Morro Bay State Park

A comfy campout with 2 to 5 mile hikes

Ideal for first-timers

Driving to and sleeping at a campground

Perfect for families with young kiddos

Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails

Volcanic plugs and sunset kayaking tours at Morro Bay State Park

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Last updated

July 31, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Families and new campers

Vibe · Relaxing and chill

Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Morro Bay State Park Campground

Drive · 3.5 hours from SF and LA

Ideal dates · June to September

Pets · Welcome to camp and on the beach!

The 23 million-year-old Morro Rock captures everyone's attention at Morro Bay State Park (I mean, how could it not?), but this park also features lush estuaries, winding oceanside walkways, and glorious sunsets. There's an 18-hole golf course and a natural history museum nearby too. MBSP gets packed in July and August due to the warm summer vibes, but September is still a fine time to visit.

Official State Park Website

Directions To Campground

‍Main image credit: Joshua Chun

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

It can be windy when you're camping along the coast. Bring a swimsuit and a jacket
Carpool if you can! Overflow parking isn't available after you reach more than the two car limit per campsite
Keep pups leashed at camp and on the beach

Resources

Check the weather

Where to camp

Morro Bay State Park Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

Picnic table
A fire pit and grill
Space for up to 8 people
2 parking spots
Food storage locker‍‍
Drinking water
Coin operated showers
Flush toilets

Tucked between the golf course and Morro Estuary Natural Preserve, Morro Bay State Park Campground is packed with amenities for everyone. Upper section campsites are best for tent campers, and you can buy firewood and take hot (coin-operated) showers here too. Try to reserve your campsite months in advance though. People love visiting this park.

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM

Quiet hours: 10 PM to 8 AM

View Campground Map‍

Nightly Rate: $50

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

Marina Point in Morro Bay State Park — Marina Point. Credit: AllTrails

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Leave LA by 11 AM and grab lunch at Harbor Hut

This nautical themed fish and chips spot has a kid’s menu as well, and is located right on the water.
Located at 1205 Embarcadero in Morro Bay
Open everyday · 11:30 AM to 9 PM
Last pit stop · Speedway Express - 3 Santa Rosa St. in San Luis Obispo
Nearest grocery store · Albertsons - 730 Quintana Road in Morro Bay

Check in and settle in at Morro Bay State Park Campground

Set up camp, wander around the campground, and relax

Hike Black Hill Trail

Walk along a 2.5 mile, 551 ft. of elevation, out and back trail to the top of Black Hill, another volcanic plug like Morro Rock

Return to camp for dinner

Prep and enjoy dinner at cam

Catch the sunset along Marina Point

Walk along this flat, easy half-mile loop next to Morro Bay's marina and estuary. Look out for wading birds and interesting plants along the way!

Huddle up back at camp for s'mores

Prep your favorite bevvie and swap some campfire stories

Morro Rock is one of 13 volcanic plugs, which are the former tops of extinct volcanoes, in San Luis Obispo County. It's 581 feet tall!

Day Two

Make brekkie, pack a picnic, and visit Morro Rock

Pack a daypack with lunch, sunscreen, sunhat, bug spray & water
Drive 10 minutes through downtown Morro Bay & park at Morro Rock
Bask in oceanside views of this epic volcanic plug and treat everyone to an afternoon picnic!

Return to camp and unwind

Clean up, prep a delicious meal, and play some board games

Reserve a Morro Bay sunset paddle with Central Coast Outdoors

Experience your last sunset at Morro Bay floating in a kayak. This 2 to 2.5-hour paddle is $85 per adult, with discounts for kids! It also comes with beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres. Yum.