Campo Alto Campground Introduce
Campo Alto Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the tranquil landscape of Maricopa, California. Known for its vast, well-spaced campsites, this campground offers a unique opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Visitors often praise the breathtaking sunsets visible from the group sites, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
First-time visitors may notice that many sites are closed due to safety concerns like hazardous trees, which can sometimes lead to closures appearing random. The campground's hosts strive to keep guests informed, as highlighted in recent reviews. With only two bathrooms located far apart but maintained in clean condition, Campo Alto ensures basic amenities without compromising the natural experience.
One of the standout features is the absence of water and bear boxes, necessitating visitors to bring their own supplies and take necessary precautions. The nearby general store is a 15-minute drive away, providing essential items for your stay. While Google Maps might suggest a longer journey, the actual drive is shorter, though some roads within the campground can be rough, adding an adventurous touch to your trip.
Weather in the area varies dramatically, from chilly evenings requiring heavy jackets to warm daytime temperatures. The presence of shade canopies is advisable for daytime comfort. Sites vary in proximity; while some are close together, others offer greater isolation. Site 16 is particularly recommended for its combination of shade, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere.
Guests have noted the challenge of pit toilets with numerous flies, but this minor inconvenience is often overlooked due to the overall serene environment. The campground's quiet nature makes it ideal for those seeking peace, though it may not suit groups looking for lively socializing. Popular among bikers and motorcyclists, Campo Alto also welcomes dogs, encouraging them to wear shoes due to the area's natural terrain.
With its diverse wildlife, including woodpeckers, squirrels, and butterflies, Campo Alto offers a glimpse into nature's beauty. While occasional encounters with flies and bees are noted, they add character to the outdoor experience. Reviews consistently highlight the charm of this secluded spot, making it a perfect destination for those who cherish tranquility and natural splendor.
Location
Customer Reviews
Cool campground with some great views. When we went 7/7-7/10 many of the sites were closed due to hazardous trees (which is why the closures seem a little random). When we saw the camp hosts a couple days in they mentioned they had just been notified the Friday of 4th of July weekend that the sites would have to be closed. Sites are very big a spread out. Our last night we were the only people in our part of the campground. There’s only two bathrooms and they are spread far from each other but pretty clean. No water, no bear boxes, so be prepared for that—though we didn’t see any bears and the general store is about a 15 minute drive away. For whatever reason google maps makes it seem like it will take 50 minutes to get there, but it’s much shorter. Some of the road is pretty rough as you get deeper into the campground. Best views are if you walk through the group sites—really spectacular sunset watching there. Weather really varied for us. First night was very cold and quite windy and I wish I had thought ahead to bring a heavier jacket. Wind calmed the next day and the rest of our time there it wasn’t really present in the evening. Day time temps were nice—sweatshirts in the morning, but then easily could be in tanks and shorts during the day—never too warm. We stayed at site 16.
The drive up/down can be intense if other people are driving at the same time. The roads are very narrow. That being said, it's not a highly populated area so you probably won't have that issue. The temperatures, even in summer, were perfectly fine. Most camp sites have quite a bid of shade. Make sure you have a canopy of some type for shade during summer months, the temperatures are fine but the sun bearing directly down on you gets warm. The sites vary quite a bit. Some are close to each other, some are pretty far. If I were to go again, I'd probably try to grab site 16 or 17 based on shade, views, and isolation. The pit toilets have quite a few flies in them. Be prepared for that. The sites are gorgeous and the campground is very silent. The downside of that is... If your group is loud? Literally everyone can hear you. Very popular spot for bikes/motorcycles, we saw quite a few while we were there. Very dog friendly other than the old, dead pine needles off the paths. Bring shoes for your dog if you intend to go explore. Saw plenty of woodpeckers, squirrels, butterflies. Flies were semi common, saw a couple of bees/hornets but they were very rare. Overall, I'd go again. I'm not sure what type of group this campsite is ideal for seeing as there aren't many hiking trails, no water for activities. If you aren't biking/riding, and if your group isn't looking for quiet and serene, go elsewhere. This isn't the site to come get drunk and laugh loudly at.
Wow that was a gem to find for me personally. Beautiful forest. There are a lot of other campgrounds nearby as well that you can visit. The only thing I really did not like is that you have to book it for 2 days minimum, always! Even when booking a group camp for 50-70 people. Which is kind of weird. Also it's weird as 1 camping spot has a limit of 6 people and 1 car, but group camp is allowed up to 10 cars and 70 people, however it is not that much bigger. It is only like 3 times bigger and has more tables. And 2 group camps are right next to each other.
Great views and lovely trees all around. Be careful with cars and driving over large areas covered with pine needles as it can spark and such. Also, it's a steep drive up a large mountain with little to no guard rails, so be careful!
Great campgrounds, with a beautiful sunset spot. Bathroom's were cleaner than most mountain restrooms. I'll note there's no water so plan accordingly. 80° day 55° night mid July.
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