1 / 10

Cerro Alto Campground

In

Los Padres National Forest

·

78%

·

22 sites · RV, Tent

You haven’t seen the Central Coast until you’ve seen it atop Cerro Alto Peak. The best way to get to this 2,624-foot summit? From Cerro Alto Campground, 1,600 feet below. Set in an impossibly green canyon, with a semiannual creek running through it, this shady campground lies just 10 minutes from Morro Bay, where visitors can surf, sail, fish, scuba dive, or simply sunbathe. All campsites feature a fire ring and picnic table; vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

22 sites

RV, Tent

Explore 429 campgrounds near Los Padres National Forest

Scanning sold-out campgrounds every 15 seconds. Get notified the moment Cerro Alto Campground becomes available.

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Los Padres National Forest

Camp Arroyo Grande

23mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Arroyo Grande, CA

Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and Roosters. The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as an Event Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines. *pool is seasonal and subject to availability

Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch)

8.1mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Santa Margarita, CA

Our ranch consists of 142 acres located at the top of East Cuesta Grade, elevation approximately 2100 ft. We are secluded and it feels like you're far away from city life yet San Luis Obispo is only a twenty minute drive away. We neighbor Los Padres National Forest which has several miles of hiking and biking trails. On our farm we have 10 sheep, 10 goats, 32 chickens, 3 pigs, 4 dogs and a cat. Interaction with farm animals is common place as most campsites are close to our animal pastures. Bee hives are located on the property as well. Honey, eggs and firewood are available for purchase. :)

Enney's Ranch

25mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 4 sites · Lodging · San Miguel, CA

Enney's Ranch is one of the few remaining grain and cattle operations on the Central Coast. We dry farm and malt barley, wheat and rye for local breweries and distilleries. We have a small herd of cattle and rotate them between the fallow fields. Our goal is to maintain the natural beauty of the ranch and share it with you.

The Templeton Silver Bell

11mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Templeton, CA

The Silver Bell Ranch is 44 acres in the center of Templeton Gap wine region and within a few miles of Paso Roble wine country. Two sites: one full hookup and one self-contained (under a magnificient blue oak). The ranch is pasture and rolling hills with a two-acre vineyard and beaiutiful views of surrounding hills and ranches. The sites are private, quiet and peaceful. The Silver Bell is minutes from Templeton and Paso Robles AVA wineries and a half hour from the ocean, the hotsprings of Paso and drivable to all of the amenities of the region: Paso Robles and the cities of Atascadero and San Luis Obispo, and San Miguel. Atascadero is a fifteen minutes drive away; San Luis Obispo is a half hour drive. The ranch is gates for privacy; guests are restricted to the RV sites.

SLO Country Camp

15mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · San Luis Obispo, CA

SLO Country Camp was once a part of the Serpa Ranch, one of the early ranches of the Central Coast. It’s remained a beautiful rural pocket in the Edna Valley area of San Luis Obispo. It’s quiet and peaceful, enjoy your morning coffee listening to all the birds waking up. There’s a private creek not far away that draws deer and wildlife. Just saw 3 deer run through out property 2 days ago. Owls, red tail hawks, eagles, squirrels and jack rabbits we see frequently. And you can listen to the coyotes howling at night. We’re surrounded by rolling coastal hills, vineyards, horses, cattle and also land apportioned to the Land Conservancy. Walk down our road and then left up to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the entire area with the city San Luis Obispo at a distance. Our two sites are flat on decomposed granite pads. Both have excellent views and easy access to our common areas: big sink and counter, and a cold-water outdoor "beach-type" shower. Firewood is available for purchase at camp for those wanting to use the fire pit, or you can bring your own. The San Luis Obispo, Central Coast has so much to see and do! Hiking trails abound, our favorites are Bob Jones trail to walk or bike to Avila Beach, Johnson Ranch and Irish Hills for hiking hills, the Ridge trail for a view over Shell and Avila beaches, and the Harmony Trail to walk grassy cliffs by the ocean. Montano de Oro is only 15 minutes away with rocky ocean cliff trails that lead down to the coastline. We are 5 minutes from the beginning of the Edna Valley winery trail with 30 wineries or more I’ve lost count. Tasting and relaxing in great atmospheres. Our favorites are Biddle Ranch, Talley, Mailene, Chamisal, Bailyanna... but there are so many more. We’re 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, 10–12 minutes to Avila or Pismo beaches. Morro Bay is 25 minutes. And we’re just 5 minutes off the 101 for easy access to traveling. The Central Coast has almost everything for fun, adventure and food. Surfing, biking, hiking, ocean kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, wine and beer culture, ranch lands, shopping and restaurants and we’re close to it all.

