Busy coastal park known for its clams features camping, hiking, surfing & fishing, plus ATV rentals.
Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, right before you enter the campground. From there, a barrier-free path leads over to the accessible visitor center and restrooms, while the paved campground road winds over to the Monterey cypress grove where the butterflies roost.
The placement of the trees is the big draw to this site, as the Monarchs roost 15 feet above the ground, so it’s easy to get a close look at them. And if you have any Monarch-related questions, head on over to the visitor center, which is staffed with helpful docents during the peak Monarch season.
All camping reservations must be made online at Reserve California or by calling Reserve California at 1-800-444-7275 8:00am - 6:00pm Pacific Time (PT). Reservations are required during peak season and holiday weekends. Reservations may be made up to six (6) months in advance, but they must be made at least 48 hours prior to arrival. A maximum of two (2) licensed vehicles (including motorcycles, trailers and RVs) are allowed per campsite. Vehicles may be parked only in your assigned campsite. Check-out time is noon and check-in time is 2pm.
Both campgrounds within Pismo State Beach provide conventional amenities such restrooms, pay operated hot-showers, picnic tables and a camp fire ring. Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host Campsites or by inquiring with park staff at the kiosk. Fee-based RV Dump Stations are located within the entrance to the North Beach Campground and at Le Sege Drive near the dirt parking lot at the Grande Avenue entrance to the Oceano Dunes SVRA. The price per campsite does not include the use of the dump station; the dump fee is $10 and is payable by credit card.
Camping
North Beach Campground: Campsite(s) 3, 4, 7, 22, 34, 45, 71, and 84 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. All combination restroom/shower buildings in the campground are accessible. Routes of travel are accessible. Where restroom parking is provided, it is accessible.
Oceano Campground: RV campsite(s) 2, 18, and 22 are accessible and have water & electrical hook ups. Tent campsite(s) 44, 71, and 80 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. Both combination restroom/shower buildings in the RV loop, and the restroom/shower buildings in the tent loop, are accessible. Parking and routes are accessible.
Trails
The Coastal Access Trail is a 1.0 mile trail that connects the North Beach Campground to the Grand Ave beach access parking area. This trail provides coastal and sand dune viewing opportunities and provides and accessible trail route connection to the butterfly eucalyptus grove. Accessible parking is provided at the Grand Ave beach parking lot and an accessible space located within the North Beach Campground. Accessible restrooms are located at the Grand Ave beach access area.
Exhibits/Programs
Nature Center: The visitor center features interactive, hands-on exhibits about native people, plants, and animals of the area. The visitor center is accessible, including parking, routes, and restrooms.
Butterfly Grove: Staffed by docents, volunteers, and state park interpreters from November through February, the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove hosts one of the largest overwintering Western Monarch populations. Pathways within the grove are accessible. Accessible parking for the grove is available from within the North Beach Campground.
Fishing
A 300-foot paved "Nature Trail” behind the RV section of the camp passes by a native plant garden and some exhibit panels as it winds to an unmarked fishing spot overlooking the lagoon. The fishing overhang has railings 36” high and some benches. The path is accessible and the fishing site and benches are at least usable.
