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

Volcanic plugs and sunset kayaking tours at Morro Bay State Park

Volcanic plugs and sunset kayaking tours at Morro Bay State Park

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

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
Morro Rock

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

Morro Bay State Park Campground
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Itinerary

Day One

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

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

Morro Rock
Morro Rock. Credit: Cameron Venti

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.
The Salinan and Chumash tribes consider Morro Rock to be a sacred site. They call it Le'samo and Lisamu, respectively.

Day Three

Morro Bay State Park
Morro Bay State Park. Credit: Sierra Blair

Pack up and check out before noon

  • Cook up brekkie, clean up around camp, and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

A Portuguese explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo named Morro Rock "El Morro" in 1542. In Spanish "Morro" means crown shaped hill.
June 1, 2024

Bewilder at LAist Super-Fun Saturday

Make wildflower seed bombs with Bezzi the Yeti at LAist's Super Fun Saturday

Event in 2 days

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

Everything your family needs for a fun and easy campout

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$5

Pocket-sized UNO GO!

A classic, easy to learn game for the entire family

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$24

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50

It's pricey, but Supergoop! makes putting on sunscreen feel smooth and easy.

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$19

NATPAT BuzzPatch Mosquito Patches

A cute and colorful patch that repels mosquitoes with a natural repellent.

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$19

Vlirka VNDS Shoe Holster

A neat way to pack, carry, and organize dirty shoes.

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$32

High Tail Hikes Brass Leash

A lightweight, easy to clean customizable leash that comes in a rainbow of colors.

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$49.95

Ruffwear Basecamp™ Dog Bed

A packable, easy to clean dog bed for the great outdoors.

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$17.99

Mighty Paw LED Dog Collar

A weather-resistant LED collar so your pup stays safe at night.

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$24.96

PupFlask Large Dog Water Bottle

A leakproof water bottle to quench your pup's thirst.

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$17.40

DOGSWELL Remedy + Recovery Bundle

Add this pup medication and liquid bandage bundle to your first aid kit.

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$139

Radius Outfitters Large Camp Kitchen Organizer

For avid campers, this organizer will keep your kitchen utensils clean and organized.

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$20

MyCarry Travel Potty

Bring a portable toilet to help your toddler stick to their indoor routine.

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Meal & snack ideas

It turns out everything tastes better when we're outside

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Dinner

Ham and cheese campfire sandwiches

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Dinner

Moroccan apple beef stew

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Breakfast

Apple sweet potato hash

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Breakfast

Banana coconut french toast

Vegan

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Lunch

Chicken soba noodle salad

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Apple maple sausage sandwiches

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Chicken pad thai

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Frittata

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

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Baked sweet potatoes and chili

Vegetarian

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Huevos rancheros verdes

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Banana boats

Gluten Free · Vegetarian

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Scrambled eggs n' bacon

Gluten Free

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