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Hi Mountain Campground
Hi Mountain Campground
Location (Lat., Long.) 35.26130, -120.41450
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I first went one December several years ago. I most recently went earlier in the summer, which is when I got these pictures. The environment is forested - no big skies at the campground itself - and the terrain is walkable, even bikeable. Hi Mountain is not a joke name, this campground is on a ridge and there is a Hi Mountain featuring a condor lookout.
This is fairly primitive - there's no power, no water, no host. Tent camping or tiny RVs., yes dogs.
This campground is popular for OHV activities which means expect to see and hear ATVs and dirt bikes during daylight hours. If you want to hike somewhere more quiet this campground is betewen the Santa Lucia Wilderness and the Garcia Wilderness.
There are active bears in your area but the campground does have bear boxes for your food.
You need an Adventure Pass to visit this campground. While these are a mere $5 per day, you have to get one ahead of time. See LPNF.
Manzanita tree in afternoon light.
Traveling to Hi Mountain Campground
Traveling to Hi Mountain Campground
Believe it or not this campground is on a mountain. Those traveling from the north, such as SLO, the Google will tell them to go through Santa Margarita and turn up the mountain close to the historic (and closed) Pozo Saloon. Those traveling from the south may be told by the Google to turn into Arroyo Grande, go up to Lake Lopez reservoir, and on up the watershed to the top.
I travelled both roads this Summer. If you are coming from the south and LOVE gravel roads, technical driving along single lane forest routes, and have something higher and more capable than a compact sedan, take the Lake Lopez route. If you want a chill drive, have a small car, or are coming from SLO/the North, take the Pozo route. While the time estimates SEEM like the Lake route is faster I have my doubts - backcountry driving will slow you way down.
However both routes have stream crossings. If there's been recent rains, it's possible the road will wash out. Check with LPNF.
From the South like Santa Barbara
“The Easy Way” from Pozo
Arroyo Grande > Pozo Saloon> Hi Mountain Campground
4.4 miles of forest road for a total of 49 miles from AG
“The Hard Way” past the reservoir
Arroyo Grande > Lopez Lake > Hi Mountain Campground
13.4 miles of forest road for a total trip of 25 miles from AG
From the North like SLO
Cal Poly > Pozo Saloon > Hi Mountain Campground
32 miles from Cal Poly
Forest views.
A creek that goes under the forest road via culvert.
Pozo
Pozo
At the crossroads known as the town of Pozo you will find the Pozo Saloon (closed).
To the east is a road bunch of farmland and hills. It's a pretty drive.
Going SW is the mountain road with the USFS Fire Station 31 at the corner.
The historic (and closed) Pozo Saloon is a landmark.
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