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Pismo State Beach/Oceano
Overview
Pismo State Beach/Oceano Campground offers a quintessential coastal experience where the rugged Pacific shoreline meets California's famous sand dunes. Located along the central coast, this park provides a unique gateway to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. It is a destination where the rhythmic sound of crashing waves serves as a constant backdrop, offering a balanced mix of high-energy adventure and peaceful seaside relaxation for every visitor.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the charming community of Oceano, CA, the park is situated between a serene freshwater lagoon and the vast expanse of the beach. The surroundings are defined by towering eucalyptus trees and rolling coastal dunes. Guests are just a short walk from the water, and the area is home to a protected coastal habitat that serves as a vital sanctuary for local wildlife and seasonal migrations.
Amenities & Park Features
The Oceano section of the state beach is particularly popular among RVers because it offers water and electric hookups, which are a rarity in many California state park settings. The campground is designed to accommodate various rig sizes and provides essential facilities for a comfortable stay. Key features include:
- Clean restrooms and coin-operated hot showers
- A centrally located dump station for RV sanitation
- Individual campsites equipped with sturdy fire rings and picnic tables
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days surf fishing, swimming, or hiking the scenic trails surrounding the lagoon. For those seeking more speed, the adjacent dunes allow for off-roading and ATV rentals. During the winter months, the nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove becomes a spectacular site as thousands of butterflies cluster in the trees. Additionally, the historic Pismo Beach Pier is just a short drive away, offering local dining and shopping opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for active RV travelers who want direct access to beach activities and off-road adventures. Because it provides hookups, it is also a great choice for families who prefer the convenience of modern amenities while still enjoying a rustic, natural environment. It remains a top pick for nature photographers and birdwatchers who will appreciate the diverse ecosystems found within the park boundaries.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
BETO CHINGON
This is the only place is California to go to the sand dunes and the ocean when you are camping, the weather is normally cold but enjoyable if you take firewood, there is the option of buying firewood and other services for camping. Great place to get out of the city and have a great time with the family riding ATVs at the sand dunes! Make sure to take plenty of firewood if you're planning to be there for a few days! Big place plenty of space for camping!
Changjae Kim
Good camping spot. Easy to access the beach (10min walk) and good lake view and clean restrooms. But beware of mosquitoes
Savvy Brown
This campground was very clean and was a nice place to camp for a first time camper. The bathrooms and showers were cleaned regularly and they were very nice. The walk to the beach was nice find that we could drive on the beach was nice but also shocking. My friend and I have never seen so many intact sand dollars and they were so pretty. Warning: BEWARE of the squirrels! They crawl up onto the table and go through your things. I kept our food not the coolers in the car and that seemed to be the safest way. Hope to come again soon! Hopefully, the weather next time will be warmer.
Maddy Cole
Such a unique camping experience! We car camped on the beach for one night. It was awesome waking up to the waves. Be aware that nights can be cold by the water, so bring layers. Also you will have sand everywhere!! There were no facilities if you camp on the beach; there is little privacy, and you would have to walk a bit. We had so much fun in the morning frolicking in the sand dunes!!
Freddie Gomez III
Very very clean restrooms, hot fresh water showers.. agreeable amount of lighting at night.. plenty of hiking paths, to the beach, around and over the creek, fresh water bass in the creek.. excellent nature scenery, pines, grass, rock, squirrels (bold & brave), was a very nice place all in all.. we will be back!!!
Robin A Enos
Very comfortable camp ground. 82 camp sites, 40 in the front with the partial hookups, 42 in back for tents and RV’s-dry camping only. Generators ok-10am to 8pm. If you have solar, you got it. Potable Water spickets through out the campgrounds. Clean bathrooms and token showers. Currency to token dispensers at a couple shower houses. Firewood for sale at the Camp Host site, all money goes the private non-profit organization “Central Coast State Parks Association”. They maintain the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach and other central coast parks. There are some sites with power (30 amp) and water, no sewer dump. Dump stations with $10.00 fee-credit card only, are within 1.5 and 3 miles, both off Hwy 1. There’s also a local company that you can contact to come empty you black and gray tanks, for around 50-60 bucks, it’s worth the convenience. The campground is located next to a beautiful lagoon with a cement trail that runs next to part of it. It’s also a very short walk to the beach. A small visitors center and local displays is also located in the campground. Old Juan’s Mexican restaurant is walking distant as is a small grocery type store and other small eateries. Elks Lodge is across the street (Pier Avenue).
Matt Rubenstein
Nice campground but they drive heavy equipment through the campsites early in the mornings to and from the equipment yard next to it.
Aaron Darkes
One of the few, if not the only place to drive on the beach in California. The campground is nice if the beach camping is too windy and cold. Grass tent sites were a bit lumpy due to ground squirrels, but still grass tent sites! Oceano is smaller, easier to get in, and more cozy than the nextdoor "main" Pismo Beach campground
Jonathan T
Great California State Campground with RV sites offering water and electricity. No sewer hookups. Super close to the beach and a great trail to both the beach and lagoon. Clean restrooms and coin operated showers.
Sam Rezaei
Great clean and quiet campground! Very close to the beach and if you want to drive on the beach it is free for campers. Bathrooms were spotless but there was no soap inside the stalls.