Hi Mountain Campground

Welcome, fellow Californians, to your in-depth guide to Hi Mountain Campground, a truly rustic and secluded gem nestled within the vast and diverse Los Padres National Forest, near the charming community of Arroyo Grande. For those of you yearning for a genuine outdoor experience that offers peace, tranquility, and a deeper connection with nature away from the typical crowds, Hi Mountain Campground is a destination worth exploring. This comprehensive article aims to provide you with all the essential details about this unique camping spot, from its location and accessibility to the services it offers and the remarkable natural highlights that make it a compelling choice for your next California adventure.

Hi Mountain Campground embodies the spirit of primitive camping, catering to those who appreciate self-sufficiency and the serene beauty of an undeveloped setting. It's a place where the sounds of the wilderness prevail, and starry nights are truly breathtaking, unmarred by urban light pollution. We understand that finding such a peaceful and authentic retreat within our vibrant state can be a challenge, which is why we’ve gathered this detailed overview. Based on publicly available information and insights from fellow campers, this guide will help you understand what to expect and why Hi Mountain Campground is perfectly suited for Californians seeking a truly restorative and adventurous outdoor experience, including its unique connection to the California Condor conservation efforts.

Hi Mountain Campground is located at Forest Rte 30S11, Hi Mountain Lookout Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA. This puts it high in the mountains, approximately 10 miles northeast of the Arroyo Grande Forest Service Station, within the Los Padres National Forest. For Californians, this means a journey into the rugged, elevated terrain of the Santa Lucia Mountains, offering panoramic views and a distinct sense of remoteness.

Accessing Hi Mountain Campground requires navigating dirt roads, which are described as "partially maintained" and "bumpy." Reviewers note that while "most of the time accessible by most vehicles with clearance," a vehicle with higher ground clearance or even 4WD/AWD is recommended for a more comfortable and reliable journey, especially if conditions are wet or rutted. There are two primary routes to reach the campground: one from the Lake Lopez area and another from Highway 58. It is crucial to check current road conditions, particularly for Forest Road 30S05, which may be impassable when the Salinas River is high, necessitating the alternate route.

Despite the adventurous drive, the journey itself is part of the allure, taking you through diverse landscapes before ascending into the oak groves and rugged terrain of Hi Mountain. While it provides a truly isolated feel, its relative proximity to towns like Santa Margarita and Atascadero means that basic supplies can be acquired before heading up. Its accessibility caters to those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience without being entirely cut off from civilization, making it a well-placed destination for locals across California.

• Approximately 10-11 decent sized, primitive campsites, providing ample space for privacy and a natural setting.
• Each campsite includes a fire ring with a BBQ grate, allowing for cooking over an open flame and traditional campfires (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting).
• Picnic tables are available at each site, offering a convenient surface for outdoor dining and other activities.
• One enclosed bathroom (vault toilet) is provided, offering basic restroom facilities.
• Free camping: Hi Mountain Campground is a free campsite, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
• First-come, first-served availability: No reservations are accepted, so campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure a spot.
• No potable water: Campers must bring their own drinking water for all needs, including cooking, washing, and personal hygiene. This is a crucial detail for planning your visit.
• No trash service: Campers are required to practice Leave No Trace principles, meaning all trash and waste must be packed out and taken with them upon departure.
• Recreational vehicles up to 16 feet are permitted, accommodating both tent campers and smaller RVs/trailers.
• An Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) or an Interagency Pass (National Parks Pass, Senior Interagency Pass, or Interagency Access Pass) is required for parking a vehicle at the campground. If you walk in, a pass is not required.
• The campground is open year-round, typically from January to December, though accessibility can be impacted by wet weather and road conditions.

• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: Hi Mountain Campground offers a truly quiet and secluded reprieve, praised by campers for being "out of the way" and away from "big groups of campers and wilderness explorers." This makes it perfect for those seeking genuine tranquility and solitude in nature.
• Views and Elevation: Located at an elevation that provides views of the surrounding Los Padres National Forest, the campground offers a picturesque setting. It's on the way up to the Hi Mountain Lookout, which provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views, making it ideal for scenic viewing.
• Access to Wilderness Areas: The campground is close to the Santa Lucia and Garcia Wildernesses, offering excellent opportunities for extensive hiking, backpacking, and immersing oneself in designated wilderness areas.
• California Condor Conservation: Hi Mountain is famously associated with the California Condor. The nearby Hi Mountain Lookout is a critical remote tracking station and research facility for the critically endangered California Condor, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and potentially spot these magnificent birds.
• Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Opportunities: The surrounding area within Los Padres National Forest, particularly the Pozo-La Panza OHV Area, offers extensive trails for off-highway vehicles, appealing to riders seeking adventurous terrain.
• Primitive Camping Experience: With no potable water and basic facilities (vault toilet, fire rings, picnic tables), the campground provides an authentic dry camping experience. This appeals to self-sufficient campers who enjoy a more rustic and less developed environment.
• Oak Grove Setting: The campsites are nestled within a large grove of oaks, providing natural shade and enhancing the sense of being deeply immersed in the forest.
• Year-Round Potential: While road conditions can vary, the campground is officially open year-round, making it a viable option for those who enjoy temperate winter camping, though spring and fall are often considered the best seasons.
• Hunting Opportunities: The area is known to offer hunting opportunities, appealing to those who engage in this outdoor activity (subject to California hunting regulations and seasons).

Address: Forest Rte 30S11, Hi Mountain Lookout Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA

Phone: (805) 925-9538

Mobile Phone: +1 805-925-9538

These phone numbers are for the Santa Lucia Ranger District Office, which manages the Hi Mountain Campground within the Los Padres National Forest. Given the primitive nature of the campground, its remote location, and variable road conditions, it is highly recommended to contact the Ranger District prior to your visit. They can provide the most current information regarding road accessibility (especially important after heavy rains), fire restrictions, any temporary closures (such as for wet weather), and details regarding the Adventure Pass requirement for parking. This ensures you have the latest information for a safe, informed, and enjoyable camping experience at Hi Mountain Campground.

Hi Mountain Campground is an exceptional destination for Californians who are seeking a truly authentic, secluded, and uncommercialized outdoor experience. Its location off the beaten path near Arroyo Grande, within the expansive Los Padres National Forest, provides a genuine escape from the daily grind and bustling urban centers of our state. For locals, this means the opportunity to disconnect, breathe fresh air, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of California's central coast mountains.

What makes Hi Mountain Campground particularly appealing to Californians is its commitment to primitive camping. While it requires self-sufficiency, with no potable water on-site and only vault toilets, these aspects are precisely what attract experienced campers and those who embrace the "Leave No Trace" ethos. The relatively modest requirement for an Adventure Pass for parking, rather than a per-night fee, makes it an incredibly cost-effective option for enjoying extended periods in nature, allowing more Californians to access these precious public lands.

The highlights of Hi Mountain Campground are numerous and compelling. The spacious, oak-shaded campsites offer ample privacy, allowing for a truly peaceful retreat. Its elevated position provides stunning scenic views, and its proximity to the Santa Lucia and Garcia Wildernesses unlocks a vast network of trails for hiking, backpacking, and exploration. The unique opportunity to be in an area crucial for California Condor conservation efforts adds an enriching educational and wildlife viewing dimension to any visit. Furthermore, for those with off-highway vehicles, the nearby OHV trails provide an additional layer of adventure.

Despite the potentially bumpy dirt road leading in, the reward is a quiet, natural sanctuary that feels miles away from civilization. It's a place where you can enjoy simple pleasures like campfires under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature. For any Californian yearning for an unplugged, adventurous, and deeply restorative camping experience, Hi Mountain Campground stands out as a prime choice for your next unforgettable outdoor escape.

Hi Mountain Campground

Forest Rte 30S11, Hi Mountain Lookout Rd, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420, USA