Hi Mountain Campground

3.94

38 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,382 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,382 ft

Price

$5 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Los Padres National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hi Mountain Campground

$5.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) or Annual Interagency Pass, Senior Interagency Pass, or Interagency Access Pass is required for parking. Passes...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.94

Mixed Reviews

Based on 38 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietshade

"User reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, substantial shade, and scenic views but emphasize its primitive nature and challenges in accessibility. Maintenance issues with vault toilets and the rugged dirt roads leading to the site are frequently mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Hi Mountain Campground

35.2613, -120.4145

Driving directionsFrom San Luis Obispo: Hwy 101, 8 miles north, Hwy 58, 3 miles east, Pozo Rd. 16 miles southeast, Forest road 30S05, 4 miles southwest. Alternate route: 10 miles northeast of Arroyo Grande Forest Service Station off Pozo-Hi Mountain Rd. Note: Forest Road 30S05 may be impassable when Salinas River is high, use alternate route as noted.

Road access is described as challenging. User reviews consistently note that the dirt roads leading to the campground are rugged and require high-clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Cars are described as 'definitely a no-go,' and the road conditions worsen during wet weather or high Salinas River levels. Off-roading vehicles have also exacerbated road conditions by creating craters.

Nearby places

San Luis Obispo is approximately 31 miles away. Arroyo Grande is located about 10 miles northeast via an alternate route.

Nearby supplies

Adventure Passes are available at Big 5 Sporting Goods and REI in San Luis Obispo. User reviews suggest there are no direct supply points near the campground, and you must bring all essentials with you.

Best Time to Camp at Hi Mountain Campground

Hi Mountain's climate dances with the seasons, offering sun-drenched summers perfect for stargazing and mild winters that invite cozy campfire gatherings. Late spring through summer brings the clearest skies and driest conditions, ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. Be prepared for nature's full experience during warmer months—the resident flying insects, particularly around the facilities, remind visitors they're sharing this wild space with its original inhabitants. Savvy campers bring bug spray and choose sites farther from the vault toilets for the most comfortable experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Sun‑drenched summers good for stargazing but noted for heat and insect activity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild weather and scenic views make fall appealing; fewer season drawbacks noted.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring brings clearer skies and good access; season noted as pleasant and accessible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with mild winters and cozy fires, but access can be affected seasonally.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, January to December.

About Hi Mountain Campground

Escape to Hi Mountain Campground, where ancient oak groves create a natural cathedral in the heart of Los Padres National Forest. This secluded primitive camping haven offers an authentic wilderness experience beneath a canopy that filters 90% of the sunlight, creating dappled shadows perfect for afternoon relaxation. The journey here is part of the adventure—rugged roads wind through the mountains, demanding a high-clearance vehicle but rewarding you with increasing solitude at every turn. Once you arrive, you'll find thoughtfully placed fire rings and BBQ grates at each site, sturdy picnic tables weathered by countless camping stories, and clean vault toilets maintaining the site's rustic charm.

The campground offers primitive camping opportunities in a secluded and shaded environment. It is free to use and includes basic facilities like fire rings and tables.

Historical SignificanceThe stories of Hi Mountain remain unwritten in official records, but the ancient oaks and worn trails speak of generations who have sought refuge in these heights.

Weather and SeasonsHi Mountain's climate dances with the seasons, offering sun-drenched summers perfect for stargazing and mild winters that invite cozy campfire gatherings. Late spring through summer brings the clearest skies and driest conditions, ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. Be prepared for nature's full experience during warmer months—the resident flying insects, particularly around the facilities, remind visitors they're sharing this wild space with its original inhabitants. Savvy campers bring bug spray and choose sites farther from the vault toilets for the most comfortable experience.

ElevationPerched high in the dramatic Santa Lucia Mountains, Hi Mountain Campground offers the rare gift of mountain air and elevated perspectives. Though the exact elevation remains nature's secret, you'll feel the altitude in the cooler temperatures and the expansive views that remind you why they call this place Hi Mountain.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak giants stand as sentinels throughout Hi Mountain, their gnarled branches creating living architecture that has sheltered wildlife and wanderers for centuries. Positioned at the doorstep of both the Santa Lucia and Garcia Wilderness areas, the campground serves as your basecamp for exploring untamed California backcountry. From various vantage points, sweeping vistas reveal the folded layers of the mountain range, while the campground's surprisingly level tent sites offer comfort amidst the rugged terrain.

Geological RegionHi Mountain Campground sits within the ancient Santa Lucia Mountain Range, a geological masterpiece where tectonic forces have sculpted dramatic peaks and hidden valleys. Surrounded by pristine oak woodland ecosystems, the campground occupies a unique position between the protected Santa Lucia and Garcia Wilderness areas, offering campers a front-row seat to one of California's most biodiverse mountain environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Groups

There are no designated group campsites
the campground is designed for individuals or small groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutPrimitive layout with approximately 10 campsites arranged under oak groves. Sites include flat areas for tents.

Walk-in AvailabilityDescribed as mostly first-come, first-served. User reviews note low occupancy even during summer weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNot specified.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly stated, but the rugged dirt roads leading to the campground may make it challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites are described as decently sized, with plenty of flat spaces for tents or normal-length rigs.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded and quiet, with oak trees providing substantial shade and privacy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers suggest choosing sites with ample shade (90% coverage) and proximity to BBQ pits and tables. Sites close to the water tower may offer spring water but lack spigots.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is primarily aimed at campers seeking solitude and a primitive camping experience. Activities are limited, but there is potential for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as a small brown bear has been observed in the area. Campers are advised to keep food securely stored and practice bear-aware behaviors.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad hazards include rugged terrain, soft dirt on inclines, and craters from off-roading vehicles. Wildlife hazards include brown bears and swarms of flies/gnats during warmer months.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available but may require clearing ash before use. No explicit fire rules mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesPozo Fire Station is less than half a mile south, but crossing the creek is often difficult depending on water levels. For major emergencies, the nearest hospital is likely in San Luis Obispo, approximately 31 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to pack out all trash. No dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesUser reviews mention a water tower behind the first campsite but note the lack of potable water. A running creek is described, but crossing it can be challenging.

Weather at Hi Mountain Campground

Reviews

3.9

38 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hi Mountain Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's seclusion, substantial shade, and scenic views but emphasize its primitive nature and challenges in accessibility. Maintenance issues with vault toilets and the rugged dirt roads leading to the site are frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

- Secluded and quiet - Substantial oak tree shade ("nearly 90% shade") - Scenic views ("breathtaking morning view") - Free camping - Adequate fire pits and picnic tables - Plenty of flat space for...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

- Rugged, poorly maintained access roads requiring off-road capable vehicles - Poor maintenance of vault toilets (bad odors, lack of cleaning, no toilet paper) - Lack of potable water - Heavy...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring all necessary water and supplies ("be self-sufficient") - Use the Santa Margarita Highway 58 route for better accessibility - Carry a shovel to clear fire pits of ash - Consider bringing a...

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer season is noted for its insect activity and heat, while reviews do not point to significant seasonal variations due to the year-round accessibility of the site. Winter access may be...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Nearly 90% shade in the camp, which is super nice." - "The drive up the dirt road is VERY rugged. Don't even attempt to drive up unless you have an off-roading vehicle." - "Vault toilets. Not...

Based on 38 reviews