If you’re craving a refreshing coastal getaway from Orange County or Los Angeles, camping in Pismo Beach is a perfect way to unwind. I recently spent a few days in June at Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach, and it was just the right mix of ocean breeze, outdoor adventure, and surprise bird calls at sunrise.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a longer stay, Oceano Campground offers one of the most convenient and scenic options for Central Coast camping in California.
Camping in Pismo Beach:
Why Go Camping at Pismo State Beach?
Tucked along the picturesque California Central Coast, Pismo State Beach is known for its wide sandy shores, pleasant year-round climate, and endless outdoor activities. It’s a great spot for camping near the beach in California without going too far off the grid.
Camping near Pismo Beach California -Oceano Campground
Out of the two campgrounds in Pismo State Beach, Oceano Campground offers a more tranquil, nature-immersed vibe. Located near the freshwater lagoon and shaded by eucalyptus trees, it feels more secluded than your typical beachfront campsite.
Campground Amenities:
- Tent and RV sites
- Restrooms and coin-operated hot showers
- Picnic tables and fire rings
- Just a short walk to the beach
How do I reserve camping at Pismo Beach State Park?
You’ll want to book in advance on Reserve California—especially during the busy summer season or on weekends. Each site allows up to two vehicles, including trailers and RVs.
Pro tip: Bring quarters for the showers and earplugs if you’re sensitive to early-morning nature sounds. The birds around the lagoon wake up around 5 AM and do not hold back.
What It’s Really Like: Pros & Quirks
I loved the combination of ocean access and wooded serenity, but this was easily one of the noisiest campsites I’ve stayed at—in terms of wildlife! Still, it was a small price to pay for waking up in such a lush, peaceful setting.
If you’re a light sleeper, definitely come prepared. But if you’re a morning person or don’t mind a nature-fueled alarm clock, it’s all part of the charm.
Things to Do in Pismo State Beach
- Beach Time: The wide, flat beach is great for walking, sunbathing, or dipping your toes in the Pacific. You might even spot horseback riders along the shore!
- Surfing & Swimming: The waves are beginner-friendly, especially in summer, and there’s plenty of space to spread out.
- Bird Watching: The Oceano Lagoon is a prime spot, especially if you’re into photography or nature walks.
- Trails & Dunes: Don’t miss the walking trails through the sand dunes. They’re peaceful at sunrise and offer beautiful, golden views in the evening.
- Visitor Center: Swing by the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center to learn more about the area and check out their free educational programs.
Things to Do in Pismo Beach
There’s more to Pismo Beach than just the campground—this area is packed with fun things to do near Pismo Beach for all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer relaxing with your toes in the sand, you won’t run out of options.
Grover Beach – Dunes, Driving, and Epic Sunsets
Nestled between Oceano and Pismo Beach right off the iconic Highway 1, Grover Beach is a sandy playground with family-friendly beach activities and jaw-dropping coastal views.
One of the most unique features? You can actually drive on the beach—yes, your car, truck, or even RV. Just make sure you stick to the wet, packed sand closer to the shoreline.
We learned this the hard way when we got stuck in the soft sand and had to flag down some nearby good samaritans to help push us out. (Shoutout to those guys—you were legends.)
Still, it was 100% worth it for the experience of parking right on the sand, setting up some chairs, and watching the sun dip into the Pacific.
Quick Tips for Driving on the Beach:
- Stay on the wet, firm sand
- Deflate your tires slightly if needed
- Go slow and steady—don’t stop suddenly in soft patches
- Help others if they get stuck—karma on the beach is real!
Oceano Dunes SVRA – ATV by the Ocean
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding an ATV on the beach, this is your spot. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is one of the last places in California where you can legally rent an ATV and ride right next to the ocean.
It’s a surreal, adrenaline-filled experience—speeding across massive dunes with the sea breeze on your face.
You can find local ATV rental companies that operate near the dunes. Most provide safety gear and short orientations, so even beginners can join in. For rentals and info, check out this helpful guide:
👉 ATV Rentals in Pismo Beach
🏖️ Pismo Pier & Downtown Pismo Beach
No trip to the Central Coast is complete without a walk along the Pismo Beach Pier. This iconic wooden pier stretches 1,200 feet into the ocean and is a great spot for scenic views, people-watching, and taking in that salty Pacific breeze. You’ll often spot surfers below and pelicans gliding overhead.
