Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach

Oceano Campground is one of two campgrounds at Pismo State Beach, ideally located just a short walk away from the stunning beach. At both the park and beach, visitors can enjoy hiking or swimming. The beach is particularly popular among bird watchers and boasts the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the United States. Clam digging may soon return, as the renowned Pismo clams reemerged after a two-decade absence, but you’ll need to wait until they reach a legal size of 4.5 inches. A fishing license is required for clam harvesting.

The vehicular recreation area at Pismo Beach is located just past the sand dunes. For those seeking adventure, nearby shops offer ATV rentals within walking distance. This can be a thrilling way to explore; however, the noise from the vehicles may not suit those desiring a peaceful retreat. Alternatively, there is a small lagoon at the edge of the campground, providing a serene space for relaxation. Additionally, a nature center is available to help you understand more about the area’s diverse plants and animals, along with providing information on local walking trails.

Oceano Campground features direct beach access while being sheltered from the wind by surrounding trees.

Oceano Campsites

Oceano Campground offers 42 sites suitable for RV or tent camping. Some sites come equipped with RV hookups, accommodating campers up to 36 feet and trailers up to 31 feet long. Notably, several sites are shaded by trees, a rarity among beach campgrounds, offering protection from the wind and enhancing comfort during hot sunny days.

If you prefer a portable RV experience, consider checking with Luv2Camp, which delivers and sets up an RV at the campground, allowing for a hassle-free stay.

What You Need to Know Before Camping at Oceano

Reservations are essential for Oceano Campground, especially on weekends and during summer months. It is advisable to reserve as early as possible, particularly during peak season from mid-May to mid-September, as well as on holiday weekends. The California state parks reservation system permits reservations up to six months in advance, so familiarize yourself with the process to simplify your planning.

Each campsite can accommodate up to eight people and allow a maximum of three vehicles. Additionally, dogs are welcome at Oceano as long as they are kept under control on leashes that do not exceed six feet in length. During nighttime, pets must remain inside a vehicle or in your tent or RV.

The campground is equipped with restrooms and showers; however, some campers have noted that the showers may be insufficient in number. Tokens are required for shower use, which must be purchased rather than using coins. For those in need of connectivity, WiFi is accessible within 150 feet of the restaurant located at the Le Sage Day use area, approximately three-fourths of a mile from the campground.

The location of Oceano Campground offers convenience, as both campgrounds at Pismo State Beach are serviced for water, pump out service, and ice sales. While the beach is walkable, you’ll need to drive into town for dining and shopping options.

While many enjoy their stay, some online reviewers suggest camping parties occasionally extend quiet hours, leading to noise disturbances. Concerns about the presence of homeless individuals and local wildlife such as coyotes have also been noted by visitors, highlighting the variability of experiences.

For your campfire needs, firewood is available within the park. It’s advisable to purchase it there to help prevent the spread of invasive species that could harm the campground’s ecology. More information regarding firewood safety can be found on the California Firewood Taskforce website.

How to Get to Oceano Campground

Pismo State Beach Oceano Campground is conveniently located two miles south of Pismo Beach off CA Hwy 1. The specific address is 555 Pier Avenue, Pismo Beach, CA. For additional information, visiting the Oceano Campground website can be helpful.