Between California’s 280 state parks, 340 miles of coastline, 5,200 miles of trails, and 15,000 campsites, Morro Bay and Montaña de Oro state parks placed first and third for best camping in the California State Parks Foundation’s first-ever “Best of” competition.
California State Parks Foundation Executive Director Rachel Norton said the competition was inspired by the many questions asked about where to go for specific outdoor activities.
“We always get questions about ‘What can I do at the state park?’ ‘Where’s the best place to take my dog?’ ‘Where’s the best place for camping?’ And, you know, everybody has an opinion, right? So we decided to ask our members and our people who support us what they thought,” she said.
According to Norton, this year’s survey got about 1,300 responses, voting for the best state parks for things like spectacular views, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and, of course, camping.
Norton said the survey also invited voters to share memories of why they voted for the state parks that they did.
“A lot of times it’s because maybe they went there as a kid and they have really fond memories of family camping trips at that park, or it’s often connected with some really wonderful personal experience, whether it’s like things you experienced as a kid or with friends or with someone you love,” she said. “All those kinds of personal connections, I think, are what make people really love these places so deeply. It occupies a special place in your heart.”
Spots like Morro Bay and Montaña de Oro were no different, Norton said.
According to California State Parks’ website, Morro Bay State Park is 13 miles from SLO and most prominently features Morro Rock alongside a lagoon and natural bay habitats. Its campground offers 140 sites for tent camping, recreational vehicles, and group camping.
Visitors can also enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and beach exploration.
The shore of Montaña de Oro is just 10 miles south of Morro Bay and offers 8,000 acres and 7 miles of shoreline for visitors to explore.
According to State Parks, the park differentiates itself with rugged sea cliffs, starry night skies, and 1,347-foot Valencia Peak if you’re looking for a good climb.
Its Islay Creek Campground has 47 sites for tent camping while Hazard Canyon Horse Camp has four spots for horse camping (a horse is a required guest).
For a more secluded spot, visitors looking to rough it can hike 100 yards to a half mile to reach the Environmental Camps, an additional four spots with pit toilets and no potable water.
Do you have a favorite camp site that didn’t win this year? No fear, Norton said. The California State Parks Foundation is opening another competition in spring 2026, so get your tent and pull out your best hiking stick to be fully prepared to vote in the next round.
For more information about the State Parks “Best of” competition, follow the California State Parks Foundation on Instagram, where it will post updates when the time comes.
Happy camping!
Related Stories
Get Outside – Summer/Fall 2025
This article appears in Get Outside – Summer/Fall 2025.