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Morro Bay Campground

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Morro Bay State Park campground consists of 135 sites shaded by a mixed forest planted by the CCC in the 1930’s.

This does not cause for much shade or privacy between sites, but what’s the fun in camping without making some new friends? The bathrooms and showers are consistently cleaned and stocked with warm water, while the proximity of the campgrounds to the golf course and marina are definitely a major plus. Parking is also close, so that’s not a worry, while the campground is also known to fill up on weekends. A definite advantage to the site is its proximity to the beach, a bonus that definitely outweighs all the sand you’ll be finding two weeks after you get back!
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Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Morro Bay State Park

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90%
85 ratings · 15 reviews
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Lawrence S.doesn't recommend
June 18, 2019
Campground is terrible because the camping spaces are too close together, creating tension between campers, and the camping area is covered by trees, making it hard to find without a GPS, especially with the large park nearby, which you will get lost in. The bathrooms are terrible; there are no paper toilet seat covers and the toilet paper is stacked and doesn’t roll well. The toilets have no lids, so you have to flush it with the bowl exposed, spreading bacteria. The bathrooms do not have soap, either. The vents make the sounds echo so everyone can hear what you’re doing in there. The large collected campsite makes it a long hike for people in the middle of the campground. Adequate for birding, but not for staying overnight.
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Starr S.
February 1, 2019
Feels like camping in a parking lot.
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Aimee H.
September 20, 2018
Beautiful campground close to the bay. Not much privacy or anything but easy access and all the basic amenities are available.
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Stephen J.recommends
January 30, 2018
Showers take tokens, but they are pretty well kept and clean. Big campground with lots of RVs and such stacked close to each other . Walking distance to town.
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Chanel C.
October 16, 2017
+ Campgrounds is a stone's throw from the marina. This is especially great if you enjoy being by the water. A lot of campers bring their own kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, etc. + Less than 2 miles from the Embarcadero where there are shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, boat tours, and water equipment rentals. It's a beautiful walk, an easy bike ride, and a quick drive into town. Best part, FREE PARKING everywhere! Also, plenty of public restrooms that are relatively clean. + Sites are very close together and not very spacious or private. Each campsite comes with parking for 1 car, a charcoal BBQ grill, a firepit, bear box, and picnic table. + The majority of campers here are older, retired RV campers so the campgrounds are well-kempt
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Anna P.recommends
September 12, 2017
Love this campground, spots are close together and out in the open but a quick escape right next to the water is worth it.
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Ali H.recommends
September 11, 2017
Sites are tiny, so make sure you book a couple of spots if you are camping with more than two people. Sites are usually booked, so make sure to book in advance. Great location to the town, and marina!
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John S.recommends
July 29, 2017
This is a great "traditional" campground that gives you access to surfing the rock and fishing in the harbor all by yourself. There's a lovely nature walk across from the campsite and close proximity to cafes about 10 minutes away by car or less.
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Jeff A.
July 25, 2017
Find a site where the turkey vultures don't roost - it can get ugly!
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Aly K.doesn't recommend
July 20, 2017
Not an ideal or scenic location.
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Cynthia F.recommends
July 16, 2017
Love kayaking here. Great group sites
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Kristin L.recommends
June 28, 2017
Nice and quiet, awesome big trees! Lots to do in the area.
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Kristi R.
March 28, 2017
essentially a parking lot, but right at the beach.
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Jordan S.
October 21, 2015
This was the first place I ever camped. It's not very secluded at all, it's only a short 10 minute walk into town which isn't really my preference. The campsite itself is pretty nice. There are some nice hikes available and the air is nice and crisp in the mornings. The campsites themselves were kind of hard to distinguish between, can't really tell where one begins and the other ends, but that could've been a rookie mistake made by me.
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Pierre A.
September 24, 2015
We had a surprisingly good time there. The campground doesn't offer anything special other than appreciable and cheap showers – a quarter dollar is enough – but this is a nice area. Check out the bay at sunset! You can rent kayaks at the marina, in front of the Bayside Café.

