Best Campgrounds near Morro Bay, CA

Searching for the best camping near Morro Bay, CA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Morro Bay and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Morro Bay, California (80)

    1. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    225 Photos
    908 Saves
    Los Osos, California

    Morro Bay State Park campground features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $35 - $165 / night

    2. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    62 Reviews
    257 Photos
    75 Saves
    Grover Beach, California

    Oceano Camp (sites 1-42)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $40 / night

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

    52 Reviews
    137 Photos
    1027 Saves
    San Simeon, California

    The San Simeon Creek Campground offers 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 35 feet. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. There are currently flush toilets and shower facilities in place. Chemical toilets are available. A dump station and pay phone are available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching. The Junior Ranger Program is a regularly scheduled interpretive program for children. Interpretive walks of the San Simeon Trail may also be available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    4. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    34 Reviews
    137 Photos
    188 Saves
    Morro Bay, California

    Morro Strand Campground (sites 19-66)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $50 / night

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    107 Photos
    728 Saves
    Santa Margarita, California

    Contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District for information about dispersed camping.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    6. Morro Dunes RV Park

    21 Reviews
    44 Photos
    386 Saves
    Morro Bay, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 - $74 / night

    7. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    22 Reviews
    100 Photos
    549 Saves
    Los Osos, California

    Montana de Oro camping features rugged cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Naturalists and backpackers enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park's trails. There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner's Cove, across from the campground. The park's name, "Mountain of Gold," comes from the golden wildflowers that bloom in spring. Wildlife in the park includes black tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

    A primitive campground in the canyon behind the Spooner Ranch House offers 47 campsites for tents, trailers, or motorhomes. The vehicle length limit for all trailers and motorhomes is 27 feet. Tables, firepits, drinking water, and primitive toilets are nearby. There are no showers or dump stations. Some campers may prefer the walk-in environmental campsites, which are secluded but campers should not be surprised to wake up to the yapping of coyotes or the rustling of other nighttime creatures.

    For those who wish to bring horses to the park and camp overnight, there are six horse camps for family and group outings, complete with pipe corrals and limited parking for horse trailers. No horse rentals are available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $150 / night

    8. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    34 Reviews
    87 Photos
    389 Saves
    Arroyo Grande, California

    Located just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande, California, Lopez Lake Recreation Area is one of the top choices for camping and leisure trips. With 22 miles of shoreline and summer lake temperatures around 70°F, there is something for everyone; camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, zip-lining, birdwatching and so much more. The warm climate of the Central Coast makes Lopez Lake the ideal, year-round recreational destination. Once covered by the sea, the surrounding hills of Lopez Lake are rich with relics of ancient days and studded with oak trees. Over 175 species of flowering plants, and more than 150 species of birds have been identified within the park. The naturally beautiful canyons were once hunting and fishing grounds for the Chumash Indians. Later, homesteaders and ranchers inhabited the area and harvested grain crops for Mission San Luis Obispo. Lopez Lake was then created in 1969 to provide domestic water for the Five Cities area of the Central Coast.

    Lopez Lake with its 22 miles of shoreline is the ideal year-round recreational destination for everyone. There are 377 campsites to choose from. Many overlook the lake, and others are nestled among picturesque oaks. There are primitive, electrical, full hook-up, and group campsites available. Hot shower facilities are at several campgrounds. Camping reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $60 - $70 / night

    9. Cerro Alto Campground

    15 Reviews
    83 Photos
    198 Saves
    Atascadero, California

    Overview

    Cerro Alto Campground is a well-known hiking and mountain biking paradise. It is located a short distance from the sandy beaches of Morro Bay, where visitors enjoy surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. While the campground offers a serene, relaxed environment, both Morro Bay and the nearby town of Atascadero offer numerous dining opportunities, shopping, museums and other activities. Wine Tasting in the Tempelton, Paso Robles Area is also a very popular experience.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy ample hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding opportunities, along with a 360-degree view of the Central California coast and inland valleys. The 4-mile Cerro Alto Trail, which leads to the peak, begins within the campground. Morro Bay beaches are less than 10 miles from the campground, offering wide sandy stretches and swimming, surfing, fishing, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving and more. An 18-hole championship golf course is located in the oceanside town.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated in a mixed oak, pine and sycamore forest at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. It lies in a verdant canyon pass along a semiannual mountain creek. The roads are paved, but narrow, winding and single lane with turnouts to each site.

    Nearby Attractions

    Paso Robles, which is quickly becoming known as a premier spot for Central Coast wines, is located 20 miles from the campground. Wine tasting tours are offered daily, or visitors can select individualized tours of numerous wineries located in the area. The campground makes a great base camp for motorcyclists or day-trippers to visit the quaint, neighboring towns of San Luis Obispo, Cayucos, Harmony and Cambria, all of which are within 35 miles of the campground. Tours of historic Hearst Castle are also available. Visitors can spend time relaxing at the many available day spas located at nearby Avila or Grover beaches. Off-road vehicle trails are available on famous Pismo Beach.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $39 / night

    10. El Chorro Regional Park

    15 Reviews
    29 Photos
    86 Saves
    Los Osos, California

    El Chorro Regional Park Campground features 61 campsites (43 sites are full hook-up with electricity, sewer and water. 18 sites are primitive with water nearby). Each site at the campground can accommodate approximately 6-8 people and either a couple of tents or a full-sized R.V. The maximum trailer length at some of the sites is 40 feet and there are a couple of pull-through sites. Restrooms and coin-operated showers are available. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $50 / night

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Recent Reviews near Morro Bay, CA

650 Reviews of 80 Morro Bay Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Morro Bay, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Morro Bay, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Morro Bay, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Morro Bay, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Morro Bay, CA is Morro Bay State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 58 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Morro Bay, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Morro Bay, CA.

  • What parks are near Morro Bay, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Morro Bay, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.