Morro Bay State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Morro Bay State Park is a beautiful waterside preserve located on the central California coast near the town of San Luis Obispo. There's a saltwater lagoon that serves as a habitat for dozens of bird species, a protected bay, gorgeous, rocky island outcrops, and plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. Before Spanish explorers landed in the area, Morro Bay was home to the Indigenous Chumash peoples, who harvested the fish and shellfish from the waters of the bay.
Nearest Cities:
San Luis Obispo, CA
Pismo Beach, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Avila Beach, CA
Spring 48-66 F
Summer 54-69 F
Fall 51-70 F
Winter 44-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Morro Bay State Park
Campground Accommodations
Morro Bay Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 35 feet
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, restrooms, coin-operated showers, water spigots, dump station, firewood concession
Morro Dunes RV Park
Morro Dunes RV Park is right on Atascadero Beach and near Morro Rock. There's a lot to do in the area, including golfing, surfing and swimming. Pricing starts at $44.40 for full hookups. Discounts are given for longer stays.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable, picnic tables
Morro Strand RV Park
Morro Strand RV Park features fantastic landscaping and is located just minutes from the beach and Morro Rock. It's also close to plenty of services, including restaurants and shopping.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Showers, fire pits, laundry, general store
Harborview RV Park
Harborview RV Park is a great spot to spend some time whether you have an RV or not. If you show up, make sure to have a week's worth of time as there is a one-week minimum. Pricing starts at $325 a week.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, trash, picnic tables
What to Do at
Morro Bay State Park
Along with a plethora of outdoor activities you can enjoy year-round, make sure you take time to visit the park's Museum of Natural History. The museum highlights a range of exhibits educating visitors about oceanography and the natural, geological and cultural history of the park and the surrounding Morro Bay area. Admission is free for children ages 18 and under and just $3 for adults.
Launch a boat from the marina, enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole course or relax by the waterfront while the little ones make good use of the playground. Kids and adults alike will love seeing the sea otters that make their home in the waters of Morro Bay.
Inside Morro Bay State Park
There's a lot to do inside Morro Bay State Park. Because it is right on the water, you can sail and fish here. There are also plenty of bird-watching opportunities and hiking trails. Additionally, there's a museum on-site, a colorful marina and a golf course.
Fishing
Half-day and full-day sport fishing and deep-water fishing tours are available from several concessionaires. When fishing from one of two piers, bait your line for perch and flounder in the winter and spring months and for sharks and bat rays in the summertime. You might also catch sardines, Pacific mackerel and jack mackerel. Head to the North T-Pier to cast your line if you need to find some bait and tackle as there are a few shops in the area there.
Geocaching
You can usually find several geocaches hidden within the boundaries of Morro Bay State Park. Some of these caches are easier to find than others, which require following several clues in order to be found. Bring a pen to sign the logbook once you find the cache, and bring along a trinket to leave as a treasure for the next person to find.
Nature Watching
The gorgeous Monterey pine trees, a panoramic view of the bay and views of the iconic 576-foot-tall Morro Rock are three natural features you'll want to see during your visit to the park. You can also view two volcanic peaks within the park, Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo. In the park, you'll find several types of habitats, including freshwater riparian, grasslands, salt marsh and coastal sage scrub.
Stargazing
On a clear night at Morro Bay State Park, you can even see the Milky Way. Many nature photographers come to the Morro Bay area to capture photographs of the night sky. Visit during the winter for the best views.
Flora and Fauna
More than 100 different species of birds make their home in the area in and around the park. You can spot double-crested cormorants, great egrets and great blue herons. Hang out around the marina, and you are bound to spot some adorable sea otters as there is a large population that makes their home in the park. Be ready – they aren't particularly shy around visitors. Head to South T-Pier, the Harbor Walk and Target Rock for your best chance at spotting these furry critters. If you visit during the winter from October through January, you're even likely to see some baby pups.
Hiking
Follow a flat trail around the estuary to view the birds, or enjoy a more challenging climb up into the hills above the bay to take in some majestic views. There are several trails to choose from within the park. One of the more popular trails in the area is the 4.7-mile Cerro Alto Loop Trail. The Marina Peninsula Trail is a mostly flat and relaxing walk along the marina.
Swimming
Boats, fishers and the occasional sea lion take up most of the space in the water along the bay, but if you're looking for a good swimming spot, you don't have to go far. Head to nearby Avila Beach for an excellent long, sandy beach with a stunning coastline.
Boating
Kayak and canoe rentals are available on-site, and many people enjoy sailing in the waters of the bay. Electric boats and pontoon rentals are also available. Many visitors to the park enjoy heading out on a whale-watching excursion as well. Blue, humpback and gray whales all pass through on their migratory routes.
Climbing
Note that climbing Morro Rock is prohibited. Rock climbers can hike up to Cerro Cabrillo and Tiki Rock to find some good boulders and rocky terrain to explore.
Biking
Mountain bikes are allowed on most of the hiking trails within the park. Be sure to adhere to any posted signage about which trails allow bikes and which are for hikers only.
How to Get to
Morro Bay State Park
Coming from either the 101 Freeway or the town of San Luis Obispo, get onto the CA-1, heading north. You'll follow this highway for about 15 minutes and then look for Exit 277. From there, follow S. Bay Boulevard until you see Park Road and the entrance to the park on your right.
By Car
Entering Morro Bay State Park
Although there is no fee to enter the park if you are walking or cycling in, there is a parking cost of $8 per vehicle. Several parking areas are scattered throughout the park, such as by Morro Rock, the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, the clubhouse at the golf course, Black Hill, the quarry and the museum.
Morro Bay State Park Per Vehicle : $8.0
It's easy to have a spectacular time at Morro Bay State Park, and the team at RVshare is thrilled that you'll be heading there in an RV. RVshare knows you'll be snapping loads of photos while there, so please send the site some of your greatest pics to [email protected]. RVshare has a travel blog and social media accounts and may want to post some of your shots for everyone to see.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morro Bay State Park
The park is popular with visitors year-round, but if you'll be staying overnight, keep in mind that temperatures can dip into the 40s during the winter on chilly evenings. If you want to see the sea otter pups, you should visit between October to January.
The sea otters in the bay delight park visitors and are usually easy to spot in abundance. Bring your binoculars, and look at Morro Rock for a chance to see peregrine falcons and their nesting grounds. Take a boat a bit beyond the bay, and you can spot several species of whales as they migrate along the coast. Check out the tidal pools to spot starfish, clams, mussels and crabs.
Of the campground's 120 spots, only five of them are set aside for tent camping, and the rest can be used by RVs. Only 28 sites offer hookups, though, and these sites also cost a bit extra.
You can reserve a spot to camp at Morro Bay State Park through the online or telephone reservation system at a cost of $7.99 per reservation. Standard campsites cost $35 per night while sites with hookups cost $50.
Yes. Dogs are permitted in most areas of the park, though there may be some signs indicating otherwise in some sections. Be sure to always keep your pets on a leash.