Moro Campground: Your Ideal Beach Camping Destination

Moro Campground is at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, California. It features spectacular ocean views from all sixty campsites. Compared to other beach campgrounds, there are no bad campsites; everyone has an unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean. Moro Campground is unique; campers enjoy a better ocean view than the million-dollar homes perched on the surrounding hills for a fraction of the cost. The weather at Moro Campground is mild and pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for a camping adventure.

Moro Campground History

Step back in time to 1927, when Robert Windolph, a propane provider to coastal farmers, established Tyron’s Camp on the beach at El Morro Cove. This beach campground, now known as Moro Campground, has a rich and fascinating history, starting from its humble beginnings. It offered campers a restroom and a market that provided fresh abalone, a testament to the past’s simple yet fulfilling camping experiences.

Tent camping was very popular in the 1940s. However, as time passed, trailers and recreational vehicles became more common, and the El Morro Trailer Park was established. By the 1950s, it had transformed into a full-fledged mobile home community, with full-size homes along the beach and parking spaces for trailers on Pacific Coast Highway.

In 2006, after 26 years of legal battles, California finally evicted the tenants and demolished the El Morro Village mobile home park. The area became a day-use and overnight campground known as Moro Campground.

Moro Campground Campsites

Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground offers 60 campsites, with two reserved for camp hosts. You can reserve the remaining sites up to seven months in advance. Just keep in mind that the maximum RV size limit is 38 feet. If you plan to bring an RV, ensure it fits within this limit. For those who prefer a more primitive camping experience, hike-in campsites are available in the park’s backcountry. The campground also provides modern amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable stay. Due to the campground’s popularity, reservations are essential during the summer.

The Very Best Campsites at Moro Campground

At Moro Campground, you’ll find yourself amid nature’s beauty, with the ocean as your backdrop. The campground is organized into three circles: Coyote Run, Sage Loop, and Dolphin Circle. Each row of campsites is situated at a different elevation, ensuring no obstructions in front of the campsites. While all the campsites offer a great ocean view, the best one is arguably number 60, located in Dolphin Circle. It provides unobstructed views of the beach and hills to the front and left, a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of Laguna Beach.

Moro Campground Day Use

Along with the bluff-top campground is a large day-use area with 17 covered shade ramadas with picnic tables, 2 group pavilions, and an outdoor nature center. A paved loop trail winds through the day-use area, with many benches along the route so visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. Trails into the backcountry can be accessed from the day-use area. These trails vary in difficulty, from easy walks to more challenging hikes, catering to all levels of hikers. It’s also possible to hike along the beach from Crystal Cove Beach. It is a five-mile round trip, but worth the effort. It’s a beautiful hike as you enjoy one of the last undeveloped beaches in Orange County.

Moro Campground Rules

Dogs are permitted in the campground and parking areas but not on the beach or backcountry trails. Open fires are prohibited throughout the park. Compressed gas BBQs are allowed on the beach or the campground. To make a reservation and a complete list of the campground rules, please visit the campground’s official website at https://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/

Final Thoughts

Whether a seasoned camper or a newbie, Moro Campground in Laguna Beach, California, is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors, soak in the stunning views, and spot some wildlife. Remember to make a reservation, as this popular spot tends to book quickly. The Campground Address is 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, California.

Nearby Moro Campground Points of Interest

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

These charming cottages, constructed between 1920 and 1940, provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the rustic beachside charm of a bygone era. With 46 vintage cottages, they represent a well-preserved example of Southern California’s vernacular beach architecture and landscape.

Laguna Beach California

Laguna Beach is just a short drive away and offers numerous dining and shopping options. The city is home to several beautiful beaches, including Main Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. Additionally, the area has several tide pools and hiking trails, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Corona Del Mar California

Popular activities at Corona Del Mar include exploring the Sherman Library and Gardens, enjoying the beautiful beaches, and dining at the many restaurants in the area. The town is also close to other attractions in Newport Beach, such as the Balboa Pavilion and the Balboa Fun Zone.

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Places to camp on the beach in Southern California

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