Are you planning to go camping at Pismo Beach? If yes, you’re in luck because Pismo Beach camping site surrounded by stunning waters and magnificent mountains. The beach is known for its wildflowers, sunsets, local birds, weather, and lots of camping opportunities. Pismo Beach has become a popular RV site because there are plenty of campgrounds with RV campsites.
In this camping guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Pismo Beach Camping. We’ll talk about the best RV campgrounds in Pismo Beach and the services and features available at these spots. Let’s continue reading.
Where Is Pismo Beach?
Pismo Beach is one of the best beaches on California’s central coast. It is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and is regulated by California State Parks. It stretches across 17 miles in San Luis Obispo County and is packed with dunes, bluffs, and caves.
The beach is quite popular among campers and RVers, as it has nice Recreational Vehicle Campgrounds. People visit this place for hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, caving, and much more. It also features a 5.5-mile stretch of dune heaven where you’re allowed to drive your vehicle. In short, there are lots of fun activities that you can do at Pismo Beach.
Best Spots for Pismo Beach Camping
Pismo Beach Campingis RVers’ favorite activity, especially during holidays and summer break. The beach allows RVs of up to 36 feet, so you don’t have to worry if you have a class-A RV. There are many cool campgrounds in Pismo Beach, but some are more suitable for RV camping than others. Below, we’ve jotted down the details of the best spots for Pismo Beach Camping:
1. North Beach Campground, Pismo
North Beach Campground in Pismo is one of the best spots for RV enthusiasts. To access the camping site, you have to pay a fee. You can bring one RV and a towed vehicle with you and up to seven people to the site. This campground is popular because of its pleasant weather and lots of features.
Being here, you can head out to the Monarch Butterfly Grove Trail and capture the wildlife there. The campsite features a huge grassy area that is spacious enough for the kids and pets to enjoy. Other things that you can do here include hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, surfing, and other water sports.
Number of sites: 103
Location: Behind the dunes, 14 miles from San Luis Obispo
Oceano Campground is a quiet and beautiful spot for Pismo Beach camping. This site is known for fishing, as Oceano Park and Oceano Campground allow you to use a private lagoon for fishing purposes. The park has several picnic facilities, including a basketball area, a playground, and horseshoe pits.
All the campsites at Oceano Campground have direct access to the beach. Besides that, you can also access the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve of the State Park. This campground is also quite popular among campers and RVers. There are several grocery stores and eateries within walking distance, too. Also, remember to reserve a site six months in advance.
Number of sites: 82
Location: 17 miles from San Luis Obispo
Guests per site: Up to 8
Time to visit: Throughout the year
Pets: Allowed
Features: Trash, Picnic table, water hookups, pull-through sites, ADA access, fishing, Fire pits, Toilets, Electric hookups, Drinking water, showers, tent sites, RV sites
3. Camp Arroyo Grande
Camp Arroyo Grande is a peaceful campsite for Pismo Beach Camping. The campsite features 30 acres of magnificent ocean views. The campground is not very spacious, so it’s more suitable for small families. However, being here, you’ll enjoy the abundance of nature, swimming pools, and plenty of recreational activities. If you’re planning to go shopping or dining, head out to the historic village of Arroyo Grande.
Number of sites: 21
Location: 4 miles from Oceano Dunes State Park
Time to visit: Throughout the year
Pets: Allowed
Features: Fire pits, pool, volleyball, bikes, corn-hole, Amphitheaters, Tetherball, ADA access, water hookups, sanitary dumps, toilets, electric hookups, drinking water, Tent sites, RV-sites, and cabins
4. Pacific Dunes Ranch
Pacific Dunes Ranch features rollicking waves and rolling dunes. The RV resort features tons of activities, including water sports, hiking, horseback riding, and basketball. This campsite is located near the Pismo Beach dunes and is a quiet and clean place. Pets are allowed at the RV sites but not in cabins, so if you’re RVing, there’s no issue. This site has a few basic RV sites, but it’s more affordable than other campgrounds.
Number of sites: 119
Location: Adjacent to Rolling Sand Dunes
Time to visit: Throughout the year
Pets: Allowed
Features: ADA access, Sewer hookups, electric hookups, water hookups, pull-through sites, toilets, showers, drinking water, fire pits, trash, picnic table
5. Holiday RV Park
Holiday RV Park is a spacious and beautiful camping spot. There are plenty of top-notch amenities, including swimming pool facilities, golfing, a spa, kayaking, surfing, and horseback riding. The good thing about this campground is that it can accommodate a larger group of people. There is a picnic area that features a fire pit, benches, games, and BBQ grills.
Number of sites: 195
Location: Near downtown Pismo Beach
Time to visit: Throughout the year
Pets: Yes
Features: Heated swimming pool, restrooms, spa, full hookup RV sites, complimentary cable TV, clubhouse, restrooms, dumpsters, vending machines
There are several ways to reach Pismo Beach for camping, no matter where you’re coming from. If you’re RVing and coming from San Francisco, it will take around 4 hours to reach. However, if you stop in between and there’s traffic, it might take longer than 4 hours. If you’re driving from Los Angeles, it will take around 3.5 hours to reach Pismo Beach.
No, camping at Pismo Beach is not free. Almost all the campsites charge a fee so that you stay within the official boundary of Pismo Beach. A few years ago, free camping was available for RVers in the North Beach Campground. However, that was also during the off-peak season. However, now all the campsites charge a fee for camping.
Yes, Pismo Beach is pet-friendly. According to the official website, dogs and pets are allowed, but they should be on a leash all the time. Also, pet owners are required to clean up if their pets make the place messy. However, dogs are not allowed on the Pismo Pier.
The amenities you can find at Pismo Beach depend on the campsite you choose. On the whole, the main amenities include Pismo Beach, Oceano Dunes, Pismo Preserve, Monarch Butterfly Grove, Downtown Pismo, and more. Besides that, at all campsites, you will enjoy picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, drinking water, dump sites, and more.
The best time to visit Pismo is from March to November. Some people say that September to November have the perfect weather for enjoying Pismo Beach Camping. Plus, in October, you can also enjoy events and festivals. For instance, the Pismo Beach Clam Festival is held in October every year.
Wrap Up!
If you love off-road adventures, these campgrounds at Pismo Beach are worth visiting. The beaches and RV campsites make Pismo Beach a popular tourist destination too. You can visit the trails, explore the campsites, and indulge in several activities. The best thing about camping at Pismo Beach is that there are multiple campsites with access to the beautiful beach.
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!
My name is Eddie, and I am an RV enthusiast! I have enjoyed traveling all my life, and want to give my family the same opportunities to see as much of the world as possible.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve discovered how great RVs can be for vacations with a young family. Here at RV Lifestyle Experts, I want to share my experiences, the tips I’ve picked up along the way. I hope that our guides can encourage you to try the RV lifestyle. I promise you that you won’t regret it!
