Morro Bay State Park is a waterfront park on the Morro Bay lagoon in the coastal city of Morro Bay, California. One of the major tourist attractions in San Luis Obispo County, Morro Bay State Park is breathtaking with its lagoon and natural bay habitat and immense options for recreation, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, and much more. Morro Bay State Park can be safely marked as a haven for birdwatchers, owing to a large population of birds stopping over at the park’s natural habitat. Its saltwater marshes sit along the park’s northern and eastern edges every winter. Over 250 species of birds can be found throughout the year.
The park is considered a popular vista point among RVers due to its stellar and breathtaking landmarks like the 576-foot tall Morro Rock, which is a volcanic rock located at the entrance of the bay. Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo, two of the Nine Sisters chain of volcanic hills, are yet another scenic landmark of the park. The park’s public golf course provides opportunities for some seriously spectacular golfing, and its Museum of National History will take you on an informative journey through American culture, oceanography, geology, and much more.
The park is sure to be hit in the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is moderate; the park is open all year round for visits. No matter which season you decide to visit, be sure to pack extra layers, as the bay can be as much as 30 degrees cooler than the inland areas. The park is a pleasant camping destination featuring 120 campsites, including both primitive camping sites, group sites, and RV sites. So bring your campervan to Morro Bay State Park whenever you're in the area for an unforgettable camping experience.
Morro Bay State Park is easy to access by car or RV. While in San Luis Obispo County, take either Highway 1 or Highway 101 towards Los Osos, and after a few miles of traveling, you will find yourself at the entrance of the park. From the town of Morro Bay, it hardly takes five minutes to reach the park from Main Street. When on foot, it takes less than half an hour to arrive at the park. Piney Way and Pacific Street are a little longer, but both take less than 10 minutes from the town to reach the park.
While inside the park, the Museum of National History can be reached by driving from the marina and camp area. A restaurant called Bayside Café can also be found near the marina and campground. Inside the park area, strict driving and riding rules must be followed. The maximum speed limit for cars and bikes inside the park is 15 miles per hour. Park roads are paved and set up in a one-way loop system. Parking is not an issue at Morro Bay State Park, as there are plenty of overflow parking areas large enough to accommodate vehicles of any size. There are a total of four picnic parking lots throughout the park, including gravel parking areas inside the campground. Towed parking is also permitted.
Morro Bay State Park has wonderful facilities for campers all year round, featuring 120 campsites. Eighty-seven are standard with no hookups, but if you prefer, 28 of these sites give you the option to have water and electric hookups. No sewer hookups are available, but campers may use the restrooms in the campground. They are well built and equipped with all the modern-day facilities, including flush toilets and showers. Dump stations are also located throughout the campground. Some of the sites are ADA accessible. A maximum of two vehicles per campsite is permitted, and the maximum vehicle length allowed on a campsite is 35 feet. Only eight people per campsite are allowed. The campsites are covered in eucalyptus trees and lush green grass that make it look quite picturesque. The golf club and marina are situated close to the campground as well to provide plenty of entertainment. Sites can be reserved from two days up to six months prior to arrival. No campsite can be reserved for more than 14 days. Every campsite comes equipped with picnic tables and grills. Pets are welcome to stay provided they are on a leash.
Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact park rangers for more details.
The hiking trails of Morro Bay State Park feature panoramic views of Morro Rock, the sand dunes, and the park’s natural habitat of lagoons and bays. There are numerous hiking trails, both difficult and easy, or long and short, that also spread outside the park. The most famous hiking trail is Black Hill Trail. The trail is elevated at 150 feet, and it’s one-mile long. The hike starts with the views of the golf course and slowly transitions into 360-degree views of the majestic Morro Rock in one direction and Black Hill in the other direction. Other notable hiking trails include Chumash Trail, Marina Penisula Trail, Cerro Cabrillo Peak Trail, and Chorro Trail. If you conquer all the trails that this park has to offer, additional hiking trails can be found at the nearby Montaña de Oro State Park, just 20 minutes south of Morro Bay, and at Cerro Cabrillo State Park, just a three-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the park.
