Pismo State Beach RV & Campground Guide
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Pismo State Beach is a 17-mile waterside recreation area located along the Pacific Coast of California. Neighboring the cities of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach and Oceano, it's a popular tourist spot for anyone who loves the sand, surf, trails and the outdoors in general. There's a ton for people to do while they visit Pismo State Beach, especially when it comes to jumping in the water. With the fairly moderate to warm temperatures year-round, this means swimming, surfing and fishing are viable activities whenever you might come to visit. Even beyond that, there's plenty to do in terms of hiking or animal watching if it's a little too chilly.
Spring 46-69 F
Summer 53-77 F
Fall 49-75 F
Winter 46-65 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pismo State Beach
Renting an RV is a great idea for anyone who wants to enjoy Pismo State Beach. You'll be able to splash around in the water, hike the trails, dig for clams, and more before retreating to a luxurious camper at the end of each day. Take things a step further by camping out in one of these RV parks during your stay for an even better experience.
Oceano Campground
The Oceano Campground is one of two campsites in Pismo State Beach, the other being the non-RV North Beach Campground. At Oceano, you can enjoy amenities like full hookups, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and more while you gaze out at the ocean after a long day of fun. Campfires are also allowed both in campfire rings and on the beach itself provided they don't go over 3 feet in diameter. Pets are permitted on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Additionally, you can enjoy various programs and events put on by park rangers while you're there.
Avila/Pismo Beach KOA
San Luis Obispo's Avila/Pismo Beach KOA is a great campground for a number of reasons, one of the biggest being its homey feel helped along by the on-site cabin rentals. Set up similar to a traditional neighborhood or gated community, it has all of the normal RV amenities like hookups, laundry, showers, restrooms and the like while also including an on-site pool, game room and play area for kids. Even better, there's a ton of nearby attractions within walking distance, including a farm with hayrides and a petting zoo. Speaking of animals, the campground is also pet-friendly.
Le Sage Riviera RV Park
Le Sage Riviera RV Park is located at the Grover Beach section of Pismo State Beach. Since it's right next to the gorgeous blue waters, this park is ideal for sunbathers. You can also enjoy RV hookups, showers, free Wi-Fi and golf course access in addition to all the great things being next to the beach already means. Pets are also allowed on a leash.
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
The Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is an expansive RV campground with tons of amenities to offer. Full hookups, laundry facilities, a heated pool, miniature golf, gaming area, sports courts and even bicycle rentals ensure that this is one of the most luxurious camping experiences you can get into. Pets are also allowed on leashes up to 6 feet in length.
What to Do at
Pismo State Beach
Inside Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach offers visitors several ways to enjoy the water and surrounding area. From surfing to swimming to snorkeling to fishing and more, this beach offers everything you could want for a summer excursion. You can also go for hikes or take tours of the grounds if you're less aquatically inclined. From November to February, be sure to check out the huge Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove colony. There's plenty of other great plants and animals to see in the area during the entire year, too.
Outside Pismo State Beach
If you'd like a brief respite from the waves during your journey, there's a ton to do outside of Pismo State Beach. Downtown Oceano is just 3 miles from the beach. Here are just a few of the fantastic restaurants, shopping areas and things to see while you're in the area.
Restaurants
The Oyster Loft
The Oyster Loft is a restaurant that takes full advantage of its location. With its menu filled to the brim with fresh seafood, you can have your pick of charbroiled oysters, crab cakes, black cod and more.
Type: Seafood
Location: 101 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
The Spoon Trade
The Spoon Trade has all the flavor of an upscale American restaurant without the stuffy atmosphere. With its menu consisting of delicious items like house-made ramen with fresh noodles, fried chicken and waffles, thick and juicy cheeseburgers and hearty meatloaf, you definitely won't be going home hungry.
