Reviews

Christy M

Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground was a major disappointment. The campsites were extremely tight, packed so close together that it felt more like a parking lot than a campground. Privacy was nonexistent, and maneuvering into the spot was a hassle. One of the main reasons we booked this location was the advertised horseback riding — which turned out to be unavailable. No notice, no explanation, just an amenity they continue to promote but don’t actually offer. That alone felt misleading. To make matters worse, our scooters were stolen during our stay. There was no security presence, no cameras, and staff didn’t seem concerned or helpful when we reported it. For a place that charges premium prices, the lack of safety and accountability was unacceptable. Overall, between the cramped sites, false advertising, and theft on the property, this was one of the worst camping experiences we’ve had. We will not be returning, and we wouldn’t recommend Pacific Dunes Ranch to anyone looking for a safe or enjoyable.

Camron Blu

Wonderful location, very beautiful view of the dunes horseback riding is closed. However, there is horseback riding nearby. The office staff is very friendly. Prices are reasonable. And this is a Trammel trailer park or RV park. They have a few small cabins that I noticed, buy it other than that. It's not a hotel.

Laci Waddill

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ Pacific Dunes Ranch is in a great location if you’re looking to enjoy the sand dunes. However, if you’re bringing a UTV or Can-Am, be aware that even if it’s street legal, you cannot drive it on the surrounding roads. You’ll need to trailer it to the beach access, which was a major disappointment since it’s only a few miles from the campground. We wish this had been made much clearer before booking. Our site was much tighter than advertised. It was listed as accommodating a 65-foot rig, but we couldn’t fit both our fifth wheel and truck on the site. We were squeezed between a cabin and another RV with very little privacy. The biggest issue was the noise. Cabin guests arrived around 3:00 a.m., played loud music early in the morning, and trucks idled just feet from our camper. It became disruptive enough that we decided to leave three days early. After multiple conversations with staff and management, they refunded one night of our five-night reservation, which we appreciated, although we were disappointed we couldn’t enjoy the stay we had planned. Overall, the location is the biggest draw, but I think the campground could do a better job setting expectations about OHV access, accurately describing site sizes, and enforcing quiet hours.

shrkchsr

Lovely park with great staff. A bit windy for my taste but they can't control that. I'd have opted to back up to the hill in the lower portion, in hindsight. Great coin-operated laundry facilities. There is an amazing market just down the road for everything you will need. I took in a show at the local playhouse which was amazing. Just a couple miles from great restaurants and other amenities. And thank you, Christina, especially, for rescuing me from my roof when I had a case of height freight after sealing my driving lights. The photo shows where I recommend grabbing a spot if you're here for more than a day or two.

Terry W

Easy check-in and out. Very friendly staff. Clean and very hot shower. We drove through the Los Angeles traffic and this RV site was a well needed break. This is smaller site than the other Thousand Trails we've been to but the lot had our own bench and we had a view of the dunes which was great. We only had an hour or so before sunset so we explored the dunes. It was the weekend and many family with kids were out there having a good time closer to the enteance to the dunes. We walked about 30 minutes into the dunes and the fog engulfed us and the dunes were very quiet and beautiful. The rec center was clean and nice. It has another set of bathrooms and 4+ shower stalls. I ended up using the bathroom/shower on the upper side closer to our lot.

Angela Townsend

This resort is absolutely wonderful! Excellent service. Great amenities. Nice shower/bathroom facilities. Pet friend 🐾The family loved the dunes sledding. We had so much fun. This was the 1st time we stayed here. Will definitely be returning.

Marcel Marcale

Went during the last week of July and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Reasonable cost, location next to the dunes and Pismo pier, friendly staff all 5 stars. 1-star deduction for the sites not being regularly cleaned between campers and I too also struggle with the raised sewer connection. I didn't deduct any stars for the tight sites because ... that is normal for this area. Unless you want to pay $250/night in Avila Beach this is something you'll have to expect when coming to Pismo Beach. At Pacific Dunes it looks like the larger spots are on the lower level but then you miss out on the views of the dunes or the night lights. When the campground is full you may not get a parking spot near your site, again because they are tight and I couldn't fit my F250, but they have plenty of parking in the dirt lot near the office. Don't miss out on the great gathering area located behind the office. They also let you borrow sleds to go down the dunes. Great stay overall and I'll be back next year!