Morro Bay State Park will entice you with its eye-catching landmarks and heart-warming scenery. The park’s various points of interest include Morro Rock, a 576-foot tall volcanic plug along the bay, which is a visual delight for people coming to the park. You can also catch glimpses of Black Hill and Cerro Cabrillo, two volcanic hills situated within the park. There is also a Chumash Garden near the Museum of National History that will take you on an engaging journey of the lives of ancient Chumash people. Morro Bay’s history links to the Chumash people, as they were the earliest to inhabit the town. It’s interesting to see how these people used the local plants of Morro Bay in their everyday lives. Wherever you find yourself wandering, you'll be glad you packed the camera along in the campervan.
The Museum of National History is Morro Bay State Park’s most popular tourist stop. Visitors, in large numbers, flock to the museum to get a feel of American geology, oceanography, cultural history, and native lifestyle. Whether you are a history buff or just an admirer, you will be captivated by the Morro Bay State Park Museum of National History. It has something to offer for all age groups like exhibits, informative lectures, puppet shows, nature walks, video displays, and special events. The museum is a perfect stop for the whole family during your RV tour of California.
The park has also got something more exciting in store for some RV campers. Those that are looking to camp out in groups can heave a sigh of relief, as Morro Bay State Park has two group campsites available called Chorro and Osos. Chorro can accommodate a group of up to 35 people and a maximum of 15 vehicles, and Osos can accommodate up 25 people with a maximum of 10 vehicles. Both sites include a fire ring and picnic tables, and restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers are located nearby.
There's nothing more exhilarating than gripping your handlebars and taking the park trails at a rapid pace. If you brought your bikes along in the motorhome, then you're in for some great riding and even better views when you hit the trails at Morro Bay State Park. Live Oak Trail is a favorite among bikers and is great for those looking for an intermediate level ride The one-mile Live Oak Trail, gives riders views of Morrow Bay as they climb your way up the single track. Other popular mountain biking trails in the park include Chumash Trail, Park Ridge Trail, and Lower Crespi Trail.
Morro Bay State Park’s marine area is a wonderful place to stop by in your RV if you have a passion for angling. Over 65 species of fish are found in the marine waters at Morro Bay State Park. Some of the well-known species include green sunfish, largemouth bass, blue catfish, and bluegill. A fishing license is required to fish in the park’s marine area, so if you find pleasure in fishing, head over to Morro Bay State Park’s marina and get to it.
Morro Bay State Park has a rich, vivid marine area that serves your water-adventure needs just right. The park’s colorful marina is sparkling with scintillating recreational opportunities ranging from boating to kayaking and from sailing to windsurfing. If you didn't tow your own boat behind the Springer, rentals are available at the marina, along with a kayak boat launch. Summers are relatively cooler in Northern California compared to Southern California. The marina at Morro Bay State Park is often windy and uncomfortably cold, so it is recommended to wear wetsuits if you are planning to surf the waters.
If you are looking for a lovely little location ideal for an outdoor party with friends or family amidst the shades of overgrown trees and emerald green grass, then Morro Bay checks all the requirements off your list. Beautiful and scenic, the park’s picnic destination can be found adjacent to the campfire center. The picnic area, overlooking the golf course, has picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. The wooden picnic tables are well maintained, and there are a variety of grills to choose from, ranging from stone to metal grills. There are also private tables and grills at each campsite if you prefer to dine closer to the Airstream.
Golfing enthusiasts can indulge themselves with a few rounds while camping at Morro Bay State Park. The 18-hole golf course sits on a hill just above the campground and spoils visitors with stunning views of the bay, the Pacific Ocean, Morro Rock, and the estuary. There is also a pro shop, café, and driving range located on-site. Morro Bay Golf Course has been around since 1923 and is a must-see when you're in the area. The course remains open year-round, and you can book a tee-time online in advance.
