Montana de Oro State Park sits on California's central coast just outside the town of Los Osos. Rugged, beautiful and remote, it's a great place for a family camping getaway.
Situated in a small valley of cypress and Monterey pine, Montana de Oro attracts families, retirees and young couples. Big motorhomes are rare, which makes for quiet, rustic camping without the sound of generators or televisions.
You won't find a swimming pool, electrical hookups, flush toilets or a playground. Nature is the draw here. People come for the rugged coast, for hiking, bicycle and horse trails, and for some of the best tidepools in California.
What kind of wildlife can you see? How about bobcats, coyotes, quail, owls, gophers, raccoons, hawks, deer, hermit crabs and sea urchins.
The weather is changeable, so dress in layers. Summer weather can go from cool and foggy to sunny and 90 degrees in the space of an hour.
Facilities: Ranger station, tent and small RV campsites with picnic table and fire ring, vault toilets, water stations, campground host (summer only), hiking trails, beach
Where to stay
Location: Seven miles south of Los Osos on Pecho Rd.
Phone: 805.528.0513
Fees: Campsite $25, Extra vehicle $10, Day use parking $10, Firewood $7 for an armload, plus $3 for a bag of kindling.
Reservations through ReserveAmerica are necessary during holiday weekends and recommended through most of the summer.
Where to eat
If you need a break from campfire cooking, head over to The Bayside Cafe in nearby Morro Bay. The clam chowder is homemade, the fish and chips are hand-battered and the chipotle burger is not for the timid.
#10 State Park Rd.
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Phone: 805.772.1465
Hours: 11 am to 3 pm Mon. - Wed., 11 am - 8:30 pm Thurs. - Sun.
Must-do side trip
With or without kids, the Natural History Museum is a great stop. The museum has a prime view of the surrounding estuary and sand dunes, plus plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits that even adults will enjoy. Visit the museum in the morning, then take a late lunch at The Bayside Cafe which is just steps away.
Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History
#20 State Park Rd.
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Phone: 805.772.2694
Hours: 10 am - 5 pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Cost: Adults $3, children under 16 free
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