Park is Open 6am to 10pm
Museum and gift shop hours from 10am-5pm daily
The park is open Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
Morro Bay State Park
Update (Feb. 2, 2021): With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted, State Parks is reopening campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other campground sites for new reservations, starting January 28. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for Morro Bay State Park.
What is open now?
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
Please take the time to read the information contained on this webpage to find out what is open and closed, and the COVID-19 guidelines for Morro Bay State Park.
What is open now?
- State Park Road and day-use parking lots.
- Morro Bay State Park Campground
What is currently closed at this park and throughout the State Park System?
At this park:
- Morro Bay Museum of Natural History.
- Special Events and tours canceled until further notice.
- Some park units and campground sites continue to be temporarily closed due to the pandemic, impacts from wildfires or other issues. Please visit the webpage of your local outdoor destination to find out if it is open.
- High public-use indoor facilities, including museums and visitor centers.
- Special events and tours continue to be canceled until further notice.
Are there any new visitor guidelines?
State Parks has implemented the following guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the outdoors:
- Stay Local: Stay close to home during this pandemic period. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time.
- Plan Ahead:
- The ongoing pandemic response continues to be dynamic and fluid. Prior to leaving home, check the webpage of your outdoor destination you plan to visit to find out if it is open, if parking is available, and what visitor guidelines are in effect.
- Learn what safety precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- SNO-PARKS: Make sure your vehicle is snow ready. A permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site. Parking is on a first come, first-serve basis at all SNO-PARK sites. The public is advised that parking lots are filling up early in the day. Illegal parking is prohibited. More information can be found at ohv.parks.ca.gov/SNOPARKS.
- Stay Safer at Six Feet: No matter the recreational activity, maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Your guests should only include those within your immediate household. This means no guests or friends, and no gatherings or parties. If there are too many people to maintain the required physical distance, please visit us on a different day.
- Boating: Do not raft up to other boaters or pull up onto a beach next to other recreators.
- Off-highway Vehicle Recreation: Do not ride next to others or pull up next to someone else as it could put you in close proximity to others. Stage 10 feet or more from each other during unloading and loading.
- Keep Clean: Be prepared as not all services may be available. Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer. Please pack out all trash. Park units are experiencing heavy use and you can help alleviate the impact on park facilities.
- Stay Covered: The state requires you to wear a face covering when you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more. Individuals must have a face covering with them at all times.
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
California State Parks continues to work with local and state officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access to state park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. However, the situation remains fluid and park operations can change at any time. For information on statewide current closures and available services, please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve.
Phone Number
(805) 772-6101
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 35 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 35 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Unless posted signs say otherwise.
Driving Directions to Morro Bay SP
From the town of Morro Bay, take Main St south which become State Park Rd. Continue south to marina and campground.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boat Ramps
Boat Rentals
Boating
Boat Ramps
Boat Rentals
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Food Service
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Morro Bay State Park features lagoon and natural bay habitat. The bay's most prominent landmark is Morro Rock. The park has opportunities for sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The park museum has exhibits that cover natural features and cultural history, Native American life, geology, and oceanography. The park also has a colorful marina and an 18-hole public golf course. On the bay's northeast edge is a pristine saltwater marsh that supports a thriving bird population.
Notices:
- 2 vehicle maximum per campsite. Trailers count as a vehicle.
- No Extra Vehicles and No Overflow Parking after the 2 Vehicle maximum per campsite.
- Dogs must be on leash in the campground and on trails.
Additional Visitor Services
- Associated Pacific Constructors (Marina & restaurant)
- City of Morro Bay (Morro Bay Marina)
- County of San Luis Obispo dba Morro Bay Golf Course (Morro Bay Golf Course)
Location - Directions
From San Luis Obispo take Highway 1 north to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left, go about 1 mile and turn right into the state park.
From the South, take Highway 101 northbound to the Los Osos - Baywood Park offramp. Turn left toward Los Osos and travel about 10 miles to South Bay Blvd., then turn right and go about 3 miles to the state park entrance.
The Museum of Natural History is in the park. Drive about 1/10th mile, past the campground and the marina, then turn left into the museum parking lot.
Seasons - Climate - Recommended clothing
Morro Bay has moderate weather. During summer days the area is 30 degrees cooler than inland areas. Dress in layers, especially at the ocean. As the water here is cooler than in Southern California, surfers generally wear wetsuits.
Museum of Natural History
A visit to the Central Coast of California is not complete without a stop at the Museum of Natural History in 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, Morro Bay State Park, 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.
Morro Bay State Parks and Montana de Oro State Parks
Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park are renowned for their spectacular scenery produced over millions of years by volcanic activity, plate tectonic interactions (subduction and collision), and erosion to shape this unique landscape. Marine terraces are evidence of regional uplift.
Morro Bay State Park and Montana de Oro State Park are renowned for their spectacular scenery produced over millions of years by volcanic activity, plate tectonic interactions (subduction and collision), and erosion to shape this unique landscape. Marine terraces are evidence of regional uplift.
(Photograph by Alan Schimierer)