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Camping near Morro Bay, CA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping near Morro Bay spans from oceanfront state parks to inland forest campgrounds, with options ranging from tent sites and full-hookup RV parks to primitive dispersed sites. The area includes Morro Bay State Park Campground with both tent and RV sites, offering views of the iconic Morro Rock and estuary access. Morro Strand State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with direct ocean access, while dispersed options like TV Tower Road near Santa Margarita offer more primitive experiences. Several private RV parks including Morro Dunes RV Park and Bay Pines Travel Trailer Park cater to visitors seeking full hookups and amenities within walking distance to town attractions.

    Reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when coastal sites fill quickly. "Morro Bay is one of my favorite spots. This campground is always perfect. The staff is great. Always clean. Close to everything," noted one visitor about Morro Bay State Park. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though coastal fog and afternoon winds are common, especially at Morro Strand where campers should bring extra-long tent stakes for sandy terrain. Most state park campgrounds provide drinking water and restrooms, while some offer showers for a small fee. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the coastal areas but may be limited at inland dispersed sites.

    The proximity to both beach and bay creates unique camping near Morro Bay. Campers at oceanfront sites enjoy direct beach access with opportunities to collect sand dollars and watch wildlife. "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road. Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant," one camper shared about Morro Bay State Park. Sites at El Chorro Regional Park, located inland between Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, provide a more sheltered experience with access to hiking trails, botanical gardens, and a golf course. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the region's attractions, including kayaking in the estuary, visiting downtown Morro Bay's shops and restaurants, or taking day trips to nearby coastal towns like Cayucos and Cambria.

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    Best Campgrounds near Morro Bay (89)

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      1. Morro Bay State Park Campground

      4.5(69)3mi from Morro Bay95 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road.  Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."

      "Great camp just outside of the city of Morro Bay. And within walking distance, there is a Museum of natural history. In the Bayside Café has a good food which is right across the street"

      from $35 - $165 / night

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      2. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

      3.8(42)2mi from Morro Bay73 sitesRVs, Tents

      "You can’t get much closer to the beach than this campground in Morro Bay."

      "Great spot right near Morro bay on a nice beach. A bit of a parking lot but if you get a good beach front spot you won’t care as you sit and look at the ocean."

      from $35 - $50 / night

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      3. Morro Dunes RV Park

      4.5(28)1mi from Morro BayRVs, Tents

      "California, Morro Dunes RV Park Located right on the beach and ocean near Morro Rock. Within walking distance from Downtown Morro Bay.

      Directions: From highway 1 exit at E. G."

      "Nice place, walking distance to the beach & downtown Morro Bay. Get a site that has a view of The Rock."

      from $35 - $74 / night

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      4. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      4.3(31)7mi from Morro Bay51 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There are many trails to choose from. The park is about a 5-10 minute drive to Morro Bay which is a fun little town to check out as well. I highly recommend Montana de Oro :)"

      "Ignore CAMPGROUND FULL sign at north end near Los Osos as you drive into park about 5 miles north of campground. People cancel and sign is not updated on regular basis."

      from $25 - $150 / night

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      5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

      4.0(40)13mi from Morro Bay

      "Great view of the pacific and that enormous rock protruding from the ocean in Morro Bay."

      "You can see Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo. And to top it all off, you also get an ocean view in the distance."

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      6. El Chorro Regional Park

      4.0(20)8mi from Morro BayRVs, Tents

      "It is not far from Morro Bay and worth the trip to travel even further and see the elephant seals in San Simeon."

      "If anyone needs a good place to stay near Morro Bay (Central CA coast), El Chorro Regional Park has 43 reasonably priced FHU back-in sites."

      from $38 - $65 / night

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      7. San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

      4.3(64)21mi from Morro Bay66 sitesRVs, Tents

      "General: Two campgrounds: San Simeon Creek, close to Highway One and the beach and Washburn Primitive, located about a mile inland."

      "This is a quaint campsite along California’s Central Coast. Not a lot at the site but in great proximity to Hearst Castle, elephant seals, zebras (no joke) and cute towns."

      from $35 / night

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      8. Cerro Alto Campground

      3.8(15)8mi from Morro Bay22 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Easy access to hiking trails (Cerro Alto summit) from campsite. About a 20 min drive to Morro Bay/ Morro Rock. Pit toilets. No showers."

      "Close to Morro Bay. Campground had access to Cerro Alto Summit which had 360 views at the top. Bathrooms were clean and 2 locations on site."

      from $35 - $39 / night

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      9. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

      4.1(67)23mi from Morro Bay67 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."

      "Tucked behind the dunes (and you definitely want a site next to the dunes!)"

      from $35 - $50 / night

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      10. Cypress Morro Bay RV Park

      4.8(4)1mi from Morro BayRVs

      "Morro Bay CA. Clean and located smack in the middle of town within short walk to restaurants, hikes, and more. Very nice and helpful owner."

