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Oceano Dunes Information

Drawing crowds from around the state, the Pismo Dunes, or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, as it is officially named, is a favorite weekend destination for many. Boasting some of the most beautiful and sculptured sand dunes in the state, millions flock to this playground for some ATV, dune buggie and sand dune entertainment. Pismo Beach and Oceano beach are one of the last remaining coastal dunes that allow off-highway vehicles (OHV). The State Recreation Area consists of about 3,500 acres, 1000 of which are dedicated to a wildlife preserve, still leaving about 1,100 acres of sculptured sandy fun!

Directions to the Pismo Dunes

To find the Pismo Dunes, take Highway 101 to Pismo Beach, exit Grand Avenue West. Drive toward the ocean until you get to Highway 1. Cross over Highway 1 and there you are. You'll see the pay station directly ahead. There is a pay station there. Try to arrive at low tide if possible, at high tide you may have trouble getting to the camping areas since a lot of people camp right on the beach 20 feet (or less) from where high tide comes in...

If you arrive at low tide you'll have better luck as at high tide you'll have much less room to drive to the camping areas. Also remember to let some air out of your tires to avoid getting stuck.

Camping at Pismo Dunes

One of the best parts about the Pismo Dunes is that camping is allowed right on the beach, in the area that is one mile south from Pier Ave, which marks the beginning of the OHV area and is marked Post 2. At Post 2, all OHV’s must be transported at this point before off-loading. You’ll see the fenced and signed areas which are closed due to the preserve.

Although vault toilets and chemical toilets are provided. Water must be brought in and your trash must be packed out. Reservations are strongly recommended at the campsites. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-444-7275. No water of any kind, even fresh water, is allowed to be dumped on the sand. There is a dumping station at Le Sage Drive.

Know the tides before you plan your trip! High tides determine whether or not you can drive down to the beach successfully. Another issue to be aware of is the Arroyo Grande Creek with releases water from the Lopez Dam (especially during storms). Often times this river will obstruct your ability to drive beyond a certain point at the dunes.

The perfect dune

The Pismo Beach dunes are perfect for riding due to their formation. The winds that blow in from the ocean form the sand particles into wave-shaped dunes that run north to south. The shape of the dunes are steep on the east side, where the sand accumulates. The sand regularly slips off the steep end causing what's called a slipface. The west side of the slope is gentle.

Rules for Riding

• Each unlicensed OHV/ATV operator must be under the immediate supervision of a licensed adult and must be capable of operating all vehicle control mechanisms.
• Unlicensed OHV/ATV operators, with or without a safety certificate, are not allowed to operate a vehicle during nighttime hours or outside the designated OHV area.
• Motor vehicles must stay out of vegetated areas.
• No towing of any object, other than another motor vehicle is allowed.
• Speed limit if 15 MPH on the beach and within 50’ of any camp or group of people.
• Laws that pertain to driving under the influence of alcohol are exactly the same here for OHV/ATV. No drinking and driving allowed.
• If you are under the age of 18, in order to operate a OHV/ATV you must possess an appropriate safety certificate or be supervised by and adult who does possess one.
• All ATV riders must wear an approved helmet.
• No passengers allowed on three or four wheeled ATV’s.
• All sections included in the Division 16.5 of the California Vehicle Code “Off-Highway Vehicles” apply in the designated OHV area.

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