Camping opportunities are endless in this Pismo Beach camping. Winter brings migratory monarch butterflies to this stunning stretch of shoreline in San Luis Obispo County, while summer calls for surfing and clamming. Visit the seaside village of Arroyo Grande for some Pismo clam chowder or take a 17-mile hike along the Pismo beach camping dunes and cliffs of Pismo State Beach. Visitors can amuse themselves by hiking, biking, horseback riding, sea kayaking, caving, and many other activities.
Oceano Dunes State Recreational Vehicle Area is for people who enjoy off-road travel and all things ATV. The only California State Park that allows you to drive your car onto the beach is this 5.5-mile stretch of sand dune paradise, which is located three miles south of Pismo Beach. Choose a park that accepts RVs and offers water and electric hookups in roomy sites if you want to bring your four-wheel drive SUV right up to your tent camping spot.
Pismo Beach Camping Activities
Biking is only one of the many outdoor activities available at Pismo Beach campground. The region has miles of beautiful seaside footpaths and bike lanes, which are ideal for exploring the area’s natural splendor. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a novice rider, you’ll have no trouble finding opportunities to get outside and take in the beautiful scenery and clean air.
Boating enthusiasts should visit the campground at Pismo Beach. The calm Pacific Ocean seas make for ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even kayaking. On-site rentals make it simple to go in the water and explore the nearby shoreline.
Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy Pismo Beach camping a lot. There are many different kinds of fish in the area, including halibut, bass, and even shark. A tasty catch can be yours if you rent a boat or cast a line from the shore.
At the campground in Pismo Beach, hiking and horseback riding are popular pastimes. Miles of beautiful trails may be found in the vicinity, which is ideal for discovering the area’s natural splendor. You have several options to choose from, whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or a strenuous hike. Another excellent way to take in the beauty is through horseback riding, and rental horses are available on-site.
Pismo Beach Camping is a great place to go paddling. The calm Pacific Ocean seas make for ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even kayaking. On-site rentals make it simple to go in the water and explore the nearby shoreline.
The campground at Pismo Beach is also the ideal place to cool off in the Pacific Ocean. There are numerous protected swimming spots in the vicinity, and during the summer, lifeguards are on duty.
Another well-liked pastime in Pismo Beach camping is wildlife viewing. Whales, dolphins, sea otters, and other types of wildlife can all be found in the area. As you explore the nearby coast, keep a look out for these and other fascinating species.
These options make the Pismo Beach campground the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of activities in a stunning natural setting.
Campgrounds in Pismo Beach State Beach
North Beach Campground
There are 103 campsites with pay showers, dump stations, bathrooms, and fire rings at Pismo Beach’s North Beach Campground. The campsites are situated in a field of grass, just a few yards from the beach (bonus!). Up to 8 individuals can stay at each campsite, which puts campers absurdly close to Monarch Grove. Overall, this is a fantastic location for a camping trip by the beach!
Camping Area
- Tent or RV sites
- 174 sites
- Up to 8 guests per site
- Up to 6 vehicles
- No wheelchair access
Essentials
- Campfires allowed
- Toilet available
- Pets allowed
Amenities
- Potable water available
- Showers available
- Picnic table available
Oceano Campground
With 82 campsites, the Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach is one of the largest campgrounds in the state park. Many of the sites have direct access to the beach and the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve.
The campground is well-liked by OHV drivers who travel to the nearby Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), and accessible ATV rental locations, dining establishments, and grocery stores are all close by.
Every campsite at Oceano has access to showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, and some also have water and power hookups. There are also restrooms and hot showers accessible. Fishing is available in the little freshwater lake that borders the campground.
Tips on Getting a Reservation for a Campsite
- All seasons require reservations for Oceano Campground.
- Six months before arrival, reservations are released.
- Call 1-800-444-7275 to make a reservation or book one online.
Where To go
Camping at Pismo State Beach is feasible all year round due to the area’s temperate environment; summer highs get up to 73°F, while winter lows are approximately 43°F.
There are several compelling reasons to consider visiting Oceano Campground in the winter rather than the busy summer months (as long as you pack appropriate rain gear): A sizable western monarch butterfly population spends the winter in Oceano at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove from November through February.
Camping Area
- Tent or RV sites
- 174 sites
- Up to 8 guests per site
- Up to 6 vehicles
- No wheelchair access
Essentials
- Campfires allowed
- Toilet available
- Pets allowed
Amenities
- Potable water available
- Showers available
- Picnic table available
Pismo Beach Camping Reservation
You can go to reserveamerica.com or the official website of the California State Parks to make a reservation for camping at Pismo Beach. These websites allow you to look for available campsites, check their availabilities, and make an online reservation.
To complete the reservation process, you must submit your personal data, including your name, address, and phone number, as well as payment information.
There can be a minimum stay requirement and extra fees for certain campground amenities. Since campsites quickly fill up during the busiest season, it is advised to make reservations well in advance.
Rules and regulations
To ensure everyone’s safety and happiness when camping in Pismo Beach, there are a few laws and regulations in place. Among these guidelines are:
Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. In order to preserve the solitude and peace of other campers, campers are encouraged to keep noise levels to a minimum during certain times.
Within the campground, the speed restriction is 15 mph.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol is not permitted in the campground’s public areas, including the beach.
Only specified fire rings and barbecues may be used for fires. Only tiny, portable stoves may be used for cooking by campers.
Pets are permitted in the campground, but they must be leashed at all times and kept under supervision.
Camping guests are in charge of tidying up their campground and properly discarding any garbage or rubbish.
Check-in and check-out requirements: Campsites must be occupied on the first night of the reservation and checked out by noon on the final day.
Vehicles and Tents: Each campsite is only permitted one car and one tent. Parking spaces for additional vehicles must be marked.
Beach activities: Driving on the beach and launching boats from the beach are two of the forbidden beach activities.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled arrival date, per the reservation and cancellation policy.
Pismo Beach Camping Map
Conclusion
For outdoor enthusiasts looking for a variety of activities in a stunning natural location, Pismo Beach camping is a great choice. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from bicycling to boating, fishing to hiking, and everything in between.
The region has miles of beautiful seaside footpaths and bike lanes, which are ideal for exploring the area’s natural splendor. The calm Pacific Ocean seas make for ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and even kayaking.
There is many fish, including halibut, bass, and shark, for anglers to catch. With miles of picturesque pathways, the campground is a well-liked spot for horseback riding and hiking as well. Sea otters, dolphins, and whales are among the species to be on the lookout for at the Pismo Beach campground. Review the campground’s policies as you plan your trip, and make your reservation far in advance to guarantee availability.
The campground at Pismo Beach is the ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a variety of activities in a stunning natural setting.
FAQ
How much does it cost to camp at Pismo Beach?
$35 (or $25 during the off-season) for standard sites Hookup locations in Oceano are $50 (off-season, $40).
Why is Pismo Beach so popular?
Pismo Beach, a city on the central coast of California, is well-known for its beaches, wineries, and the annual migration of monarch butterflies.
What is the best month to go to Pismo Beach?
Pismo Beach is at its most popular from September through November. Compared to the summer, the fall brings comfortable temperatures in the 70s and 80s and less fog.