Your guide to camping in Morro Bay Campground

Overview

Biking

Many of the available trails in the Morro Bay are open to your wildest mountain biking desires, and a full list of paths in and around the park can be accessed here. One commonly-traversed track that we recommend is Black Hill, but make sure to check out many of the other trails!

Boating

It’s not called Morro Bay State Park for no reason, as boating on the bay is one of the most enjoyed elements for visitors. Head out to the marina and rent yourself a sailboat or kayak and embark on a serene boating adventure through the bay, it’s definitely a great activity for anyone while staying by the water. Check out the kayaking & canoeing section for places to rent and explore boating options.

Fishing

Due to the Marine Life Protection Act, Morro Bay State Park area is split up into an area for recreational fishing and the Morro Bay State Marine Reserve, which is completely cut off from public usage. The Bay supports more than two-dozen endangered species, some of which are fish, thus making angling a highly regulated activity. Nonetheless, fishing is permitted in specific areas, and per California norm, you’ll need your fishing license. You can also find available fishing areas/species here.

Hiking

Morro Bay isn’t all about the Bay, as hiking is another very common endeavor among visitors to the Park. The most common trail traversed by visitors is an easy one (only 0.6 miles, phew!), but don’t despair as the view at the top allows for a beautiful panorama of the bay. From the top, the awesome Morro Rock points above the Pacific and the alluring rolling hills of California to the East. Cerro Cabrillo is another highly-coveted trail which offers some more strenuous and less-maintained paths for the more adventurous type. Hikers are enveloped by surrounding sage brushes and chaparral/grass-covered hillsides, and are rewarded at the top with beautiful views of the estuary and mud flats as well as the geologically stunning Tiki Rock. Both hikes summit their own personal “morros” and are a great way to spend a day on the Central Californian coast.

Paddling

Kayaking Morro Bay among the plethora of wildlife is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the beauty that is the National estuary. Why not get the best seat in the house--the one directly on the water--and kayak along the easy flat-water of the bay. This is one of the only options that really allows visitors to experience the incredible wildlife that Morro Bay offers first hand, and many guided tours offer incredible insight through oyster farms, otter families, hundreds of birds, and many of the other species that inhabit the estuary. We highly recommend getting out on the water and enjoying the sunset from your kayak, as the serenity of the bay coupled with being surrounded by the myriad of wildlife is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to the sand spit that separates the bay from the rougher Pacific, the waters are relatively flat and allow for any level of kayaker to enjoy such an immersive opportunity. Make sure to check the tide schedule before heading out, though, as it tends to floccuate. You can also easily rent a kayak by the marina (which conveniently is right next to the Morro Bay campgrounds!)

Surfing

If you’re ready to brave the cold central Californian waters, then throw on your wetsuit and head out to one of the many beaches where surfing is available. Morro Rock Beach is known as a local surf spot, and you can check out the surf report here.

Wildlife watching

One element that separates Morro Bay from many other parks is the diversity and overall magnitude of species that inhabit the area. After all, part of the park is an estuary, with the additional Heron Rookery Natural Preserve providing the breathtaking presence of herons and many other avian species. Morro Bay’s expansive 2,700 acre territory, consists of spanning grasslands and sage scrub habitats coupled with mudflats, tidal wetlands, and freshwater/saltwater riparian areas. Wow. If that doesn’t get your engine revving then we don’t know what will. In reality, wildlife is what really makes Morro Bay one of the more incredible stops along the California coast, as Morro rock itself is host to the previously-endangered Peregrine Falcon, who make their home above the rock where they can stay relatively safe. The Bay also provides visitors with year round birdwatching opportunities, for over 100 migratory birds come through the area on their annual journeys while many others stay for the whole year to enjoy the park; just like the visitors! You can also check out the Morro Coast Audubon Society for programs and field trips to open your eyes to the glory of the avian community on the coast. Morro Bay state park is a haven for bird-lovers alike and is a necessary stop for anyone who enjoys such a diversity of wildlife.

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