Creekside Camping and Mineral Baths

18mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Cambria, CA

We can accommodate tent campers or car campers. Each campsite fits 4-6 people. The price is $40/per person. Kids under 12 are free. Most campsites are accessible by car and all campsites are accessible by foot. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a traditional check in procedure. Campsites are first come first serve. Expect a "self-check in process" most of the time. However, there are sometimes people working onsite that you may run into, that are happy to help and lead you in the right direction. You choose your own campsite so plan to arrive early. You can park and walk around. There is signage that says "CAMP" with Arrows. BYO water. We have sulfur spring water. Great for your skin, not good to drink! There's a couple outhouses on the property. One in the main camp zone, one at the far north end of the lower Redwood campsite. You can also bring a shovel and take a walk if you're in the more remote campsites. We have a dumpster outside the gate for your garbage. IMPORTANT INFO Please don't mind our farm junk/tools as you enterGate 1! We are slowly working on clean up and relocation of materials from the entry road and away from view. Before you arrive, have knowledge of poison oak because it is a native plant. The main photos in the listing are taken from Hipcamp Scouts back in 2018 and they are featuring our Original campsite. This is located past the mineral baths. It's the furthest one to reach, and accessible by foot. I will update photos to depict all the campsites, but please share your photos with us on Instagram and tag @charanspringsfarm to help future campers get a view of what the sites look like with a tent set up! SULFUR MINERAL BATHS Include in your experience the use of our sulfur mineral baths. It's $10 per person. PLEASE BOOK THIS AS AN EXTRA AT CHECKOUT. The mineral baths are 2 funky vintage clawfoot tubs that are pictured in the actual listing.The photos show an accurate description of the Mineral Baths. They are not located in the main camp zone. Please call ahead to book your time slot and get directions to the mineral baths. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK IF: You are looking for "Glamping," (Glamour Camping). It's primitive camping on a private property with bonuses like the garden, rustic baths, and beautiful nature. This property has been a working farm for decades, which has struggled with hard times. If farm yards/junk piles make you uncomfortable or give you a creepy feeling, don't book because our boneyard is adjacent to the entry road and it can't be ignored. Thank you for reading this whole description and we hope you have a good experience.

Road's End, Bradley Lockwood

36mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Lockwood, CA

Peaceful and private RV camping under the oaks with picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. We currently have two sites on our property. They are about 300 feet apart and not easily visible from each other. Property is fully fenced; both sites are next to an open field under the oaks with vineyard, olive orchard and mountain views. This property is 30 miles from Paso Robles and almost perfectly centered between Missions San Antonio and San Miguel. Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento are close by. Coastal towns of Cayucos and Morro Bay are about an hour scenic drive, passing many wineries along the way. There is space for multiple RVs or additional tents sharing your party's RV restroom facilities. Site one will accommodate sixteen people and multiple vehicles. Site two will accommodate ten people and two vehicles. For larger groups we ask that that you book both sites. We have hosted many family reunions and the feedback has been 100% positive. Please feel free to message us with questions.

Feather River Ranch+solar pool+spa

17mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 2 sites · RVs · Paso Robles, CA

Feather River Ranch Eco Homestead is the perfect place to pull up and hook up your RV or camper van and enjoy the property. 110 plug (it’s green) conveniently located for use in the RV carport. Please park along the vines or by corral entrance if your travel trailer/ RV is too large. Enjoy the newly built 16•34 ft solar heated pool, private hot tub, and a 3 minute walk down to the river. There is no bathroom on site so your rv or camper is needed. We are hands off and have another home so we may or may not be able to greet you if we are away. Enjoy the peace of this eco homestead.

Oak Heart Estate

13mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Paso Robles, CA

Does a night under the stars on a mountain top in the middle of Paso Robles Wine Country sound appealing? Incredible sunsets, picturesque views, peace and quiet abound at Oak Heart Estate! We'd love to share our piece of heaven with you! Escape the bustle of the city find your way to a little spot out of town. You'll find plenty of wineries in every direction you turn!

Twisted Branch

15mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV · Paso Robles, CA

We named our property the Twisted Branch after one of the big oak trees that sits on the site where you will camp with us! It's on a hilltop with amazing views in nearly all directions. The campsite faces South/West so sunsets are fantastic. We use no chemicals on the soil or annual grasses. It is very quiet and the night sky is always stunning. Owls hoot at night and Redtail Hawks hunt for ground squirrels during the day. We have alot of Acorn woodpeckers living in the oak trees, the ones with the bright red head feathers. April through June we see bright yellow Orioles. At night you will hear hundreds of little frogs in the nearby ponds, depending on the season. We are located in the heart of Wine Country and there are plenty of activities around us and in town.

