Morro Strand State Beach

Morro Strand State Beach is a coastal frontage park featuring outstanding picnic sites. A three-mile stretch of beach connects the southern and northern entrances to the beach. Those miles of windswept sand, sea and dunes curve gently from the town of Morro Bay to Cayucos State Beach. Two long stretches of beach provide recreation for visitors and habitats for a diverse array of plant and animal life. Overlooking Estero Bay, the beach hosts a variety of coastal environments —including strand, dunes, dune wetland and tidepool communities.

The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock (Climbing this landmark is prohibited).Morro Bay State Marine Reserve & State Marine Recreational Management Area are two marine protected areas located offshore from Morro Bay. Much like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help safeguard ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.

The park offers several recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, jogging, bird watching & wildlife viewing. The Museum of Natural History in nearby Morro Bay State Park has exhibits that cover natural features, cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography.

Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
Morro Strand SB has moderate weather. During summer days, the area is often 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially near the ocean. As the water here is cooler than in Southern California, surfers generally wear wetsuits.

Location & Directions

Morro Strand Campground is located:

• 15 miles west of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1
• 26 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center on Highway 1
• 120 miles south of Monterey through Big Sur on Highway 1 (When road conditions permit)
• The charming community of Morro Bay is located 3 miles to the south of the campground and offers gas stations, grocery stores, dining and more.
• The coastal town of Cayucos is located 3 miles to the north of the campground and offers more gas stations and dining choices.

Morro Strand Campground

The Morro Strand Campground offers over 70 campsites for tent camping and recreational vehicles. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table with water spigots and flush toilets nearby. TOKEN-operated shower facilities are available at the Morro Bay Campground with proof of registration. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available there. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

Note: RV electrical hookups are available at Morro Strand Campground. Please check Reserve California for availability.

Junior Ranger Program

This is a special program for kids that provides the chance to partake in a variety of fun and educational nature-oriented activities at nearby Morro Bay State Park. When offered, parents or guardians may bring kids to the Campfire Center at the Morro Bay Campground for fun, regularly scheduled programs about the Central Coast!

Museum of Natural History

A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History within Morro Bay State Park. The museum offers activities for all ages: nature walks, exhibits, lectures, puppet shows, videos, docent led tours and special events.

Visit the Chumash garden along the side of the museum and learn how the Chumash used native plants of this area in their daily lives.

The Museum of Natural History is within minutes of the Heron Rookery, Montaña de Oro State Park, the El Moro Elfin Forest and Audubon's Sweet Springs Nature Preserve. The museum overlooks Morro Bay which is both a State and National Estuary.