The best camping in Pismo Beach State Beach, CA

This gem of a beach town on the Central Coast of California provides plenty of camping adventures. Summer calls for surfing and clamming, while winter brings migrating monarch butterflies to this gorgeous stretch of coast in San Luis Obispo County. Stop by the beach town of Arroyo Grande for Pismo clam chowder, or explore Pismo State Beach, which stretches across 17 miles replete with caves, bluffs, and dunes. Visitors here can entertain themselves with sea kayaking, caving, horseback riding, hiking, biking, and much more. 

For those who love off-road adventures and all things ATV, there’s Oceano Dunes State Recreational Vehicle Area. Three miles south of Pismo Beach, this 5.5-mile-long slice of sand dune heaven is the only California State Park that lets you drive your vehicle onto the beach. Pull your four-wheel drive SUV right up to your tent camping site, or choose an RV-friendly campground that provides water and electric hookups in spacious sites. Stroll along the rolling dunes, watch the birds, and set your sights on digging up a legal-size, world-famous Pismo clam.

• Best for RVs: Oceano Campground has 42 campsites, some with hookups and direct access to the freshwater lagoon.
• Best for butterfly viewing: The dog-friendly, 103-site North Beach Campground is near the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Walking paths lead over the sand dunes to the water’s edge, while an easy bike ride takes campers into town for provisions.
• Best for off-roading: Oceano Dunes State Recreational Vehicle Area is just 3 miles south of Pismo Beach.

1. During peak season and holiday weekends, reservations are required.
2. Reservations may be made online or by phone up to six months in advance, but they must be made at least 48 hours prior to arrival. 
3. Bookings are based on availability and the park’s maximum-stay rules.
4. If you’ve camped without a reservation and wish to re-register for another night, you must contact the entrance station at 9am.

A mild climate draws visitors year-round to the coastal sand dunes of Pismo State Beach, including Oceano Lagoon. Summer calls for surfing and clamming, while winter (November–February) attracts migrating western monarchs to the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Campground check-in begins at 2pm and check-out time is noon, but the park is open to daily vehicle traffic between 7am and one hour after sunset. Expect crowds on holiday weekends and during the peak season.

• Sand wheelchairs are available at all park entrance stations free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA-accessible restrooms can be found at the Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue beach access ramps. 
• Leashed dogs are allowed at the beach and park trails, but not at the Pismo Dune Preserve or at Oso Flaco Lake. 
• All vehicle activity is prohibited one hour after sunset with the exception of visitors camping and traveling to or from their campsites and the park entrance.
• Recreate responsibly: OHV drivers should be aware of the changing terrain and shifting dune sands.