Description
The Oceano Campground in Pismo State Beach has 82 campsites, all fairly protected from the wind and many with direct access to the beach and the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve section of the state park. The campground is popular among OHV users who come to drive the adjacent Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), and convenient ATV rental sites, restaurants, and grocery stores are all within walking distance. All Oceano campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and shower and restroom access, and some include water and electric hookups. Restrooms and hot showers are available too. A small freshwater lake lines the edge of the campground, offering fishing.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The mild climate at Pismo State Beach makes camping reasonable year-round—summer highs reach 73°F and winter lows hit around 43°F. Summers are popular at Oceano Campground and book up fast, but there’s a very good reason to plan a winter visit instead (so long as you bring rain gear): From November through February, a large western monarch butterfly colony overwinters in Oceano at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Pismo Beach is an awesome spot to break out your bike – especially if you are riding in a group of varied skill levels. The ...Read more
Boating
There are no places to bring motorboats (unless you literally come in that way), but check out our kayaking & canoeing sect...Read more
Fishing
Fishers can cast bluegill and bass in the Oceano Lagoon that borders the Oceano Campground. Surf fishing is also possible on th...Read more
Hiking
Pismo Beach has an extensive network of hiking trails, including one of our favorites, the Shell Beach Bluffs hike, which leads...Read more
Horseback riding
A horseback ride through the dunes and on the beach never gets old. Seriously, it never does. Horseback riding on Pismo Beac...Read more
Paddling
With caves and coves to explore, Pismo Beach is a scenic spot for year-round kayak adventures. Experienced kayakers may venture...Read more
Swimming
Pismo Beach waters are often cold (we won’t lie!), but it is still a great spot for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty, but beachgo...Read more
Wildlife watching
Search for glimpses of migrating whales, seals, and sea otters on Pismo Beach, where seabirds are also abundant, especially dur...Read more
63 Reviews
This is a public campground for sure. Feels more like camping in a parking lot with a bit of grass versus a peaceful camping experience out in nature. It is just a stone's throw from the beach though.
If you're into driving your car on the beach, this may be the spot for you. If you prefer peaceful walks on the beach, you'll be disappointed, you have to look both ways as you cross the beach to avoid traffic from trucks in either direction. Was a surreal experience.
Great place to come with a group of friends! You can rent ATV's or drive your 4x4 vehicles on the sand dunes. They usually have a stand where they will inflate your tires when you leave for a few dollars. Bring caution tape and stakes or poles (We bought some at Home Depot in the garden section). A lot of people will rope off their campsites using the yellow tape. It also helps so ATV's stay a safe distance from your camp. Come prepared it can get quite cold and windy at night!
Dont expect any privacy unless you're there during the weekdays in winter.
Great beach!
30 seconds into driving on the sand our Highlander got stuck in the fine, dry sand. Apparently, this happens often enough that somebody immediately helped get us out and deflate our tires to increase surface pressure for free. Just drive toward the sites on the wet sand and you'll find a spot to park in and enjoy listening to the waves while you camp!
We love the south coast of california. We go to carpinteria, sycamore state beach.
The quintessential California camping experience: check!
At Oceano Dunes SP, you can camp directly between the dunes and the ocean on the sprawling, beautiful Pismo Beach. This area is really recreational for ATV, 4-wheelers, etc... so on Saturdays and Sundays it's LOUD from ~10a to sunset. Fortunately, they're fun to enjoy and easy with rental places all over the beach.
Camping here is $10 and you get okay bathrooms at every post, but no fresh water. Since you camp with your car, it's quite easy to go in and out to grab extra supplies. You're allowed to cook and especially to build awesome bonfires here at night!
Be wary: decrease the pressure in your tires so you don't get stuck in the sand + bring WARM WARM WARM sleeping bags!
Apple maps will take you about 30 minutes out of your way so stick to Google. Not very private, but lots of room to spread out. Definitely worth checking out, especially for the price.
- Park
- Pismo Beach State Beach
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (805) 473-7220
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 35.109° N, 120.627° W
- Unknown price
- RV / Trailer: 37 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 37 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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