Just inland, you’ll find downtown Pismo Beach, a vibrant area packed with surf shops, local boutiques, beach bars, and seafood spots. Be sure to grab a bowl of clam chowder from Splash Café—a local legend and worth every creamy bite.
🦋 Monarch Butterfly Grove (Seasonal)
From November to February, Pismo Beach becomes home to thousands of migrating Western Monarch butterflies. They cluster in eucalyptus trees in the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, located just a few minutes from Oceano Campground.
It’s free to visit and genuinely magical to see so many butterflies fluttering above or clinging to tree branches like living ornaments. Bring a camera and binoculars if you have them—there are often docents on-site with scopes and info about the migration.
Photo by Erika Löwe and Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash
Day Trip to Morro Bay – Kayaking, Wildlife & Coastal Magic
If you have time during your Pismo Beach camping trip, I highly recommend driving about 30 minutes north to Morro Bay, one of the Central Coast’s most underrated gems. Known for its calm waters, quirky seaside town charm, and abundant wildlife, Morro Bay makes for a perfect nature-filled day trip.
For a full breakdown, check out my blog “Morro Bay California: Exploring the Rugged Beauty of the Central Coast“
🛶 Kayaking in Morro Bay: A Must-Do Adventure
We spent a few peaceful morning hours kayaking in Morro Bay, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the whole trip. The calm, glassy waters of the bay offer an unforgettable way to connect with nature while soaking in stunning views from a totally different perspective.
I started by paddling through the protected estuary area—a haven for birds and a designated wildlife sanctuary. As I glided along the still water, I spotted:
- Great blue herons
- Egrets wading near the reeds
- Cormorants diving for fish
- Brown pelicans skimming the surface
It felt like floating through a nature documentary. So peaceful, so alive.
Afterwards, I made my way to the sandbar that connects to Morro Rock, pulled my kayak up, and climbed the dunes for a panoramic view of the harbor and coastline. It was the perfect little snack stop.
🚨 Watch the tides! During low tide, the bay becomes incredibly shallow, and it’s easy to get stuck in marshy mud if you’re trying to land at the sandbar. Plan your trip around the tide chart for a smoother experience.
I rented my kayak from Kayak Shack, and I can’t recommend them enough. Super friendly staff, easy rental process, and solid equipment. If you only do one thing in Morro Bay—let it be this.
🪨 Take in the Iconic Morro Rock
No visit to Morro Bay is complete without marveling at its signature landmark: Morro Rock. This towering 576-foot volcanic plug juts out dramatically from the harbor and is visible from pretty much everywhere in town.
While climbing the rock is off-limits (it’s a protected reserve), there are plenty of ways to enjoy its beauty:
- Walk the shoreline trail at the Morro Rock Natural Preserve for close-up views
- Check out the jetty for great photo ops and birdwatching
- Head across the harbor for crowd-free angles of the rock and beach
Fun facts about Morro Rock:
- It’s one of the Nine Sisters, a chain of ancient volcanic plugs along the Central Coast
- Home to nesting seabirds like pelicans and cormorants
- Nearby jetty is also a prime spot to watch local surfers catching waves
🦦 Where to see Sea Otters in Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a paradise for wildlife lovers. I’ve seen sea otters floating on their backs, rolling in kelp, and even cuddling with their pups—right near the Fisherman’s Family Sculpture close to the base of Morro Rock. It’s like the otter version of a local hangout.
📍 Tip: Visit during the evening for your best chance of spotting otters in the kelp forest. Bring binoculars if you have them!
Birdwatchers will also be in heaven here. Over 350 bird species have been spotted in the Morro Bay area, including:
- Ospreys and peregrine falcons
- Bald eagles (if you’re lucky!)
- Dozens of migratory waterfowl
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious, bring a zoom lens or camera—you never know what might fly by. There’s also a lot of cute ground squirrels that like to hang out here too!
