Camping around Morro Bay offers diverse terrain where coastal and inland sites meet. Sites range from sea level to 2,500 feet elevation with temperature variations from 50-75°F at the coast to 45-90°F inland. Camping options increase dramatically in spring when seasonal campgrounds open and water levels at Lake Nacimiento and Santa Margarita Lake rise, providing more waterfront camping opportunities.
What to do
Hiking with ocean views: The Cerro Alto trail provides panoramic views extending to the ocean. According to a camper at Cerro Alto Campground, "The hike is really beautiful and on a clear day you can see the ocean at peak!" Another reviewer noted that "Cerro Alto Trail is located right inside the campground. Day Use parking is $10."
Lagoon exploration: Walking paths near coastal camping areas offer protected waterways for wildlife viewing. A visitor at Oceano Campground mentioned, "Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it."
Butterfly viewing: Winter visitors can witness monarch butterfly migration at specific groves. "We went in January and had no idea about the Monarch Butterflies. About 300 feet from the campsite is a grove of trees where thousands of Monarchs fly and mate," shared an Oceano Campground visitor.
Stargazing programs: Some inland campgrounds offer astronomy programs. A camper at Santa Margarita Campground reported, "I enjoyed the fact that they had an astronomer one of the evenings to star gaze."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Morning bird songs and wildlife sightings rank high on camper lists. At Cerro Alto Campground, a visitor shared, "We fell asleep to the sound of a resident Pygmy Owl hooting and woke up to Acorn Woodpeckers, Toweys, Robins, Steller Jays, and Warblers singing." Another noted, "We also saw a cute little weasel."
Lake water activities: Lakes near Morro Bay provide alternatives to ocean recreation. A visitor to Lake Nacimiento Resort explained, "This lake and the one up the road, San Antonio Lake, are very popular motor boating locations in north San Luis Obispo County... the lake is huge with narrow passages where you can get off the main lake and fish or just have fun. Jet skis, kayaks etc are permitted."
Year-round camping climate: The moderate coastal climate allows comfortable camping even in winter months. A Lopez Lake Recreation Area camper reported, "We've camped here many times over the last 15 years. We've tent camped on primitive sites and camped with a pop-up with electricity & water."
Spacious campsites: Some campgrounds offer exceptionally large sites for group gatherings. A Cerro Alto Campground reviewer noted, "I think Campsite #18 is one of the best! It's HUGE, tucked in the far corner, close to the hiking trail, fairly close to toilets, and has its own water spigot."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. A Cerro Alto Campground reviewer warned, "Only issue we encountered was that campground water source was contaminated and therefore shut off. Luckily we brought plenty with us and were able to refill in Morro Bay."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds near Morro Bay have limited or no connectivity. "No reception at campgrounds (0 bars with AT&T)" reported one Cerro Alto visitor, while a Lopez Lake camper noted, "No cell reception, not for us on Verizon anyways, but you can drive about 1/2 mile down the road for it."
Seasonal crowds: Lake campgrounds experience different atmospheres depending on season. A Lake Nacimiento Resort visitor observed, "Camping in the summer months are very hot and crowded and not cheap," while another mentioned, "It gets a bit noisy in the evening as college students party after a long fun day on the lake."
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife requires appropriate preparation. "WARNING: While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake," cautioned one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: For families seeking yurt camping near Morro Bay, California, several campgrounds offer this accommodation. A Santa Margarita KOA visitor noted, "They have yurts for tent & cabins," providing comfortable alternatives to traditional tent camping for families.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds feature special attractions for children. "Great for young families. There is a pool, jumping pillow, playground, etc," shared a Santa Margarita Campground reviewer, while another mentioned, "Easter weekend visit. Staff was awesome... The highlight for my kids was the Easter egg hunt put on by the staff."
Beach access considerations: When selecting coastal camping with children, consider distance to water. A Pacific Dunes Ranch visitor advised, "Our site was night to the dunes so easy walk to the sand, but about 30 minute hard walk to the ocean, it was worth it."
Insect preparation: Proper bug protection is essential for family comfort. "Bring a lot of Deet spray cause that place was crazy in bugs and day and all night. They had good trails and a lot of nice green forest when we went around June," recommended a Cerro Alto visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should research specific site layouts before booking. A Flying Flags Avila Beach visitor warned, "When they designed it, they didn't really make enough room to maneuver. I watched a Class A next to plow up a bank with his front end. Some scratches resulted and some plowed earth."
Hookup variations: Utility options vary significantly between campgrounds. "RV hookups, pool, huge jumping pad for kids about a mile walk to the lake," noted a Santa Margarita KOA visitor, while another mentioned, "They only took full hookup sites because bathrooms, showers and laundry are closed."
Surface conditions: Be prepared for different parking surfaces affecting setup and cleanliness. A Pacific Dunes Ranch reviewer observed, "All on sand/hard pack... The roads inside the park are paved, but the sites are gravel which will invariably end up inside your RV."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some RV sites. A visitor at Avila-Pismo Beach KOA remarked, "You are really close to the highway so you hear cars zoom past all night, not great for a light sleeper like me."
