Best Tent Camping near Morro Bay, CA
Tent camping options around Morro Bay, California include a mixture of established campgrounds and more remote sites within the surrounding forests and recreation areas. KOA Campground Santa Margarita offers tent sites with amenities like showers and toilets, while more primitive options such as Brookshire Campground and Alder Creek Camp provide a more rustic experience. Most tent sites in the region are situated within accessible driving distance from Morro Bay, allowing campers to explore both coastal and inland camping environments.
Many tent campgrounds in the area require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies. Brookshire Campground features basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, but no potable water. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote tent sites, particularly Alder Creek Camp which requires navigating 8 miles of unpaved forest roads. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. Most primitive tent areas require campers to pack out trash and follow Leave No Trace principles, as garbage service is typically unavailable at backcountry sites.
Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer the more secluded options like Colson Canyon Campground, where sites are well-spaced and provide a more authentic outdoor experience. The primitive tent sites generally offer better access to hiking trails and natural settings than developed RV campgrounds. While amenities are limited, the trade-off is increased privacy and natural surroundings. Areas deeper in Los Padres National Forest provide access to creek-side camping with opportunities for wildlife viewing. According to one visitor, "Alder camp is quite far down the road. There were only a few campsites that we could pull our cars into because the road leading to more had some trees down. Anyone who wants to go exploring, this is your place!"
