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Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach

This was a mixed bag for us. We really like Pismo State Beach but we did not like the southern end of the beach where Oceano Campground is located. The southern end is where the Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area starts. It is the only beach in California that you are allowed to drive on and camp on. As you can imagine, the beach was swarming with ATVs, trucks, and cars that raced up and down. Not exactly a relaxing place. In fact, other than some plants and birds in the dunes, which separate the campground from the ocean, there was no evidence of non-human life on the beach. The campground hugs the shore of a small man-made lagoon which we enjoyed walking around and birdwatching at. The campground also has a small nature center which was informative and a native plant garden. Some sites have water and electric hook-ups though the dump station is inconveniently located a few miles north at the North Beach Campground.

Overall, we love the Pismo Beach area we’re just not thrilled with the way the campgrounds are set-up. Hint: Check the Pismo Grove in the winter to see the thousands of monarch butterflies that rest there. Oceano Campground accepts reservations year-round while North Beach Campground only accepts them in the summer. Caution: Pay showers, be sure to take plenty of quarters! Mosquitoes can be a problem as a result of the lagoon.

Phone: (805) 489-1869
Address: 555 Pier Ave, Oceano CA 93445
From the town of Pismo Beach, travel south 2 miles on Hwy. 1 to Pier Avenue, then go west 2 blocks.