California's State Park Halfway Between Santa Barbara & Monterey Offers Beautiful Bayside Camping

As the third-largest state in America, California sprawls across 163,695 square miles of land. Across these many miles, adventurous travelers can discover 89 state parks, plus 62 state beaches, 52 state historic parks, 33 state recreation areas, one state marine park, and several other points of interest. So, when the California State Parks Foundation announced the winners of its Best of California's State Parks poll, only real gems earned top honors. Among these gems was Morro Bay State Park, which won the title of Best California State Park for Camping.

Scenic coastal campsites and kayaking opportunities in view of the iconic Morro Rock contributed to its status. Of course, the state park also gets a boost from the broader city of Morro Bay (an underrated California seaside getaway) and by being halfway between Santa Barbara and Monterey. Though Morro Bay State Park claimed the No. 1 spot for camping, honorable mentions in this category included Anza-Borrego Desert (California's largest state park) and Montaña de Oro State Park (one of the 14 best stops to make on your trip along the Pacific Coast Highway). Other notable winners in the Best of California's State Parks poll include Mount Tamalpais (best in hiking), Crystal Cove (best beach), Sonoma Coast (best dog-friendly park).

Located less than 20 miles from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, under 15 miles from San Luis Obispo's Amtrak Station (a stop along the Coast Starlight train route), and between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Morro Bay State Park is easy to reach for an outdoorsy weekend getaway. The Morro Bay Campground greets visitors with clusters of shady trees that break up more than 140 campsites ready for everything from tents to RVs. Campers looking to stay close to the water should plan on reserving sites one through 30; campsites with lower numbers are nearer to Morro Bay. Book your spot through ReserveCalifornia, and expect fees starting at $35 for basic sites and $100 for group sites. Morro Bay State Park also charges visitors an $8 vehicle day use fee.

For your money, you'll get access to a camper's paradise praised for its atmospheric views, helpful amenities (including picnic tables, water-fill stations, flush toilets, showers, and electrical hookups). You'll also enjoy easy access to fun activities, like walking along Marina Boardwalk, boating in the bay, and exploring the Monarch Butterfly Roosting Area.

During your trip, keep in mind a few important rules for camping at Morro Bay State Park. Key campground guidelines include observing quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., keeping bicycles on multi-use trails and paved roads only, and bringing no more than two vehicles to a campsite. The campground allows dogs, but they must remain leashed and watched at all times.

While you're camping at Morro Bay State Park, peruse the region's top sights and things to do. If you only have time for one sightseeing stop, head to Morro Rock. Located about 10 minutes from the Morro Bay State Park Campground, Morro Rock is a 576-foot-tall volcanic oddity that hosts nesting peregrine falcons. While you can't climb this impressive rock, you can spend a day marveling at it from the scenic shores of neighboring Morro Rock Beach. Before leaving the area, survey the surrounding waters for a glimpse of the whales, sea otters, and seals known to splash around in the bay year-round.

Got more time to explore? Visit the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History. Admission costs just $3 and provides you with access to fascinating exhibits that explain how Morro Bay's unique landscapes were formed. Nearby, you'll also find the Morro Bay Golf Course, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, and Black Hill Trail (one of the area's best hiking routes).

Roadtrippers planning to include Morro Bay State Park as a stop within a longer road trip should also check out cool attractions in Monterey and Santa Barbara. About an hour and a half from Morro Bay, Monterey sports this luxurious beachfront hotel perfect for a coastal getaway. Meanwhile, Santa Barbara (around two hours from Morro Bay) is a picture-perfect city for a couples vacation.