Description

The Oceano Campground in Pismo State Beach has 82 campsites, all fairly protected from the wind and many with direct access to the beach and the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve section of the state park. The campground is popular among OHV users who come to drive the adjacent Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), and convenient ATV rental sites, restaurants, and grocery stores are all within walking distance. All Oceano campsites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and shower and restroom access, and some include water and electric hookups. Restrooms and hot showers are available too. A small freshwater lake lines the edge of the campground, offering fishing.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

  • Oceano Campground requires reservations year-round.
  • Reservations are released 6 months in advance.
  • Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
  • When to Go

    The mild climate at Pismo State Beach makes camping reasonable year-round—summer highs reach 73°F and winter lows hit around 43°F. Summers are popular at Oceano Campground and book up fast, but there’s a very good reason to plan a winter visit instead (so long as you bring rain gear): From November through February, a large western monarch butterfly colony overwinters in Oceano at the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove.

    Campsite area
    Tent or RV sites
    74 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

    Activities

    Offered near the campground.

    Biking

    Pismo Beach is an awesome spot to break out your bike – especially if you are riding in a group of varied skill levels. The ...Read more

    Boating

    There are no places to bring motorboats (unless you literally come in that way), but check out our kayaking & canoeing sect...Read more

    Fishing

    Fishers can cast bluegill and bass in the Oceano Lagoon that borders the Oceano Campground. Surf fishing is also possible on th...Read more

    Hiking

    Pismo Beach has an extensive network of hiking trails, including one of our favorites, the Shell Beach Bluffs hike, which leads...Read more

    Horseback riding

    A horseback ride through the dunes and on the beach never gets old. Seriously, it never does. Horseback riding on Pismo Beac...Read more

    Paddling

    With caves and coves to explore, Pismo Beach is a scenic spot for year-round kayak adventures. Experienced kayakers may venture...Read more

    Swimming

    Pismo Beach waters are often cold (we won’t lie!), but it is still a great spot for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty, but beachgo...Read more

    Wildlife watching

    Search for glimpses of migrating whales, seals, and sea otters on Pismo Beach, where seabirds are also abundant, especially dur...Read more

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    63 Reviews

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    Drop some Oceano Campground knowledge on us.
    Hipcamper Xanthe
    Xanthe &.
    doesn't recommend this listing.
    August 9th, 2018

    This is a public campground for sure. Feels more like camping in a parking lot with a bit of grass versus a peaceful camping experience out in nature. It is just a stone's throw from the beach though.

    If you're into driving your car on the beach, this may be the spot for you. If you prefer peaceful walks on the beach, you'll be disappointed, you have to look both ways as you cross the beach to avoid traffic from trucks in either direction. Was a surreal experience.

    Hipcamper Amanda
    Amanda K.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    March 7th, 2018

    Great place to come with a group of friends! You can rent ATV's or drive your 4x4 vehicles on the sand dunes. They usually have a stand where they will inflate your tires when you leave for a few dollars. Bring caution tape and stakes or poles (We bought some at Home Depot in the garden section). A lot of people will rope off their campsites using the yellow tape. It also helps so ATV's stay a safe distance from your camp. Come prepared it can get quite cold and windy at night!

    Hipcamper Celine
    Celine B.
    recommends this listing.
    August 9th, 2017

    Dont expect any privacy unless you're there during the weekdays in winter.

    Hipcamper Kristin
    Kristin L.
    recommends this listing.
    June 28th, 2017

    Great beach!

    Hipcamper Roman
    Roman M.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    June 21st, 2017

    30 seconds into driving on the sand our Highlander got stuck in the fine, dry sand. Apparently, this happens often enough that somebody immediately helped get us out and deflate our tires to increase surface pressure for free. Just drive toward the sites on the wet sand and you'll find a spot to park in and enjoy listening to the waves while you camp!

    Hipcamper Dermot
    Dermot O.
    recommends this listing.
    June 1st, 2017

    We love the south coast of california. We go to carpinteria, sycamore state beach.

    Hipcamper Kerry
    Kerry G.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    November 17th, 2016

    The quintessential California camping experience: check!

    At Oceano Dunes SP, you can camp directly between the dunes and the ocean on the sprawling, beautiful Pismo Beach. This area is really recreational for ATV, 4-wheelers, etc... so on Saturdays and Sundays it's LOUD from ~10a to sunset. Fortunately, they're fun to enjoy and easy with rental places all over the beach.

    Camping here is $10 and you get okay bathrooms at every post, but no fresh water. Since you camp with your car, it's quite easy to go in and out to grab extra supplies. You're allowed to cook and especially to build awesome bonfires here at night!

    Be wary: decrease the pressure in your tires so you don't get stuck in the sand + bring WARM WARM WARM sleeping bags!

    Hipcamper Ian
    Ian T.
    didn't provide a recommendation.
    September 14th, 2015

    Apple maps will take you about 30 minutes out of your way so stick to Google. Not very private, but lots of room to spread out. Definitely worth checking out, especially for the price.

    Hipcamper Amber D.
    recommends this listing.
    July 31st, 2018
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    recommends this listing.
    December 27th, 2018
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    recommends this listing.
    January 20th, 2019
    Hipcamper Chris L.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    January 19th, 2019
    Hipcamper Chris D.
    recommends this listing.
    November 5th, 2018
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    recommends this listing.
    November 25th, 2018
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    October 19th, 2018
    Hipcamper David S.
    recommends this listing.
    October 5th, 2018
    Hipcamper Paul K.
    doesn't recommend this listing.
    September 17th, 2018
    Hipcamper Amanda L.
    recommends this listing.
    September 13th, 2018
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    September 9th, 2018
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    recommends this listing.
    August 31st, 2018
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    May 29th, 2018
    Hipcamper Megan  C.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    May 16th, 2018
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    March 26th, 2018
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    February 15th, 2018
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    December 18th, 2017
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    October 3rd, 2017
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    recommends this listing.
    September 14th, 2017
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    August 13th, 2017
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    August 3rd, 2017
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    July 31st, 2017
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    July 24th, 2017
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    July 11th, 2017
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    recommends this listing.
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    June 25th, 2017
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    June 23rd, 2017
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    June 8th, 2017
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    May 31st, 2017
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    April 17th, 2017
    Hipcamper Walter B.
    recommends this listing.
    April 6th, 2017
    Hipcamper Katherine S.
    recommends this listing.
    April 4th, 2017
    Hipcamper Matthew P.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    March 27th, 2017
    Hipcamper Ashley L.
    recommends this listing.
    March 3rd, 2017
    Hipcamper Jeanette A.
    has mixed feelings towards this listing.
    March 1st, 2017
    Hipcamper Kc C.
    doesn't recommend this listing.
    January 30th, 2017
    Park
    Pismo Beach State Beach
    State
    California
    Country
    United States
    Phone Number
    (805) 473-7220
    Directions
    View on Google Maps
    Official Website
    View Website
    Coordinates
    35.109° N, 120.627° W
    Unknown price
    RV / Trailer: 37 Sites
    (Up to 8 people per site)
    Unknown price
    Tent / RV / Trailer: 37 Sites
    (Up to 8 people per site)