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Best Campgrounds near Morro Bay, CA

713 Reviews

Morro Bay's coastal camping landscape spans from oceanfront state parks to inland forest campgrounds. 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 experiences around 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 Camping Sites Near Morro Bay, California (84)

    1. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $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"

    2. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    2 miles
    Website

    $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."

    3. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    29 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $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."

    4. Morro Dunes RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2722

    $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."

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    36 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "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."

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

    61 Reviews
    San Simeon, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $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."

    7. El Chorro Regional Park

    17 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 781-5930

    $25 - $50 / night

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

    "This is a great campground close to San Luis Obispo. It is great for tent or RV camping and is located near a park, garden, and golf course."

    8. Cerro Alto Campground

    15 Reviews
    Atascadero, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $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."

    9. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    65 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $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!)"

    10. Bay Pines Travel Trailer Park

    4 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-3223

    "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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Morro Bay, CA

179 Photos of 84 Morro Bay Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Morro Bay, CA

713 Reviews of 84 Morro Bay Campgrounds

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Franklin Hot Springs

    Awesome sulfuric hot baths

    Awesome lil private hot spring in Paso. Has a few campsites adjacent to the small pond. Some sites are assigned with a table and others are in a large field where you pick your own spot. We were there mid week and hardly anyone else there.

    Sulfuric hot spring are a joy. There are multiple pools of varying temperature. Don’t miss the little hot tub at the far end.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful view / very windy

    Hard to access. Rutted dirt road. We are traveling in a truck/cabover combo and we did see a camper van along with day use cars. I wouldn’t try to tow anything up here. It is busier than I was expecting with other overnighters and day hikers and mountain bikers but worth the sunset and sunrise.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Nice Hilltop Basic Campground

    Compacted gravel roads and mostly level pads in good condition. Most sites nicely spaced apart. Modern pit toilets inside buildings in good condition. Most sites have views of mountain range. A few sites with shade next to trees. Only 20% occupied late October. Close to Hearst Castle, elephant seals, State Beach w/ pier, nice coastal overlooks. $20 without typical discounts. Showers and dump station bottom of hill (1/2 mile) in adjacent state park campground.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Washburn Primitive Campground — Hearst San Simeon State Park

    Basic campground

    The upper grounds: Washburn campgrounds are primitive but nicely kept and do have pit toilets and some water spigots as well as fire rings and picnic tables. This area is a little less ($20) vs the lower grounds ($35). But the lower grounds do have showers. We did find Washburn quieter with less freeway traffic

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Williams Hill Recreation Area

    Peaceful and quiet.

    A really nice and quiet camping spot. Only negative was the vault toilet. Dirty and almost full. Also there is a ban on fires here right now.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Our Third Visit

    Our 3rd visit here. Sites are pull through, Power and water. Asphalt pads are in good condition. Easy access to the beach from your site, or turn right out of the camp and drive on the beach. Bathrooms are close by and clean. Getting a reservation is moderately easy, with sites being limited. Will be back for sure.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    Great

    We try to stay at this campground every chance we get. Has all the amenities you could ask for. Walking distance from the beach and town. Perfect vacation destination

  • Greg W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    El Chorro Regional Park

    El Chorro

    It's clean, quiet and your belongings are safe. The stsff takes great care of the grounds, and are friendly. I use this when I'm working locally.

Guide to Morro Bay

Camping near Morro Bay, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a beachside retreat or a forest escape, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Morro Strand State Beach Campground, are right by the beach. One camper mentioned, “We could see the ocean from our bed, very nice.” This makes it easy to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails around Morro Bay State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “There are paths around the camp that go around the estuary type lagoon.” It’s a great way to see local wildlife and enjoy nature.
  • Bird Watching: The area is known for its birdwatching opportunities. One reviewer at Oceano County Campground shared, “There’s a cool lagoon that you can walk all the way around on, with lots of birds.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A visitor at Kirk Creek Campground said, “Amazing place to stay! Great view, access to the beach through a small path.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Morro Dunes RV Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, “Bath and showers, while older, are super clean.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of campground hosts. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, “The camp host, Shelby, was delightful and very accommodating.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially during peak season. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground said, “This year when we stayed it was packed, and definitely not as nice of an experience.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Kirk Creek Campground has no showers or drinking water, so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be cautious of wildlife. A camper at Oceano County Campground warned about squirrels, saying, “They’re not afraid. They ate through my little pantry.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Oceano County Campground, there’s a fun scavenger hunt app for kids to enjoy.
  • Private Sites: Choose campgrounds with spaced-out sites for more privacy. A visitor at Morro Dunes RV Park mentioned, “Sites are tight but not overly cramped.”
  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, “Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at San Simeon Creek Campground noted, “The camper pads are level, paved, and designated as either 25 - or 35-foot campsites.”
  • Early Reservations: Book your spot early, especially in summer. A camper at Morro Dunes RV Park said, “Make reservations early for this campground. It’s usually booked solid all summer.”
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground reminded, “You need tokens for the showers and the machine only accepts cash.”

Camping near Morro Bay, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and relaxation. With its beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds, it’s a great spot for your next adventure!

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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