Morro Bay State Park RV & Campground Guide

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.