Morro Strand State Beach stretches along the northern edge of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County. It offers a three-mile stretch of sand and dunes. This area is just off Highway 1. With its close-up views of iconic Morro Rock, extensive beach access, camping, and vibrant wildlife, this coastal haven delivers a quintessential Central Coast experience.
What Makes Morro Strand State Beach Unique
This state beach combines oceanfront camping with ecological protection. Its dunes harbor nesting Western Snowy Plovers. Sea otters frequent nearby waters. With direct dune-to-surf campsites, horseback-friendly shores, and the Morro Strand Trail winding dunes and bluffs, the beach offers a rare blend of recreation and conservation.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏕️ Campsites & RV Sites
The campground features 81 sites—including 25 full-hookup RV spots (up to 40 ft) and beachfront primitive sites (1–45 and A–D). Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill and drinking water. Flush restrooms are available, though no showers—campers may use nearby Morro Bay State Park facilities with proof of stay. Firewood and token-operated hot showers are also available at Morro Bay SP.
🌊 Beach Access & Surfing
Designated beach corridors protect dune habitats. Surfers ride consistent breaks near Windy Cove, while anglers cast for surf perch and striped bass. The expansive shoreline is ideal for beachcombing, jogging, kite flying, and stargazing.
🐦 Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
The dunes host Western Snowy Plover nesting from March 1–September 30—be sure to avoid fenced off areas. The strand also attracts shorebirds, sea otters, seals, dolphins, and seasonal whale sightings offshore.
🚲 Bike & Hiking Trails
The 3.1-mile Morro Strand Trail parallels the shoreline—easy, mostly flat, and ideal for walking, jogging, biking, or horseback riding. Benches and viewpoints along the sand and dune corridor offer photo opportunities of Morro Rock and the estuary.
🏐 Picnic Areas & Fire Rings
Day-use zones include picnic tables, BBQ grills, and fire rings by the dunes. Beachfront fire rings are available only within campsites and must be used responsibly.
🚻 Restrooms & Parking
Flush toilets and drinking water are available near all campsites. Large bluff-top parking lots serve day visitors and campers; parking is free from 6 am to 10 pm.
Visitor Tips
- Reservations & Fees: Campsites book via ReserveCalifornia; fees are $35/night standard, $50/night with hookups plus $7.99 reservation charge. Day-use beach access is free.
- Pets: Dogs are permitted in campground and on park roads (on leash), but prohibited on beach and dunes to protect nesting birds.
- No Showers On-site: Use hot showers at Morro Bay State Park campground — bring proof of your Morro Strand reservation.
- Campfire Rules: Fires only in provided rings. Hookup sites prohibit wood fires (gas stoves acceptable). No fireworks or glass.
- Vehicle & Generator Rules: Max one vehicle and one trailer per site; generators operate 8 am–10 pm only.
- Beach Access: Use fenced corridors only—avoiding dunes helps protect wildlife, especially during nesting seasons.
- Safety: Watch for sneaker waves and unstable dunes near bluffs. Children should be supervised.
- Quiet Hours: 10 pm–6 am—campers are advised to respect neighbors and wildlife.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For quiet beach camping with mesmerizing sunset views of Morro Rock, reserve beachfront sites (A–D or odd-numbered). These sites fill fast, so book early. Visit in late spring or early summer to glimpse snowy plovers, and hike the Morro Strand Trail at dawn to spot playful sea otters and coastal birds. As evening settles, gather around your fire ring with binoculars tuned to distant silhouettes of traveling shorebirds—nothing captures the spirit of the Central Coast quite like Morro Strand State Beach.