Morro Bay State Park California Campground Review

Location:

Situated on the Central Coast of California is one of the premier state park campgrounds in the region with 95 sites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. Morro Bay State Park has a multitude of activities at the park or a short drive away.

General Information:

There are 28 sites with partial hookups (water and electric), a couple of bike/walk-in sites, and two group sites for 30 to 50 people. A complete listing of the state park's amenities can be found on the park's website. This state park is very popular and reservations are strongly advised. It is common to reserve the hookup sites 4 to 6 months in advance.

This region of California has the best weather in October and November. Early summer can bring dense fog and lower temperatures and can be quite chilly. The cool temperatures are a welcome relief from the 100 degree temperatures in the Central Valley of California. The pictures listed on our camp review photo page are from January 2009. This park is situated in a eucalyptus grove and is home to migratory monarch butterflies every winter. On a recent visit in January 2009, the trees were in bloom, and there were a few butterflies in the park, but not near the number that can frequent the area.

What makes this state park nice for families is that it is close to town (Morro Bay). In town are grocery stores, a coin laundry, propane gas, boat ramps, and mooring rentals, fishing piers, gas stations, and a wide range of food services and shopping on Embarcadero Street. There is a marina with boat and kayak rentals. A museum and a golf course are adjacent to the campground. There is a trail system in the park and a nearby estuary that is noted for bird-watching.

Morro Bay Campground Review Pictures

Bath Facilities:

The park is very clean, as are most state parks, and is staffed at the time of our visit with three camp hosts. The hosts were quick to enforce the quiet time and checkout hours. Restrooms are a mix of stall- and private-type rooms with flush toilets and running water. You will need to bring your own hand soap. All shower stalls observed were private coin-operated (hot water) single stalls with ample room and were open both day and night. There are numerous campsites and bathrooms for those with disabilities.

Pets:

This campground is dog friendly, but dogs must be kept on a six-foot leash or less at all times. Dogs must also sleep inside the tent or recreational vehicle at night. Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the park. The majority of the beaches in the area are dog friendly as long as you keep them leased and pick up after them.

Best Sites:

Since Morro Bay State park is site specific for reservations, I have included a few site recommendations. A couple of the better non-hookup sites are 52 and 103. Most of the sites on the south end of the park have a nice view of the coastal foothills and the adjacent estuary. There is a road near this area, so there could be some noise during the day.

The 28 sites with partial hookups located at the west end of the campground are usually filled with RVs. The best bets with these sites are the ones with enough vegetation between spaces to offer some privacy. Some of the more private sites are 25, 30, 11 and 16.

Good Eating:

Hofbrau Restaurant Good Eating at a reasonable price with a great bay view.

Fishing:

Ocean fishing can be chartered at Virg's. There is also pier fishing from the two t-piers located off Embarcadero Street.

Critters:

There are various critters, mostly the rodent variety. Birds can be an issue. Proper food storage should alleviate any issues. On one trip I woke up to see some large raccoons raiding the group camp area. A fellow camper failed to put away his food before going to bed that night.

Poison Oak Factor:

We did not see any in the campground. Poison oak is known to be in the area.

Links:

Morro Bay State Park Official Site

Virg's Sportfishing

Pier Fishing in California

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