Other State Parks
The Mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
California State Park campgrounds, including those in San Luis Obispo Coast District, can be reserved as much as seven months or as little as 48 hours in advance. To make a reservation, call 1-800-444-7275. For more information on California State Parks, visit the departmental website at http://parks.ca.gov/
 Morro Bay State Park is the home of the Museum of Natural History as well as hiking trails, a salt marsh with many species of migratory birds, a 135 site developed campground without showers, a group camp, an 18 hole golf course, a boat marina, a cafe and many docent-led nature walks. The campground is on year-round reservations. Call 1-800-444-7275 to reserve a site.
From San Luis Obispo take Hwy. 1 northbound to the Los Osos/Baywood Park offramp. Turn left and travel about 1 mile, then right into Morro Bay State Park. From south county take Hwy. 101 northbound to Los Osos/Baywood Park offramp. Turn left toward Los Osos and travel about 10 miles to South Bay Blvd. Turn right and go 3 miles to the Morro Bay State Park entrance.
Morro Strand State Beach includes several miles of gently sloping beach ideal for strolling or surf fishing. The popular 104 site developed campground is on reservations between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Call 1-800-444-7275 to make a reservation. When traveling north on Hwy. 1 in Morro Bay, turn left on Yerba Buena Street to reach Morro Strand State Beach.
Morro Rock Natural Preserve is home to a pair of peregrine falcons who can often be seen flying about their eyrie. Surf fishing, surfing and beachcombing are popular pastimes here at the base of famous Morro Rock. Morro Rock is located at the northern end of the Embarcadero in the city of Morro Bay.
Los Osos Oaks State Reserve occupies 85 serene acres
just seven tenths of a mile east of South Bay Blvd. on Los Osos Valley
Road in the town of Los Osos. A mile long self guided trail winds through
a grove of 800-year-old coast live oaks contorted into fantastic shapes.
Pismo Beach boasts beautiful golden sands stretching for miles along the coast. Two developed state park campgrounds are sheltered from ocean breezes behind the dunes:
Oceano Campground - An 82 site developed campground with hot showers. Reservations are available all year by calling 1-800-444-7275. In the late 1920's the land that this campground occupies was being developed into a huge housing subdivision. The lagoon was dredged deeper and enlarged to enhance the subdivision. A model home was built and many lots were sold, but the project failed in the depression after the 1929 stock market crash. The campground lies adjacent to a migratory bird habitat that surrounds the fresh-water lagoon. This area is especially popular with birders hoping to spot migrating spring and fall warblers and waterfowl. A wooded nature trail will take you around the lagoon and a short hike will lead you through the dunes to the beach. At the campground entrance is a nature center which links the visitor to the natural environment and cultural history of this state park. Several docent led walks start from the nature center. Also, within the campground, is a native plant garden. A stroll through the beautiful gardens will help you to identify local plants. Benches are provided for enjoying a rest and the scenery. Directions: From the town of Pismo Beach, travel south 2 miles on Hwy. 1 to Pier Avenue, then go west 2 blocks.
Pismo Beach North Campground - A 104 site developed campground with hot showers. Reservations are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day by calling 1-800-444-7275. Between the North Beach and Oceano campgrounds is a 9 hole golf course and restaurant. A short walk through North Beach Campground will lead you to the beach or the Monarch butterfly grove. Many people come to marvel at the sight of thousands of Monarch butterflies that migrate here to spend the winter. Docents are on site daily from November through February, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and give talks about Monarchs at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Directions: Northbound U.S. 101 exit Price Street in Pismo Beach. Travel north on Price for 25 yards to Ocean View Road, then west one block to Dolliver Street ( Hwy. 1 ). Go south for 1 mile. Campground is on the right. Southbound U.S. 101 exit Hwy. 1 ( Dolliver Street ). Travel south for 1.3 miles on Dolliver Street. Campground is on the right. |
