There are some places on the road where the simple act of emptying your holding tanks becomes a memorable experience, and Morro Bay State Park is definitely one of them. Perched right beside a serene tidal estuary and sitting directly under the watchful gaze of the magnificent Morro Rock, this state park offers what has to be the most scenic dump and go stop on the entire Central Coast. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with the RV lifestyle in the first place. For folks who are camping in the park, the RV sanitation station is a built in convenience. But what makes it a real asset for all travelers is that they allow non campers to use it for a reasonable fee, typically around $10. It’s an easy, beautiful, and efficient place to take care of business, fill up on fresh water, and get back to exploring the stunning coastline.
The park itself is the anchor of what I consider to be one of California's most precious ecological jewel boxes. The sheer variety of activities available right at your doorstep is incredible. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the calm salt marsh channels, which are absolutely teeming with wildlife like herons and egrets. If you’re up for a hike, the trail up Black Hill rewards you with stunning 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, and the surrounding landscape. The town of Morro Bay, with its charming waterfront and famous seafood spots, is just a short drive away. And if you’re looking for a grander adventure, the legendary Hearst Castle is only about a thirty minute drive north along the iconic Highway 1. One of the best parts about this area is the climate. Thanks to the cool marine layer that often hugs the coast, the summer high temperatures here can be a full 30 degrees cooler than just a few miles inland in San Luis Obispo. It’s a natural air conditioner that provides a perfect escape from the inland heat.
Using the dump station here is about as easy as it gets. You’ll enter the park via State Park Road, make a right turn at the marina, and then just follow the clear signs for the "Sanitation Station." The setup is well designed, with two pull through lanes that can comfortably accommodate rigs up to 35 feet long. This dual lane setup is a smart feature that really helps to prevent long backups, even during busier times. Payment is handled by credit card at a simple, automated kiosk. Once you’ve paid, you just pull up, connect your sewer hose, and do your business. They also have a complimentary potable water spigot right there, which is perfect for a quick rinse of your connections or for topping off your fresh water tank before you hit the road again. Once you’re all done, the exit route loops you conveniently past the golf course parking lot and puts you right back on track to rejoin Highway 1. The whole process is smooth, logical, and set against a backdrop that is simply second to none.
When it comes to amenities within the park, it’s a classic state park experience, which means you get the essentials in a beautiful, natural setting. While you’re at the dump station, you can easily refill your freshwater tank. If you decide to stay and camp, many of the sites in the designated RV loop offer partial hookups with 30 amp electric service. The park also features restrooms and hot showers. A key piece of information here is that the showers are token operated, so you’ll need to make sure you have some quarters with you to purchase tokens. It’s a small price to pay for a hot shower after a day of hiking or kayaking. You’ll also find central dumpsters located near the bathhouses, which is incredibly handy for getting rid of any trash you’ve accumulated, especially those paper towels from the tank hosing process. For pet owners, leashed pets are allowed in the campground loops, which is great. However, be aware that they are generally not permitted on the sensitive lagoon trails to protect the local wildlife. As for other services, you won’t find any gas, propane, or repair facilities within the park itself. You’ll need to head into the town of Morro Bay, which is only about a mile and a half away, to fuel up or get supplies.
The value proposition here is excellent. At just $10 to dump, this park significantly undercuts the prices you’ll find at many private RV parks along Highway 1. If you’re a registered camper, the dump fee is only required if you’re not staying the night or if you happen to need an extra dump partway through your stay. To make your visit completely hassle free, here are a few insider tips. Try to avoid the morning checkout rush, which typically happens between 10 and 11 a.m. The dump station lanes can get a little crowded then. I’ve found that visiting in the late afternoon is much more relaxed, with fewer rigs in line. You might want to bring a short brace or a block of wood for the rinse faucet; it’s positioned a bit low to the ground, and having something to prop it up can make things easier. If you think you might want to freshen up after the chore, carry those shower tokens with you. And finally, take it slow when you’re driving on the loop road near the golf course. It’s a beautiful area, but it’s also common to see wild turkeys casually roaming around. Morro Bay State Park truly offers the best of both worlds: it combines the serenity of an estuary with a clean, convenient, and affordable sanitation station. Just come prepared with some quarters for the shower and an appreciation for nature, and you’ll leave with your tanks empty and your spirit refreshed.
60 State Park Rd, Morro Bay, CA 93442
(805) 772-2560
Cost: $10
Category: State park
Has Water
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=594