Outdoor Stays
Camping Near Pismo Beach
Camp directly on the beach, among the dunes, or under the pines. Pismo Beach offers some of the best beach camping in California.
Two campgrounds sit within a mile of the Pacific. One has hot showers, state park rangers, and fire rings. The other lets you park your truck on the sand and sleep 20 feet from the waves. That distinction determines everything. Here is what you need to know before you book.
Pismo State Beach Campground
North Beach and Oceano CampgroundsPismo State Beach has two developed campgrounds: North Beach Campground and Oceano Campground. Both are just steps from the ocean and offer a genuine beach camping experience.
North Beach Campground
Located right on the beach north of Pismo Beach pier. Sites are close to the sand, and some have direct beach views. Tent and RV sites available. Flush toilets, cold showers, and fire rings. It is one of the most popular state beach campgrounds in California, so reserve months in advance for summer.
Oceano Campground
A larger campground south of the pier with more amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and full hookup RV sites. A short walk to the beach and close to the entrance of Oceano Dunes. Great for families and RV travelers.
Oceano Dunes SVRA Beach Camping
California's Only Drive-On BeachOceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the most unique camping experiences in California. You can drive your street-legal vehicle directly onto the beach and camp right on the sand among the dunes. This is the only beach in California where this is permitted.
The camping area is primitive, with no hookups in the beach zones. You park on the sand, set up your tent or park your RV, and fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. Portable toilets are available throughout the beach area. There are also some developed campsites with hookups at the north end.
ATVs and off-highway vehicles are permitted throughout the dunes area, making this a great base camp for a riding weekend. Rent an ATV at one of the outfitters near the beach entrance.
Camping Tips from Sally
- 1.Book Pismo State Beach campgrounds on ReserveCalifornia.com as far in advance as possible. Summer sites often sell out 6 months ahead.
- 2.For Oceano Dunes beach camping, check wind forecasts. The dunes can be very windy, especially in spring. A good stake-down tent is essential.
- 3.Bring firewood or buy it locally. Collecting firewood from the beach or dunes is not permitted.
- 4.Check tide charts before setting up camp at Oceano Dunes. Some beach camping zones flood at high tide.
- 5.The weather in Pismo Beach can shift quickly, even in summer. Always bring a light jacket and layers for evenings.
- 6.For ATV camping at Oceano Dunes, several vendors near the Pier Avenue entrance rent ATVs, UTVs, and dune buggies by the hour or day.
Camping Near Pismo Beach: FAQs
Is there camping near Pismo Beach?
Yes. Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes offer campgrounds directly on or near the beach. Pismo State Beach Campground has both tent and RV sites with ocean views. Oceano Dunes allows beach camping and is one of the few places in California where you can camp on the beach with a vehicle.
Can you camp on the beach at Pismo?
Yes, at Oceano Dunes SVRA you can drive your vehicle directly onto the beach and camp on the sand. This is one of the most unique camping experiences in California. The area is primitive with portable toilets and no hookups in the beach camping zones. Developed sites with hookups are available at the north end of the park.
How do I book a campsite at Pismo State Beach?
Reservations for Pismo State Beach campgrounds are made through ReserveCalifornia.com. Sites open for reservation 6 months in advance. Summer and holiday weekends book out almost immediately when they open, so set a calendar reminder for exactly 6 months before your target dates.
Is Pismo State Beach good for RV camping?
Yes. Oceano Campground, part of Pismo State Beach, has full hookup RV sites with water, electric, and sewer. It also has hot showers and flush toilets. Oceano Dunes SVRA also has limited hookup sites at the north end. Both fill quickly in summer, so book as early as possible.
Are campfires allowed at Pismo State Beach?
Yes, beach bonfires and campfires are allowed in designated fire rings at Pismo State Beach. Open fires on the sand outside designated rings are not permitted. Bring your own firewood or buy it from vendors near the campground entrance. Collecting driftwood or natural materials for burning is not allowed.
Can you ride ATVs at Oceano Dunes?
Yes. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the only California state beach where both street-legal vehicles and off-highway vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies) can be driven on the sand. Several rental outfitters operate near the Pier Avenue entrance in Oceano. Check current regulations before visiting as rules change periodically.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Things to Do
ATV riding at Oceano Dunes, the pier, Monarch Butterfly Grove, and more outdoor adventures.
Hotels in Pismo Beach
Prefer a room with a view? Browse oceanfront hotels, family-friendly resorts, and budget options.
Pismo Beach Events
Plan your stay around the Clam Festival, monarch butterfly season, or the weekly farmers market.