Type: American
Location: 295 W Grand Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Old Juan's Cantina
When you eat at Old Juan's Cantina, you can try a truly revolutionary take on your favorite Mexican dishes. Quesadillas, chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos and more are all made fresh using local ingredients—especially fresh seafood—to elevate each dish to its peak form.
Type: Mexican
Location: 649 Pier Ave, Oceano, CA 93475
Shopping
Pismo Pickers Antiques & Collectibles
Pismo Pickers Antiques & Collectibles is a nice place to look around if you're a collector of any kind. With tons of weird and wacky little things from all over, Pismo Pickers has a little something for everyone just waiting to be discovered.
Location: 537 Five Cities Dr, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Sans Liege Wines
Sans Liege Wines provides guests with the chance to taste some of the most delicious and unique local wines in the Pismo Beach area. Come in for a tasting and take home a bottle or two to remember your trip with when you're off the road.
Location: 870 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab is a delicious treat along the road to Pismo State Beach. The Lab crafts both homemade ice cream and chocolates, and you can take a tour of the place and buy up as many sweets as you like before heading off on your next adventure with plenty to eat.
Location: 860 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Sightseeing
Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville
At the Great American Melodrama & Vaudeville, you can experience the wonder of theater up close and personal. See talent from across the country unite for riveting productions on stage or simply admire the unique architecture of the building itself.
Location: 1827 Front Street, Oceano, CA 93445
The Locked Inn
The Locked Inn is a uniquely designed escape room made to look like a hotel. As much fun as it is to look at as it is to participate, going through the different scenarios at the venue is a test of intellect you won't soon forget.
Location: 750 Farroll Road Suite C, Grover Beach, CA 93433
Pacific Dunes Ranch Riding Stables
Come to the Pacific Dunes Ranch Riding Stables if you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the sand dunes while on horseback. The ranch also offers an RV campground if you'd like to stay a bit longer than just a single ride.
Location: 1205 Silver Spur Pl, Oceano, CA 93445
How to Get to
Pismo State Beach
Pismo State Beach is barely over a mile out from the town of Oceano, making this the best place to approach the beach from. Just head northward on Highway 1 before turning off onto Pier Avenue to your left. Follow Pier Avenue to the end, and you'll be right up on the beach.
By Car
Entering Pismo State Beach
After driving down Pier Avenue, you'll be able to get right out on the beach. Parking can be done in any of the nearby RV campgrounds or the parking lots, the distance between each of these locations and the beach itself varying but rarely being more than a short walk. Day use of the beach is from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.
Pismo State Beach Per vehicle : $5.0
Pismo State Beach is a great vacation destination for anyone looking to enjoy the water and the great outdoors to its fullest. The team here at RVshare can't recommend this spot enough for all it has to offer campers. If you decide to head down there soon, why not send the site some pictures so it can see how you're enjoying things? Tag RVshare on social media, or email your photos to [email protected] so everyone can get a look at how your trip is going. RVshare might even feature them in an upcoming blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pismo State Beach
At Pismo State Beach, you'll find a variety of wildlife on land and in the sea. Thousands of monarch butterflies dance in the trees. Coyotes, bobcats, and lizards roam the dunes. Seals, otters, and whales frequent the waters offshore.
The park has two campgrounds with designated RV spots, North Beach and Oceano. At Oceano, there are full hookups. Each campground also has a dump station near its entrance that you can use for $10.
You'll need a reservation if you visit Pismo State Beach from April through October. You must book your spot at least 48 hours in advance. Prices start at $35 for regular sites and $50 for ones with hookups.
Pismo State Beach welcomes dogs on the trails and at the beach. However, you can't bring them to Oso Flaco Lake or the Pismo Dune Preserve. You must keep your pet on a leash that's at least six feet long.
Disabled visitors can enjoy two relatively flat, well-maintained trails, including one that leads to the eucalyptus grove where monarch butterflies gather. Both campgrounds have accessible campsites, parking, showers, and restrooms. The visitor center is also accessible to everyone.