Vinyl Vineyards Glampground

16mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Paso Robles, CA

Welcome to Vinyl Vineyards – a 120-acre private ranch, working vineyard, and boutique glampground tucked along the scenic Union Road Wine Trail in Paso Robles, California. Our 10-site glamping retreat blends rustic charm with refined adventure. Unplug, recharge, and reconnect—with nature, with wine, friends and family. Hike private trails through vineyard rows, oak forests, and wildflower fields. Cool off with afternoon breezes and cool Paso nights, greet our alpacas and chickens, or nap in a hammock with the scent of lavender in the air. The property features: 26 acres of producing vineyard Outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills, and communal fire pits Sunset hilltops and dark-sky stargazing Frisbee golf, garden rows, and peaceful picnic spots Alpacas (yes, you can meet them), chickens, and bees Pet-friendly vibes with plenty of space to roam Guests are invited to book a complimentary "Sip & Spin" wine tasting in our private cellar—where the vinyl spins and our award winning wine flows. And we also deliver to your site. We’re just 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles and within walking distance to local wineries. A 5-minute drive puts you at Sensorio Field of Light, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and Paso’s golf courses. Or stay put—there’s magic in staying still.

Broken Branch Creek

18mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 9 sites · RVs · Paso Robles, CA

Broken Branch Creek is a new family farm in Paso Robles, CA. Our land is abundant with with blue oaks and local wildlife. There is a creek bed, usually dry most of the year, that provides excellent rock hunting and shady areas with overhanging oaks. We have grazing cattle fenced off from the camping areas and farm so you may see or hear them during your stay. The entrance to the camping area is a very wide oil pipe fenced driveway off Branch Road, designed to accommodate farm equipment and cattle trailers. Sometimes map apps say you've arrived at one of the separate residential driveways on the property. Please keep looking for the commercial sized entrance. We are a 15 minute drive to the restaurants and shopping in downtown Paso Robles, 8 minutes to the Vina Robles Amphitheater, 6 minutes to the Hunter Ranch Golf Course, and 5 min to the Sensorio Art Exhibit. We're just off the Union Road Wine Trail among the Back Roads Wineries of Paso Robles. Please be aware we cannot accept longer than 7 day bookings.

More to explore nearby

78%

7 ratings · 5 reviews

April 2021

What’s the numbered sites by a creek?

Cari L.

4 years on Hipcamp

June 2018

Site 18 is my personal favorite. Very Large and spacious. We were able to fit 4 large tents and still had plenty of room. Short walk to the restrooms.

Jordi M.

7 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2017

Great for tent camping, pretty limited for trailers. Trailers must be small.

A

Andrew J.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2017

Amazing hike, small campsite which is quiet and nice, some sites are next to main road (can seem like you are putting on a show when people drive by and stare at you). restrooms are clean(ish) but its a hole...

G

Guadalupe J B.

8 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Beautiful private sites! My husband and I stayed at site 16. It was elevated above the road with no closeby campsites. The campground is heavily trafficked by day users so it can still feel crowded. Lots of flies and unclean vault toilets, lots of poison oak.

Michelle R.

10 years on Hipcamp

LocationCerro Alto Campground, Los Padres National Forest, California, United States

Is anything missing?Suggest edits to improve this listing for fellow campers.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

No sewage hookups

No electric hookups

Other campgrounds in Los Padres National Forest

Views from site#11

Cerro Alto Campground

22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

After miles and miles of asphalt, we cracked a beer and watched the sun set behind Morro Rock. Moments like this make the ride what it is.

Morro Strand State Beach Campground

7.5mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 75 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morro Strand State Beach

Group Sites

Group Sites

8mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 1 site · in Morro Bay State Park

Morro Bay Campground

Morro Bay Campground

8mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 246 sites · Tents, RVs · in Morro Bay State Park

Environmental Camping

Environmental Camping

13mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 1 site · in Montaña de Oro State Park

Horse Camps

Horse Camps

13mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 1 site · in Montaña de Oro State Park

We arrived with heavy rain and dark clouds overhead but as we settled in it resolved to an incredible sunset. We can't wait to come back.

Islay Creek Campground

13mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 55 sites · Tents, RVs · in Montaña de Oro State Park

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

17mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 57 sites · Tents, RVs · in Santa Margarita Lake

North Beach Campground

North Beach Campground

21mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 174 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

Hi Mountain Campground

Hi Mountain Campground

22mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Oceano Campground

Oceano Campground

23mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pismo Beach State Beach

Friis Campground

Friis Campground

23mi from Cerro Alto Campground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Los Padres National Forest

Top parks near Cerro Alto Campground

Limekiln State Park

Castle Rock State Park

Refugio State Beach

Morro Strand State Beach

Butano State Park

Modesto Reservoir Regional Park

Del Valle Regional Park

Devils Postpile National Monument

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me

Best RV camping near me

Best glamping near me