Moro Beach at Crystal Cove State Park
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About Moro Beach at Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, California
Moro Beach is the southernmost beach in Crystal Cove State Park located between Laguna Beach and the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach, California. This is a great place to start a hike, a long beach walk, or a memorable camping experience.
For many years the campground in this park was the site of the El Morro Trailer Park. In 2005, the manufactured homes and trailer homes were removed to build a campground and parking area which finally opened in 2011. It’s become a popular place for camping, day-use beach access, and recreating in the arid hills above the coastline.
Getting to Moro Beach is easy. Drive to the part of Crystal Cove State Park that is signed for “El Moro Canyon Area”, pay the nominal entrance fee, and follow signs to Moro Campground and the Moro Canyon Day-Use Area. Near the parking lot there is a pedestrian tunnel under Pacific Coast Highway that leads to Moro Beach. This tunnel can flood and cut off beach access but the entrance attendant should tell you if it’s blocked before you get that far.
From El Moro Visitor Center there are several inland hiking trails that ascend into the San Joaquin Hills and provide access to the park’s hike-in tent camping spots. The trails continue into the adjacent Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Many of the trails are old fire roads that are also open to mountain biking. Stop into the visitor center for detailed maps on where to hike, bike, and camp. Day-use of the park and beach is allowed 6am to sunset every day.
- Address
- 8471 N Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651 - Phone
- 949-494-3539
- Park Name
- Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
- Other Names
- Moro Canyon, El Moro Cove, Morro Beach
- Owner
- State Park
- Pet Details
- No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees
- Fees for day-use and camping
- Activities
- Hiking, Camping, Surfing, Walking, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, Beach Walking
- Amenities
- Campground, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Lifeguards, Group Picnic Areas, ADA Access
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Reviews
Cool campground. Didn’t know it used to be a trailer park. It’s fun to walk on this beach. i’d give it 5 stars but PCH is right there and is louder than the waves.