      "Went to breakfast down the street, then walked around the pier and took lots of great pictures. Sea otters were floating around nursing their young. Had a great time!"

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    Recent Camping Photos near Morro Bay, CA

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    Recent Reviews near Morro Bay, CA

    776 Reviews of 89 Morro Bay Campgrounds

    • Brian Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Morro Bay State Park Campground

      Convenient Location - average facilities

      This is my go to spot when traveling between Northern and Southern California. Conveniently located near to the town of Morrow Bay, but just far enough to feel away from it all. There is a marina right across the street from the entrance with a nice restaurant with great sunset views. Standard state park amenities that could use a little bit of TLC but clean and operational. My site, #98, is next to the camp road and recycling so I suggest finding another.

    • s
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Morro Strand State Beach Campground

      One Night Stay

      The campsite itself was clean but You Will be right next to other campers. The restrooms were clean but there are no showers at this campground. Beach access is good and beach is beautiful. If there is overcast your camp will get wet. Cover anything you want to stay dry. Would definitely go again

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 12, 2026

      TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

      Quiet and free camping with a view

      Showed up at 11pm on a Tuesday night. There are multiple spots off a dirt road atop the hill. There were multiple others car camping but we were able to find a spot and didn't even make it as far as the provided coordinates. Temperatures were great and it was quiet at night and all through the morning. Only 1 hiker and one cyclist passed by. Thete were some smaller clearance vehicles but I think they'd be limited how far down sone of the roads they can go. We camped in a rooftop tent on a Tacoma. I wouldn't recommend tent camping here due to limited space and barely being off the road although there may be a few spots. Downsides to this spot is a lot of uneven ground, hard compact soils, some scattered poison oak, and scattered trash. The dense vegetation off the road and the compact soils can makes a bathroom situation difficult. Please be prepared and responsible and don't leave TP or trash like some others did. The best was the morning view: waking up on a hilltop surrounded by clouds. The quiet space and morning views and agility to find someone space at 11pm despite other campers was a positive.

    • Lee D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 4, 2026

      Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

      Rugged coast camping at the end of the road

      General: 47-site campground at the end of the road. No utilities and no (or very limited) cell service. 

      Site Quality: All camper pads are paved and wide enough to fit two vehicles. No designated tent pad (but there is room to pitch a tent). RV size is limited to 27 feet. A fire pit, wooden picnic table, and food box complete each site. Most sites are level, but a few are slightly sloped. Good amount of space between sites. 

      Bath: Vault toilets only; the one nearest our site was clean and well-maintained. I have never seen a vault toilet with a linoleum floor! 

      Activities/Amenities: Many trails – some just for hiking, but many are multi-use (for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders), and they range from easy to challenging. The Bluff trail has stunning views when the campground is not shrouded in fog. The sunsets can be beautiful as well. The Spooner Ranch House visitor center is worth a quick visit if it is open (hours vary). No dump station, and there are shared water spigots. Firewood is available from the camp host. The host was very present and friendly when we were there. 

      This is camping the way I like it – no frills, just time to relax and take in the rugged coastline. At night when it is quiet, you can hear the waves. The beach is pebbly sand and not the best for walking on, but nice to take chairs there and enjoy the waves. Poison oak grows throughout the campground, so be cautious.

    • Lee D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 22, 2026

      San Simeon Creek Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

      Close to the ocean

      General: Two campgrounds– San Simeon Creek, which is the developed campground, and Washburn, the primitive one (258 sites total). The main discernible difference between the two is that Washburn has vault toilets and San Simeon Creek has flush toilets. There is also a hiker/biker section of San Simeon, but it is very close to the highway. No utility hookups at all. This review is for San Simeon Creek. The maximum length of RV permitted is 35 feet. 

      Site Quality: Camper drives are paved and level. Some are VERY short; our friends made reservations, so I am not sure if you can tell when reserving the length of each pad. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. 

      Bath/Shower: As is typical with California state parks, the bathrooms in San Simeon Creek are individual units, with most having a toilet and sink and one with just a toilet. No hot water, soap, paper towels, or air dryers, but they do have toilet seat covers. Token-operated showers. 

      Activities/Amenities: Firewood is available for $11/bundle from the host between 3 and 7 pm. I saw a somewhat overgrown horseshoe pit, and there is a nice-looking amphitheater (although I don’t know if there are still programs). There is a boardwalk that takes you to the beach, and the San Simeon trail winds around the Washburn campground and was prolific with wildflowers at the end of April. However, the trail was narrow, and there was a lot of poison oak. There is a (double) dump station. Very limited to no cell service (on Verizon). 

