How much does camping cost at Campo Alto Campground?

Camping fees at Campo Alto Campground range from $30-$152/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Campo Alto Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Campo Alto Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Campo Alto Campground before I book?

Yes! Campo Alto Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Campo Alto Campground?

Campo Alto Campground is open May 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Campo Alto Campground?

Campo Alto Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Campo Alto Campground?

Cell phone service at Campo Alto Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Campo Alto Campground have?

Campo Alto Campground has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Campo Alto Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Campo Alto Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Campo Alto Campground?

Campo Alto Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Campo Alto Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Campo Alto Campground?

Fire policies at Campo Alto Campground: Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Check local fire restrictions prior to your visit.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.26

83 reviews

Top 16%Summer

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,250 ft

Price

$30 - $152/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May - November.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CampOne Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,250 ft

Price

$30 - $152/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May - November.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on CampOne Official Website

Get Directions

Campo Alto Campground

$30.00 - $152.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

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Campground Map

Campo Alto Campground

34.8314, -119.2048

Nearby places

Pine Mountain Club (15 miles, ~30 minutes)

Frazier Park (25 miles, ~50 minutes).

Driving directionsLocated off Mil Potrero Highway, approximately 3 miles west of Pine Mountain Club. On Forest Road 9N27. From I-5 take Frazier Park Mountain Park Rd in Lebec. Go west 10 miles to Mil Potrero Rd and make a right. Turn left at the Mil Potrero Ranger station (Cerro Noroeste Rd-Forest Road 9N27) and proceed 6 miles to the end. The campground is at the top of My Abel. GPS: 34.8314, -119.2095.

Weather at Campo Alto Campground

Current alerts(13)

2 night minimum stay on weekends.
3 night minimum stay on holidays.
Camping fee includes 1 vehicle and 1 tent, trailer or RV per site. $10 fee for each extra vehicle.
Click here for more information on Los Padres National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Campo Alto Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest daytime weather at this high-elevation site — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s. Trails, vista points and backcountry access are fully snow-free so hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, while the small, secluded campground feels spacious despite weekend visitors. Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms (July–August monsoon) and the region’s summer fire-saf Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in US

Summer is prime: trails snow-free, temps 75–85°F, peak season May–Oct and popular in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May - November.

About Campo Alto Campground

Campo Alto Campground sits in the high-elevation alpine zone of Los Padres National Forest near Pine Mountain Club. Operated by CampOne, this small campground offers spacious sites under tall pines with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for the quiet, the sunsets, and mountain biking access on surrounding trails.

Campo Alto Campground is a primitive campground with options for group camping as well as sites suitable for tents and modest-sized RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest daytime weather at this high-elevation site — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and nights dropping into the mid-40s to mid-50s. Trails, vista points and backcountry access are fully snow-free so hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak, while the small, secluded campground feels spacious despite weekend visitors. Be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms (July–August monsoon) and the region’s summer fire-saf Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation8250 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground crowns Cerro Noroeste, a peak where Jeffrey pine forests meet open sky. From your site, you can see Carrizo Plain's grasslands, the carved walls of Quatal and Apache Canyons, the San Joaquin Valley, and the Sespe ranges. Lockwood Valley fills the middle distance. The pines provide shade and their bark smells faintly of vanilla. It's a geological grandstand: multiple California landscapes visible from one spot.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodges available. The campground exclusively offers primitive camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

1tent, trailer, or RV per site
$10 for each extra vehicle.

Groups

The campground has two group sites, but specific details about group size or vehicle limits are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly mentioned, but some sites are described as spacious with varying distances between them.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, with ample room for tents and modest-sized RVs. One reviewer noted that "the sites are huge and inexpensive," while another mentioned that sites "vary quite a bit. Some are close to each other, some are pretty far.

PrivacyPrivacy is generally good, with many sites spread out. However, some areas are close to each other, and noise can travel easily due to the silence in the area. "The sites are gorgeous and the campground is very silent," reported a user.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 11 is highly recommended for its seclusion." (Kaitlin P, user review).

Best CampsitesSites 16 and 17 get consistent recommendations for shade, views, and distance from neighbors. Site 14 also draws praise. The group sites are newer and come with updated vault toilets.

Need help booking Campo Alto Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water or electricity onsite. There is no dump station.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is best suited for minimalistic outdoor activities such as hiking, star gazing, and wildlife viewing. Some nearby attractions, such as fishing and swimming spots, are accessible within a 30-minute drive.

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available on-site. Vault toilets are the only restroom option, which some users described as "cleaner than most mountain restrooms."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Check local fire restrictions prior to your visit.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 8 a.m

Trash & RecyclingThe campground follows a 'Pack it in. Pack it out.' policy. Campers must bring their own garbage bags and dispose of trash off-site.

Cell CoverageCell service is limited and sporadic. Reviewers have mentioned that there is "little to no cell phone connectivity" at the campground. However, some users reported being able to find minimal reception by going back down the hill about half a mile.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

83 reviews

Satisfactory

Campo Alto Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campo Alto Campground generally receives positive reviews for its serene environment, scenic views, and spacious sites. Users appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the opportunity to disconnect from city life. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, the presence of flies in the vault toilets, and the occasional noise from nearby groups.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praised the spaciousness of campsites, the peaceful and scenic environment, and the cleanliness of the vault toilets. "Great campgrounds, with a beautiful sunset spot," noted one...

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the absence of potable water, pack-in/pack-out policy for trash, and the presence of flies near the vault toilets. Some users also found the road to the campground...

Based on 83 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many users highlighted specific campsites for their advantages: "I would recommend site 11, it is quite separated from all other sites," and "Site 16 or 17 based on shade, views, and isolation." Site...

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, packing trash bags, and being prepared for the lack of cell service. Many suggest choosing specific campsites for better views or privacy, such as sites 16...

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months are popular due to moderate temperatures and clear skies. However, some sites were reported closed during certain periods due to hazardous trees. The campground remains seasonal,...

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sites are gorgeous and the campground is very silent." "The road is windy, visibility is limited around turns, and drop-offs are significant." "No water, no bear boxes, so be prepared for that."

Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not explicitly addressed in most reviews, though some sites are noted to be spacious and spread out.

Based on 83 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users recommend bringing protective shoes for dogs due to pine needles and rough terrain. "Very dog friendly other than the old, dead pine needles off the paths."

Based on 83 reviews

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Go if

You want secluded mountain camping with room to spread out and don't mind packing in water.

Skip if

You need potable water, trash service, or guaranteed road maintenance and gate schedules.

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Toad Springs sits in a secluded canyon at 5,673 feet in Los Padres National Forest. The five primitive sites accommodate tents, small trailers up to 12 feet, and overland vehicles. No fees. No water, no restrooms. Bring everything you need.