A small yet bustling city nestled on California’s beautiful Central Coast, Morro Bay is not to be missed. Also recognized for the gigantic rock formation called Morro Rock, its vast range of RV parks is its second most prominent attraction.
Whether you’re traveling in your private RV or wish to rent one, Morro Bay has got everything covered. Read on as I explore my top Morro Bay RV parks and respond to a few common questions about the area.
Don’t know which season to visit Morro Bay in? I’ve covered that as well. Let’s start then!
Top 5 Morro Bay RV Parks
Although there are plenty RV parks around Morro Bay to choose from, the following 5 are the top-ranked ones. And definitely a must-visit for both solo travelers and families.
Bella Vista by the Sea
Bella Vista by the Sea is a lively RV campground close to Morro Bay State Park. One of its key highlights is its spectacular ocean view. The Bella Vista campground is above sea level (ASL) and offers stunning scenery that’s hard to witness elsewhere.
Moreover, the park is only a few minutes away from popular stores and restaurants in downtown Cayucos.
There are a total of 84 wonderful sites throughout the RV park to choose from with amenities that include but aren’t limited to:
- 30A electric service
- Hookups for water & sewer
- Free 24/7 Wi-Fi service
- Restroom
- Hot showers
The camping spot also provides very reasonable storage areas open for RVs, boats, and other automobiles. And guess what? If you’ve already reserved a space for your RV, the management will move it for you from/to the warehouse area.
The RV community is near the gigantic Morro Rock, where you can take a sunset stroll at the beach.
Many attractions are just a stone’s throw away. Examples are Morro Bay, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and Los Osos Oaks State Reserve. The campground offers excellent service and clean amenities to make your stay memorable. If you’re looking for a tranquil beach community, this must be at the top of your priority list.
Morro Dunes RV Park
Next on the list is the iconic Morro Dunes RV Park. It’s another reasonable RV campground near Morro Bay State Park. Situated a few steps away from the pristine coastline, the place is perfect for surfing, golfing, and other water sports.
Since the camping ground is nestled within viewing range of the Morro Dunes, the ocean itself is a fantastic scenery to wake up to. The camping ground has a total of 170 sites that get booked within no time! So book yours, now!
There are different levels of amenities that include but aren’t limited to:
- Free 24/7 Wi-Fi
- 50A and 30A electricity service
- 139 sites with complete hookups
- Water, sewage, and TV
Moreover, the Morro Dunes RV Park is among the few pet-friendly sites in the area. All you need to pay is an additional $2.23 per night. If you’re fond of exciting activities like beachcombing, wine tasting, and sunbathing, you can’t overlook this campsite!
The camping ground is only a few minutes away from the Atascadero Beach coastline and the Morro Rock. A few of the must-visit places are the National Estuary, The Maritime Museum, and The Morro Bay Golf Course.
Morro Strand RV Park
If you’re someone on a tight budget, the Morro Strand RV Park is for you. It’s the most reasonable RV campground in the whole of Morro Bay, California. But this doesn’t mean that you need to compromise on anything.
This park has a beautiful view of Morro Rock visible from the RV site. Furthermore, it’s pet-friendly and lets a maximum of two vehicles per campsite.
However, there are some important points to note. The RV length on hookup sites must not exceed the permissible limit of 40-feet and for non-hookup sites, it must be 24-feet only.
There are a total of 170 sites on the camping ground.
Each site comes with many different levels of amenities that include but aren’t limited to:
- Full hookups
- 50A and 30A services
- Cable TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Spik and span restrooms with outdoor showers
- Fire Pits and BBQs
- Tent trailers
The park is next to the beach and within walking distance of Morro Rock. The well-known Embarcadero and Morro Bay’s fine-dining restaurants are all within a few minutes’ walk.
The San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle, and Paso Robles Wine Country are easily accessible via on-site rental bikes. Nearby beaches like Pismo Beach and Avila Beach make this camping ground the ideal holiday spot along the vivid California coast.
Bay Pines
Do you want to experience untouched retro-style camping? If so, Bay Pines Park is an ideal destination for you. The campground has a retro setting and is decorated with huge trees. You get to experience the picturesque view of the valley framed by extensive mountains and cliffs.
Coming to the weather conditions, Bay Pines is among those few sites that can be visited anytime. There are a total of 112 camping-ready sites, each equipped with the best-in-class amenities and features that include but aren’t limited to:
- Full hookups
- Private restroom and shower
- Heated pool
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
- Group barbecue area
You can choose from various recreational activities at the Bay Pines. For example, I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Natural History, which is the 3rd biggest bird sanctuary in the United States. The camping spot is a perfect location for sailboat and fishing lovers (no license needed!). You can also rent full-day or half-day boats at the shore.