      This campground is typical of what we have come to expect from California state parks– it is less expensive than some, but still short in amenities. While the Washburn campground is further inland, note you will hear road noise from many of the sites in San Simeon Creek (but you do have direct access to the beach). At night when the road noise subsides, you can hear owls and/or frogs if your site backs up to the creek.

    • A
      Jul. 20, 2026

      Morro Bay State Park Campground

      Best in the Central Coast

      This campground is not right on the beach, but its an easy walk to trails, the bay, the views, a restaurant, and golfing. Weird but true. Bring a couple clubs! Hike around, travel to other places in the central coast, or just enjoy the campground. Bring bikes for the kids! You will have a ton of fun and enjoy fantastic weather and sunsets! We have camped here at different times of the year and highly recommend any season. In the summer, there are usually cancellations during the week that you can grab.

      There are docks and a nice boardwalk. You will see- and hear- lots of birds. Its an easy walk to the natural history museum, which also has a gift shop.

    • ZThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 16, 2026

      Morro Bay State Park Campground

      Wonderful canoground with easy access to trails

      One of my favorite CA state parks! Well maintained and spacious sites with easy access to nearby trail systems. Definitely worth a visit!

    Guide to Morro Bay

    Morro Bay provides multiple campground options along the central California coast, from established state park facilities to private RV parks. Morro Bay State Park Campground and Morro Strand State Beach Campground offer tent and RV sites within walking distance of the ocean, while TV Tower Road offers free dispersed camping approximately 10 miles east near Santa Margarita. The surrounding area includes additional established campgrounds at Montaña de Oro State Park and San Simeon State Park, providing varied camping environments from oceanfront to forest settings.

    Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer months and weekends. Morro Bay experiences a mild coastal climate with fog common during mornings and evenings, particularly in summer. Sites at Morro Dunes RV Park and other waterfront facilities often fill quickly due to their popularity and prime location. One visitor noted, "Great location, right next to the dunes! The RV park is clean and well maintained. Sites are spaced close together but no major issues with noisy neighbors." Road access is generally good throughout the area, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Cell service is reliable near town but may be limited in more remote areas like TV Tower Road.

    Many campers highlight the proximity to beaches and views of Morro Rock as standout features of camping in this region. The established campgrounds provide amenities including showers, drinking water, and picnic tables, while the dispersed options offer more solitude but fewer services. Several visitors mentioned the easy beach access as a key benefit. A camper reported, "Just walk across the road to the dunes and onto the beach. Morro Rock in view. Perfect." Wildlife viewing opportunities include sea otters and sea lions in the harbor area. Campers should be prepared for coastal wind conditions, which can affect tent camping, particularly at sites directly adjacent to the ocean.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What amenities are available at Morro Bay State Park campground?

    Morro Bay State Park Campground offers comprehensive amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. The campground provides both standard and hookup sites with electricity and water for RVs. Facilities include a dump station, trash and recycling services, and ADA-accessible sites. The park is conveniently located within walking distance to the marina, Bayside Café restaurant, and the Museum of Natural History. Hiking trails connect directly to the campground, offering scenic views of Morro Rock and the bay. While cell service is generally good, some campers report inconsistent cleanliness of restroom facilities, so bringing personal supplies is recommended.

    Where are the best campgrounds in Morro Bay for tent camping?

    Morro Bay State Park Campground is ideal for tent camping with spacious sites separated by trees and shrubs for privacy, clean facilities, and walking trails with stunning views of Morro Rock. For a more rustic experience, Cerro Alto Campground offers secluded tent sites nestled among oak trees with direct access to hiking trails and is just a 20-minute drive from Morro Bay. Tent campers seeking beachfront options should consider Islay Creek Campground at Montaña de Oro State Park, which provides a more primitive experience with beautiful coastal access. Most tent sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms, though amenities vary by location.

    What are the best times of year to go camping in Morro Bay?

    The best times to camp in Morro Bay are late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are mild (60-75°F) and crowds are thinner. Summer months offer warmer weather but expect more visitors and foggy mornings that typically burn off by midday. Winter camping (November-March) provides solitude and whale watching opportunities at Morro Strand RV Park, though prepare for cooler temperatures and occasional rain. El Chorro Regional Park offers beautiful wildflower displays in spring. For the most comfortable experience, mid-week camping during shoulder seasons provides the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds.

    How much does camping in Morro Bay cost?

    Camping costs in Morro Bay vary by location and amenities. Morro Strand State Beach Campground typically charges $35-45 per night for sites, with slightly higher rates during peak seasons. RV parks tend to be pricier, with Morro Dunes RV Park running $50-75 per night depending on the site location and view. For budget-conscious campers, nearby options like Cerro Alto Campground offer more affordable rates around $25-30 per night. Most state park campgrounds in the area require an additional reservation fee of $7.99. Many campgrounds also offer discounts for seniors and disabled visitors, typically 10-15% off standard rates.

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