
- Address:Atascadero, CA
Live availability
via Recreation.govSee every open campground nearbySame dates & filters, across the whole area
Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.
About
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. 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. 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: The campground offers single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring and grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but no hookups are available. Trash collection bins are scattered throughout the campground. 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.
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Electric Hookups
Accessible
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Cell Service
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in 3:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (44)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Cerro Alto Campground

Cerro Alto Trail Loop
California
4.5 mi1,955 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Boyscout and Cerro Alto Loop
California
8.6 mi2,674 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Boyscout and Bridge Loop
California
4.6 mi1,470 ftgain
TrailModerate

Boy Scout Trail to Jinah Grove Loop
California
4.8 mi1,529 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trail
California
3.5 mi1,234 ftgain
TrailModerate

Atascadero Lake Park
California
1.3 mi207 ftgain
TrailEasy
Nearby Campgrounds
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