🌳 Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve
A short drive from Morro Bay leads to one of the most unique—and slightly mystical—places I visited on this trip: Los Osos Oaks State Natural Reserve. This forest of twisted, ancient coast live oaks grows out of old sand dunes, creating a surreal, fairytale-like landscape.
The reserve has multiple trails, and the ecology here is incredibly diverse. You’ll pass through:
- Coastal sage scrub
- Dune oak scrub
- Riparian zones with wildflowers and birdsong
✨ I went a few hours before sunset, and the golden light through the gnarled branches made the whole place glow.
But… real talk? I found five ticks on me afterwards. 😳 So wear long sleeves, use repellent, and check yourself afterwards. Also, poison oak is abundant—watch where you step!
🌊 Harmony Headlands State Park
For a peaceful coastal hike, stop at Harmony Headlands State Park, located between Morro Bay and Cambria. A flat 1.5-mile trail takes you out to windswept marine terraces with postcard views of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a great spot for picnicking, birdwatching, or just clearing your head. The untouched feel of this place is magical—plus, it’s never too crowded.
🐾 Bring Your Dog to Morro Bay
One of my favorite things about Morro Bay? It’s super dog-friendly!
There’s a designated off-leash dog beach north of Morro Rock, and it’s an absolute paradise for pups. My dog had the time of his life racing along the sand, sniffing seaweed, and making new friends.
Locals here are laid-back and welcoming, and the whole vibe is way more relaxed than the more crowded beaches in Orange County and LA.
🐾 Scenic Stop: Summerland Beach Park – A Perfect Pit Stop
If you’re road-tripping from Orange County or Los Angeles to Pismo Beach, make sure to stop at Summerland Beach Park—a charming little coastal gem just south of Santa Barbara, right off the 101 freeway.
This peaceful, low-key beach park is incredibly dog-friendly, making it a great place to stretch your legs, breathe in the ocean air, and let your pup roam free for a bit.
🌴 What you’ll find at Summerland Beach Park:
- Easy beach access via a short trail from the parking area
- A dog washing station (yes, really!)
- Shaded picnic tables and a grassy area
- A small playground for kids
- Clean restrooms and stunning coastal views
It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden local favorite—quiet, uncrowded, and welcoming. We stopped here for a picnic lunch, gave our dog a run and rinse, and left feeling totally recharged for the rest of the drive.
🌤️ Trip Planning Tips for Camping in Pismo Beach
Here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your Central Coast California camping adventure:
🌫️ Be Prepared for June Gloom in California
If you’re visiting in late spring or early summer, you might be greeted by “June Gloom”—a common marine layer that keeps the skies overcast and misty well into the afternoon. Don’t worry, the sun usually breaks through later in the day, but it can definitely throw off beach vibes if you’re expecting morning sunshine.
✅ Pack layers—mornings and evenings can be cool and damp
☀️ Plan outdoor photography and beach time for late afternoon
📸 Cloudy skies = excellent soft lighting for wildlife and nature shots
🏕️ Make Campground Reservations Early
Oceano Campground can book out during peak seasons and weekends, especially in summer.
🔗 Reserve at ReserveCalifornia.com up to 6 months in advance.
🚘 Be Cautious Driving on the Beach
Grover Beach and Oceano Dunes are some of the last remaining beaches in California where you can drive on the sand.
🚗 Stick to the hard-packed wet sand near the shoreline
💡 Avoid the soft, dry sand—we learned the hard way and got stuck!
🦟 Watch for Wildlife—Ticks & Poison Oak
Whether you’re hiking at Los Osos or hanging near the lagoon at Oceano Campground, be aware that ticks and poison oak are common.
🧢 Wear long sleeves and pants for hikes
🧴 Use insect repellent
👀 Do a tick check after trails through brushy or wooded areas
🐾 Dog-Friendly Destinations
Your pup is welcome at many beaches and trails along the Central Coast!
🐶 Off-leash fun at Morro Bay Dog Beach
🐾 Leashed dogs allowed at Oceano Campground and many state parks
💦 Bring towels and fresh water to keep them comfy post-play
For more California Travel Inspiration, check out “ 10 Hidden Gem Destinations in California You Need to Visit” !