cody hannigan

Location, amazing. Great access to the dunes, long sandy walk to beach pack extra water. But that is where the good part of this park stops. Spots near the dunes were so small we couldn't put out the pop-up all the way or the awning. Our rig was the max length allowed but told it wouldn't fit, it did but just barely. The majority of the "campers" are long-term/permanent. We were even warned by staff that the snowbirds dislike campers. Small narrow roads make it challenging to park rigs.

acsierp

We've been weekend RVing with our family of 4 for over a year and PDR is one of our favorite trips (May 2025)! Our hosts, George and Jody, were incredibly kind, thoughtful, and welcoming. We stayed for 4 nights in two adjoining spots with beautiful views of the dunes and surrounding nature; what a sight to wake up to. 😍 We enjoyed two days running and sledding on the dunes (resort access just a short walk from the RV) with our kids which was a super cool and unique experience for us all. The temperature was perfect and the sand was nice and cool, so barefoot was no problem. We also spent time at the playground area (a must for our 3 and 5 yo) and just hanging out at our campsite with a firepit, smores fixins from the camp store, and watching movies in the projector. Our oldest was also able to ride a pony at the grand re-opening of the horse stables, so fun! When we weren't at camp there was plenty to do within a 20 minutes drive for kids like the beach/community park/butterfly exhibit and lots of dining options. Honestly, this was one of the best family trips we've had and can't wait to go back with our extended family in the cottages. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! 🙌

Dana Beyce

We have been staying here for the past 15+ years and it has always been a great stay and wonderful place. Except the last 3 times we stayed. 3 years ago the new"manager" walked around my trailer and was making rude remarks "should be cleaner " "why do you have this on it " just being rude. 2 years ago I had to pull up to the office and same "manager" came out walked around my trailer and said it was fine. This year I had to pull up in front of the office and same manager came out and walked around my trailer and said "oh that light has to come off" (that light was on the last 2 years he walked around my trailer and then said it was boarder line. Just a warning to everyone. If the "manager doesn't like something he will turn you away. It doesn't matter if you have a reservation and paid for the first night or paid for the entire stay.He can and will refuse you . I drove 4 hours to get thereand could have been turned away after paying for my entire stay. I wouldn't been able to find another place it being a holiday. I have been coming here 2 times a year for over 15+ years and I'm sorry to say I wont be staying again. I can't risk being turned away and not have a place to park after a 4 hour drive. Pacific dunes you need to do better. I know a few people that are going somewhere else.

Steven Freeman

Everyone at this park was incredibly nice. The dunes off the back end are amazing. The office provided us with sleds to slide down the dunes. The park was quiet. They have horseback riding for the kiddos next door which was a great thing for our little guy. We would definitely come back for the location and for the horseback riding

Blake Nelson

Bad service and bad rv spots. I got a deluxe spot that was very small and had a 10" drop front to back and 6" drop side to side. Office doesn't care. Shity wifi and a train blows through at 6 am with its horn blaring. There are a lot of better options

Téa Ryott Todd

I have a 15 1/2 year old female dog who wears diapers inside at all time well she had 2 accidents in the clubhouse we cleaned it and everything, Now she is banned bc she supposedly peed in there alot but she didn't the staff is ok but very open or social its a very quiet park except ppl do coke for the dunes which I highly recommend my only complaint is that my dog is banned from the clubhouse bc she had an accident on her bed in her diaper and all they said was keep it contained wtf shes 15 and a half wearing diapers what else can I do we can't leave her home shes to old

Andrea Y

The spots here are very very close together. That being said we were still able to get out 40ft 5th wheel in this location. However 2 5th wheels side by side leave very little space to breathe. They leave less than 5 ft between the slides side by side. The view is the top of some sand dunes. Not close enough to the ocean to feasibly walk there over the dunes. Not a whole lot to do directly near by but 20 to 30 mins will get you to some bigger beach towns. It's quiet here and the horse stables/riding are closed until further notice due to flooding a few years back.

Claudia Willoughby

Thank you, Pacific Dunes Ranch for a wonderful stay with our new travel trailer. The staff was very friendly. I do remember I spoke over the phone with Linda who was very kind and informative. Very clean and well kept. Bathroom facilities very clean. We really enjoyed our stay. Can’t wait to see you again.