Best Dispersed Camping near Morro Bay, CA

Dispersed camping near Morro Bay, California is permitted on several public lands, with TV Tower Road and Williams Hill Recreation Area being the most accessible options. Los Padres National Forest offers additional primitive sites along forest service roads, particularly on Redhill Road near Highway 58. Will Creek Road and Plasket Ridge provide remote camping opportunities along the coast, though these areas have steeper terrain and more challenging access conditions.

Most access roads to dispersed sites require careful navigation on dirt or gravel surfaces. TV Tower Road features a narrow, winding dirt road with steep drop-offs that becomes particularly challenging after dark. Williams Hill Recreation Area, while free, includes seven established sites with covered picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet—unusual amenities for dispersed camping. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, with complete bans during high fire danger periods. No water sources or trash services exist at any locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The dispersed areas around Morro Bay offer exceptional views and stargazing opportunities. TV Tower Road provides panoramic vistas of Morro Bay, Los Osos, and San Luis Obispo, with the iconic Morro Rock visible in the distance. Williams Hill sites sit along a ridge with expansive views of the Salinas Valley and Coastal Range. Campers report varying experiences with crowds. "The stars are beautiful and it's very quiet and cool," noted one TV Tower Road visitor, while another Williams Hill camper observed, "It was very quiet except for relatively far off gunfire one morning." Cell service is generally good at higher elevations, particularly at Williams Hill, where Verizon users report consistent LTE coverage.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Morro Bay, California (9)

    1. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 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."

    2. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road - Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 925-9538

    "Best with a decent clearance 4wd - definitely not an RV spot. Windy at night for sure, and can be a bit busy with people going past on the road."

    "Got there around 2pm and was the only car in sight until 4 ish when a car pulled up and parked for the night 5 feet away from me 🙄 RUDE!!"

    3. Williams Hill Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Jolon, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 582-2200

    "Amenities include one vault toilet, sometimes runs out of toilet paper on a busy weekend, picnic tables with shelter and fire pits. No water, no trash, fire bans most the dry months."

    "Sites have covered shelter with metal picnic tables with overhangs for stove and a fire ring. Sites 5 and 7 suitable for larger rigs. Site 5 is pull thru will accommodate 40ft+ rig and pull vehicle."

    4. Will Creek Road Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    48 miles

    "Dispersed camping all along the trail, despite a sign saying no car camping. It was a 45 min (6 mile) trip up a dirt road but boy was it worth it."

    "I’m surprised I haven’t known about this little gem that is only 2 hours away from me. Above the fog line and beautiful views!!"

    5. Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Santa Margarita, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "Turning on Redhill Road from hwy 58 follow the dirt road about 2 miles to the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez."

    6. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lucia, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 242-0619

    "It's a very dry summer & residents are on edge - just a reminder:

    "Hey campers!"

    "Amazing location to wake up in the morning. View of the pacific ocean on one side and valley on the other. 4x4 vehicle needed. Fairly safe, clean, and not crowded."

    7. Old Sierra Madre

    4 Reviews
    Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
    48 miles

    "Picked the first nook from the GPS pin but hiked up road and there are quite a few others, some shaded, some exposed. Bit of highway noise."

    "Easy spots to turn around and park. Beautiful views, slight road noise if you’re not in the van but quiet inside. Wouldn’t recommend anything bigger than a extended sprinter or transit"

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Showing results 1-9 of 9 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Morro Bay, CA

94 Reviews of 9 Morro Bay Campgrounds



Guide to Morro Bay

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Morro Bay, California, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Morro Bay

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Morro Bay, California

  • Always pack out what you pack in; locations like Old Sierra Madre emphasize the importance of leaving no trace to preserve the natural beauty.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially at West Will Creek Road, where a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for a smooth drive.
  • Bring essentials like water and food, as many dispersed camping spots, such as Will Creek Road Dispersed, lack amenities and require self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there BLM land for primitive camping near Morro Bay?

Yes, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas near Morro Bay offer primitive camping opportunities. Williams Hill Recreation Area is BLM-managed land with primitive sites that can accommodate various camping setups. The area has 7 sites with some having covered shelters, metal picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites 5 and 7 are suitable for larger rigs, with site 5 being a pull-through that can fit 40+ foot vehicles. During dry months, fire bans are common in these primitive BLM areas. Always check current regulations and fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Can I sleep in my car or vehicle when camping in Morro Bay?

Vehicle camping is permitted at several dispersed sites near Morro Bay. Plasket Ridge Dispersed Campground allows car camping in pull-outs along the road, though be aware the road is narrow, steep, and unmaintained with cliff exposure. Other Pullout on TV Tower Road provides spots where you can pull off and sleep in your vehicle. Some campers report success with minivans and other non-4WD vehicles, though higher clearance is recommended for certain areas. Always respect posted signs, as some areas may have specific vehicle camping restrictions.

Is free camping available in Morro Bay?

Yes, free camping is available near Morro Bay in designated dispersed areas. Williams Hill Recreation Area offers free camping with basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables with shelters, and fire pits. The area has 7 formal sites suitable for various camping setups. Will Creek Road Dispersed also provides free camping options along a 6-mile dirt road with multiple dispersed sites. Remember that these free camping areas typically have no water or trash services, so come prepared with supplies and plan to pack out all waste.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Morro Bay?

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Morro Bay. Los Padres National Forest dispersed camping offers spots about 2 miles down Redhill Road from Highway 58, with multiple sites at the intersection of Redhill and Fernandez roads. These areas do experience some traffic from local residents and OHV riders. Another option is TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping, which provides spectacular coastal views and multiple pull-offs for camping, though the road can be challenging to navigate at night or without proper clearance.