Campo Alto Campground

4.35

83 reviews

Quick Facts

8,250 ft

Price

$30 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May - November.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CampOne site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,250 ft

Price

$30 - $150/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

May - November.

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens CampOne site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Campo Alto Campground

$30.00 - $150.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season (May 1 - October 31): $30 per night for standard nonelectric sites; $150 per night for group sites; $2/weekend or holiday surcharge....

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$150.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 83 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

bugs

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Campo Alto Campground

34.8314, -119.2048

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.

"The drive up/down can be intense if other people are driving at the same time. The roads are very narrow." (Cory Rigali, user review). "The road is windy, visibility is limited around turns, and drop-offs are significant." (Mandy G, user review). Roads are paved until the camp entrance, where dirt roads begin.

Nearby places

Pine Mountain Club (15 miles, ~30 minutes)

Frazier Park (25 miles, ~50 minutes).

Nearby supplies

General store within 15 miles at Pine Mountain Club or 25 miles in Frazier Park for necessities such as groceries, gas, and basic supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Campo Alto Campground

At Campo Alto, the mountain weather writes its own rules, creating a dynamic climate that keeps every visit interesting. Summer days warm to a comfortable 80°F, perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness, while nights invite you to bundle up as temperatures dip to a crisp 55°F. The elevation brings its own personality—sudden winds may sweep through camp as darkness falls, and even summer mornings often call for that favorite sweatshirt you packed 'just in case.' But these cool nights offer an extraordinary trade-off: some of the clearest, most spectacular stargazing opportunities in Southern California, where the Milky Way stretches across the sky in all its glory.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer days ~80°F, clear skies; summer is popular and comfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Nov; fall likely scenic and less crowded per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open starting in May; early spring access may be limited by snow/closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Nov; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May - November.
Current Alerts: Some sites may be closed due to hazardous trees.

About Campo Alto Campground

Perched high in the Los Padres National Forest, Campo Alto Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking refuge from the crowds below. This intimate mountain retreat features 15 secluded single campsites and 2 group sites, each thoughtfully spaced among towering Jeffrey pines to ensure the privacy and tranquility that draws campers back season after season. As a primitive, high-altitude sanctuary operating seasonally, Campo Alto embraces the 'Pack it in, Pack it out' ethos—there's no running water, electricity, or dump stations here. Instead, you'll find something far more valuable: the rare opportunity to disconnect completely and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of California's backcountry.

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

Historical SignificanceCampo Alto holds secrets from a bygone era when these slopes echoed with the swoosh of skis and laughter of winter sports enthusiasts. As one longtime visitor reminisces, this was once a bustling cross-country ski resort 'many moons ago.' Today, observant campers can still discover remnants of this alpine past—weathered pulleys hanging mysteriously from ancient pines, silent witnesses to the campground's transformation from winter playground to summer sanctuary. These artifacts add an element of discovery to your stay, inviting you to piece together the mountain's evolving story.

Weather and SeasonsAt Campo Alto, the mountain weather writes its own rules, creating a dynamic climate that keeps every visit interesting. Summer days warm to a comfortable 80°F, perfect for exploring the surrounding wilderness, while nights invite you to bundle up as temperatures dip to a crisp 55°F. The elevation brings its own personality—sudden winds may sweep through camp as darkness falls, and even summer mornings often call for that favorite sweatshirt you packed 'just in case.' But these cool nights offer an extraordinary trade-off: some of the clearest, most spectacular stargazing opportunities in Southern California, where the Milky Way stretches across the sky in all its glory.

ElevationAt 8,250 feet above sea level, Campo Alto stands as one of the region's loftiest camping destinations, where the air is noticeably thinner and refreshingly crisp. This dramatic elevation doesn't just promise cooler temperatures—it delivers a complete change of perspective. From this mountain throne, the world unfolds beneath you in a tapestry of valleys and distant ranges, while the high altitude creates that particular quality of light that makes everything appear sharper, clearer, more vivid. Here, you're not just camping; you're claiming your place among the clouds.

Natural Features and SceneryCampo Alto's setting reads like a landscape painter's dream journal. Ancient Jeffrey pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and graceful branches providing both shade and character to this 8,250-foot perch. But it's the views that steal the show—a 360-degree panorama that encompasses the golden expanse of Carrizo Plain, the rugged contours of Cuyama Valley, and the dramatic cuts of Quatal and Apache Canyons. On clear days, your gaze can travel from the agricultural tapestry of San Joaquin Valley to the wild peaks of the Sespe ranges, with Lockwood Valley nestled in between. This is California geography at its most dramatic, served up from your campsite door.

Geological RegionCampo Alto crowns the summit of Cerro Noroeste, a commanding peak in the Los Padres National Forest that serves as a natural boundary between worlds. This high-altitude ecosystem thrives in the transition zone where dense Jeffrey pine forests give way to sweeping vistas. The mountain's unique position creates a geological grandstand overlooking some of California's most diverse terrain—from the stark beauty of Carrizo Plain's grasslands to the carved canyons of Quatal and Apache, from the fertile San Joaquin Valley to the rugged wilderness of the Sespe ranges. Lockwood Valley adds its own chapter to this geological story, visible from your pine-shaded campsite. Here at Campo Alto, you're camping at the intersection of multiple California landscapes, each telling its own ancient tale of tectonic forces and time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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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

Site layoutSites are huge and spaced apart for privacy." (Donna K, user review). "Group sites are very nice with new vault toilets." (Robert S, user review).

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

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are first-come-first-serve, particularly outside peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before scheduled arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations incur a fee equivalent to the first night's recreation use fees.

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).

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking opportunities include the Vincent Tumameit Trailhead, which provides scenic mountain vistas. "The hike toward Mt. Pinos was very nice," according to one reviewer. However, there are limited trails directly within the campground.

FishingFishing is available within a 30-minute drive of the campground. Specific locations and details about fish species are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible within a 30-minute drive, but there are no swimming facilities within the campground itself.

BikingThe campground is a popular spot for biking enthusiasts. "Very popular spot for bikes/motorcycles," noted a reviewer.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, including woodpeckers, squirrels, butterflies, and occasional sightings of bees or hornets. "Saw plenty of woodpeckers, squirrels, butterflies," reported one user.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Pit toilets have quite a few flies." (Cory Rigali, user review). "Noose hanging from a tree and creepy doll reported at site #3." (Aileen Torres, user review). Narrow roads and drop-offs may be hazardous for drivers.

Active AlertsSome sites may be closed due to hazardous trees.

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

Fire PolicyAllowed only in designated fire rings. Check local fire restrictions prior to visit.

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

Emergency Servicesnull

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.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies within walking distance.

Camp Host"Fred Rye is an awesome camp host." (Sherry Foley, user review). Camp host availability varies.

Weather at Campo Alto Campground

Reviews

4.4

83 reviews

Recommended

Campo Alto Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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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