A state park in San Luis Obispo County is the top spot in California to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The Bay Area-based nonprofit organization recently released the results of its first-ever poll ranking the best state parks in California.
“Coastal fog, kayaking adventures and views of iconic Morro Rock make this a camping destination unlike any other,” the foundation said.
The California State Park Foundation called on people to vote for their favorite state parks across 10 categories this spring, choosing the best among 280 park units, 15,000 campsites and more than 5,00 miles of trails in the Golden State.
More than 1,300 survey participants took part in the poll, the news release said.
Morro Bay State Park was the only SLO County destination to land on the list.
Why is Morro Bay State Park the No. 1 place to camp?
Morro Bay State Park was hailed as the perfect place for camping due to its calm estuary views, access to nature and outdoor activities.
“Campers especially love waking up to foggy mornings, scenic trails and the iconic view of Morro Rock,” the foundation said.
Rachel Norton, the executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, called the SLO County park one of the most stunning spots on the California coast.
“Camping on the coast is a particularly unique and wonderful experience,” she said. “That’s my thought on why people chose it.”
People who responded to the survey said the Morro Bay campsite was serene and dog-friendly, while also being close to town and nature walks.
It’s a place “surrounded by beauty, wildlife, great hiking and the feeling of peace,” wrote Doug Brand, who voted for Morro Bay State Park.
From the bluff trail south of Spooner’s Cove, hikers at Montana de Oro State Park watch the high surf in February 2020 with the mothballed Morro Bay Power Plant in the background. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
What are the best state parks in California?
Here are the winners of the 2025 Best of California’s State Parks poll:
Best California State Park for Camping: Morro Bay State Park
Best California State Park for Hiking: Mount Tamalpais State Park
Best California State Park for Spectacular Views: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Best California State Park for Birdwatching: Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Best California State Park for Wildflowers: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Best California State Park for Kid-Friendly Adventures: Natural Bridges State Beach
Best California State Park for Picnicking: Torrey Pines State Beach
Best California State Park for Learning About History: Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Best California State Beach: Crystal Cove State Park
Best California State Park for Dog-Friendly Adventures: Sonoma Coast State Park
Tidelands Park in Morro Bay. Courtesy of Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce
How did CA State Parks Foundation create its list?
The California State Parks Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving California’s state park system, decided to make its first-ever top 10 list after receiving hundreds of queries over the years about the best parks to visit, Norton told The Tribune.
The nonprofit group conducted a survey in March to find out what members and supporters thought were the best state parks to visit across 10 categories.
It gathered responses through email lists and social media, Norton said.
“From camping and hiking to picnicking, birdwatching, and family fun, we received over 1,300 submissions — each reflecting the deep love people have for these parks,” the foundation said in a news release.
Norton hopes the new best of list will inspire Californians to see state parks they might not have known about otherwise.
“The idea is really to say, ‘Hey, if you haven’t explored these places, here’s some great ideas that you may not have thought of, for places to go, places to visit, places to enjoy,’ ” Norton said.
This story was originally published May 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
Hannah Poukish covers San Luis Obispo County as The Tribune’s government reporter. She previously reported and produced stories for The Sacramento Bee, CNN, Spectrum News and The Mercury News in San Jose. She graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in journalism.