Other fun places around the campsite include the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, San Luis Obispo Mission, and Pismo Beach, all within a 30-minute drive. The park delivers a tranquil and excellent stay for families and solo travelers. Being surrounded by water and nature, it’s the go-to camping spot for a serene vacation.
Avila/Pismo Beach KOA
If you’re looking for quick access to both the camping ground and the downtown of Morro Bay, then Avila/Pismo Beach KOA is the best pick to be situated centrally. It offers the amenities of a beachside town with a beautiful California canyon.
The park is kid-friendly as it has a lot of things for your fun-loving kids to indulge in. There are many pet-friendly trails nearby and biking paths that remain open all year round.
In-house laundry, a swimming pool, gaming area, and playground are some complimentary amenities. The camping ground has a capacity of 89 sites. You get:
- 50A power
- 24/7 Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
- Pool (Open Year-Round)
- Hot Tub/Sauna
- Mini Golf
- Bike Rentals
The site is located in a non-smoking zone. Just across the road from the campsite, you can visit the Petting Zoo, farm, and hayrides. You can also explore the farmer’s market and ancient vineyards.
Overall, the Avila/Pismo Beach KOA Resort provides a great outdoor vacation for family, friends, and solo travelers as there are a bunch of ways to unwind yourself to the max.
Best Time To Visit Morro Bay State Park For RV Camping
Now that you have decided upon a camping spot, use this guide to find the most suitable time to spend some quality time at Morro Bay State Park.
Winter
Winters are considered an excellent time to visit the Morro Bay RV parks, primarily for solo travelers. The temperature usually ranges between 40° and 60° F. However, pack up your rain gear to avoid the rainy weather in the winter, which is expected from January to March.
Summer
RV camping in Morro Bay in summer is more fun, to be honest. The temperature remains pleasant and constant with a desired zero rainfall throughout the season. There is no need to be concerned about the hot sun and you can enjoy everything summer has to offer to you.
All you’ve got to do is get yourself a quiet place on the beach and appreciate the finest season to watch the slow sunset.
Spring
All the green fields are waiting for you at Morro Bay RV parks! Spring is the most suitable time to see all the wildflowers in the park. The Black Hill trail has amazing scenery along with the uphill trekking path that’s rated medium difficulty even for a new hiker.
Expect a calm temperature with an extremely small amount of rainfall.
Fall
Fall is the best season for a family and friends trip. Since the season is event-filled, get ready to be greeted with numerous activities in downtown Morro Bay.
Get a taste of the local culture by visiting the Museum of Natural History, Halloween-themed stores, and the Harvest Festival.
How Much Does Morro Dunes RV Park Cost?
The Morro Dunes RV Park has a vast variety of accommodations to choose from, each varying in amenities and costs. Here’s a glance at them.
- Full Hookup site costs $61.50 per night
- Partial Hookup site costs $44.60 per night
- Tent costs $34.57 per night
- Camp Day or a Double Tent Site costs $39.03 per night
Note: The fee per pet will be an additional $2.23 per night.
Can You Park An RV At Morro Rock?
Yes, you can park your RV at Morro Rock in two different areas in the parking lot to the North of the Morro Rock. Both the parking areas are recognized for their stunning ocean scenery.
How Much Does It Cost To Camp At Morro Bay State Park?
The rates for individual campsites are:
- Standard site – $35 per night
- Hookup sites – $50 per night
The rates for group campsites are:
- Chorro Group camp costs $165 per night for a maximum of 35 people.
- Osos Group camp costs $100 per night for a maximum of 25 people.
Morro Bay RV Park Reservations – All You Need to Know in Advance
It’s highly recommended to book your favorite campsite at least a few months in advance. Online reservations for Morro Bay State Park can only be made by visiting their official website.
Reservations for sites 1 to 85 can be made all year round. However, sites from 86 to 134 can only be reserved from mid-May to mid-October, that too on a first-come and first-served basis.
Here are some important points to note. The size of your RV should not exceed the permissible limit of 35′. Only a limited number of sites on the camping ground are wheelchair-accessible. The check-in time at the camping ground is 2:00 PM, and the check-out is at midnight.
Does Morro Bay State Park Have Full Hookups?
Yes, Morro Bay State Park has sewer, water, and electric full hookups at most campsites, but not all.
Conclusion
So, here you go. For the best camping experiences in SoCal, these 5 Morro Bay RV parks are an excellent choice.
Whether you’re taking along your beloved RV or planning to rent one, these parks have everything to give you some everlasting memories with your friends and family.
Book your favorite site now and make the RV your home away from home in Morro Bay.
