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.
$35 - $165 / night
"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"
$35 - $50 / night
"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."
$25 - $150 / night
"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."
$35 - $74 / night
"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."
"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."
"We were trying to find a spot to camp near San Luis Obispo and hoped to find a place in Los Padres Natl Forest. We saw the road in our map book and aimed to follow it."
$35 / night
"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."
$38 - $65 / night
"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."
$35 - $39 / night
"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."
$25 - $40 / night
"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!)"
"Morro strand in Morro Bay, CA is so perfect. Pets allowed, great water pressure in the showers, laundry is cheap and it's also right around the corner from the beach!"
"Sonia allowed us to park in a space and fill up then drive away - free of charge. What a legend"
ScoutWonderful spot, great easy dirt road up, vault toilets, beautiful campsite set amongst bull pines and manzanita. Lots of flies during the day but the wind at night drives them off. Hot during the day and cold at night so be prepared for that. Gorgeous views of the central coast vineyards on the drive in.
ScoutStunning view, campsites have a lot of broken glass but the views make up for it
TravelerSpots are wide enough to park our truck next to our trailer. Asphalt parking with dirt yard behind the spot, including a firepit and picnic table. Trees and shrubs for privacy and shade. Run by San Luis Obispo County.
TravelerIf 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. Nothing fancy - out in nature, the way we like it, plus $1 showers, attentive rangers, and on-site camp hosts. Extremely convenient to both Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Botanical Garden, dog park, shooting range and golf course all at/near the park.
LegendLovely state park campground with access to the beach over some dunes and waterways. Pismo Beach is a huge and beautiful beach. Even with a lot of people it cannot feel crowded. If you are willing to get your feet wet crossing some creeks that empty into the ocean you can walk to the pier along the beach. This park is a delight compared to the cramped RV Parks right next door. Clean bathrooms and showers. Shower tokens $1 for 2 will get you a 4 minute shower. Peaceful place on a Sunday in March.
LegendThe location is great, right on a little marina. We lucked out and got a site without a reservation for a Friday night in March. The ladies at the gate were very friendly and helpful. We went to the little museum ($3/adult) and hiked the Black Hill for a view. Campground has dated bathrooms and showers but they are clean. Fun to see park structures from the CCC still around. There is a restaurant right across from the campground that gets good reviews but we didn’t try it. Also kayak rentals right across from the campground. We’d stay here again if we were passing through. Like many costal parks the attraction is the ocean, not the hiking.
LegendA lot of RV parks use resort in their names but this one deserves it! Large, well spaced sites, beautiful pools, laundry ($2 wash and $2 dry), hot tubs, outdoor common areas, dog parks, clean restrooms with hot showers. We were delighted to stay hear after checking out another RV park just a bit north on 101. Quiet and peaceful. We will be back!
GuideBooked a couple of nights here at the last minute and, while crowded, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet and tidy this campground was.
It is however the off-season and not a place I’d consider otherwise as I can only imagine how wild it must get when kids are off of school, as it is right on the beach.
The sites are pretty leveled and the facilities offer all one needs, and it’s all very clean. Spigots for free water refill are also available throughout the campground.
At $25/night, this is a wonderful and very safe campground for all.
TravelerGreat location, short walk to beach, surfing fishing, hikes, clean fascility, small store.
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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