Pismo State Beach
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $5 per dayAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- parks.ca.gov(805) 473-7220
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Alert Notice: There is a $10.00 fee for use of dump station facilities in most California State Parks. State Parks is partnering with Sani-Star, aprovider of self-pay stations for sewage dumps, to secure the dump station and collect fees for use. Sani-Star accepts credit and debit cards right… (more)
provider of self-pay stations for sewage dumps, to secure the dump station and collect fees for use. Sani-Star accepts credit and debit cards right at the dump station. Beginning June 1, 2021, Oceano Dunes District will be using Sani Star as our pumping fee concessionaire. All pumping, including Oceano Dunes SVRA at LeSage Drive and Pismo State Beach at North Beach campground, will be required to pay the $10.00 fee to Sani Star for use of the dump station. The new system only accepts credit cards, no cash will be accepted. This Sani-Star partnership and new fee collection system will allow State Parks to control the sanitary dump station and prevent illegal use, in order to help us protect the environment. This partnership will assist State Parks in the recovery of rising fees from the sanitary and water districts and offset maintenance costs. This pay per use system allows us to continue with our low camping fees without assessing a dump fee applied to all campers, only those using the dump facilities will be affected.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In San Luis Obispo County, in Grover Beach, Pismo State Beach covers about 1,512 acres.
Visitors come for snorkeling and diving, surfing, horseback riding, historic sites, and swimming. On the water side, there is a swimming beach. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and showers.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Vehicle Day Use hours are from 7:00am - 10pm.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Los Angeles).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Day Use | $5 |
Official wording
Special rates may apply for peak season, high demand holiday periods, and during weekends. Prices are subject to change without notice. • Vehicle Day Use: $5.00
California park passes
- California Explorer Annual Pass — $195. Vehicle day-use entry to 134 state parks incl. high-demand Southern California beaches Details
- Golden Poppy Annual Pass — $125. Vehicle day-use entry to 112 state parks Details
- Historian Passport — $50. Admission for up to four people at per-person-fee State Historic Parks Details
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Annual Pass — $50. Entry to State Vehicular Recreation Areas that collect day-use fees Details
- SNO-Park Pass — $40 season / $15 day. 18 SNO-PARK winter recreation areas Details
From the California state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveCalifornia
- Phone
- (800) 444-7275
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: pismo dune preserve; the pismo dune preserve or at oso flaco lake.
Are dogs allowed? Yes: Dogs not allowed in Pismo Dune Preserve. Dogs are allowed on the beach and park trails but must be kept on a leash, not longer than six (6) feet, at all times. Dogs are not allowed at the Pismo Dune Preserve or at Oso Flaco Lake.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
Camping
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.
Read more from the park
If you are seeking information about the primitive beach camping, please visit the Oceano Dunes SVRA Website.
For more details about camping at California State Parks, including cancellation and modification policies, please see the Camping Information Website.
North Beach Campground features tent camping facilities and a campfire center. There are no hook-up sites available in this campground. Visitors can access the beach from the campground and enjoy the the views along Carpenter Creek. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is accessible from the campground. In the summer months, Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs are held at the campfire center. Click here to view a map of the North Beach Campground: North Beach Campground Map
Oceano Campground features both hook-up RV sites and tent camping sites. Visitors can access the beach from the campground, explore wildlife along a freshwater lagoon, and enjoy the Visitor Center. In the summer months, Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs are held at the campfire center. Click here to view a map of the North Beach Campground: Oceano Campground Map
Located at 555 Pier Avenue at the entrance to the Oceano Campground, the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center is a one stop place to learn about the park and local area. Friendly staff will help answer your questions about the park and local area. This interpretive center will introduce you to the history of the area, teach you about local wildlife and give you fun ideas for adventuring in the park! Kids can pick up an activity booklet.
Overnight facilities: Tent Camping, RV/Trailer Campsites w/Hookups, RV Dump Station, RV Access
Max trailer: 31 feet
Max camper/motorhome: 36 feet
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
FishingHistoric sites and toursRanger and interpretive programsSnorkeling and scubaSwimmingWildlife viewing and birdingSurfingGeocachingHikingHorseback ridingCamping
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Drinking water
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Restaurant or food service
Water
- Swimming beach
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Overview
Six miles of sandy beach are noted for surf-fishing, swimming, hiking and digging for the Pismo clam. The beach is located in the town of Oceano off Highway 1. Phone (805) 473-7220 for more information.
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.
Read more from the park
Trails
The Coastal Access Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail including two spur trails that is 1 mile each way 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. The surface is compacted aggregate and wood. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. 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.
The Guiton Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail along the west side of the lagoon from the visitor center past the tent campground that is 0.65 miles each way. This trail provides several lagoon viewing opportunities including 2 fishing piers and several benches and interpretive panels. The trail also provides accessible trail route connection to and in the botanical garden and Chumash garden. The surface is concrete, compacted aggregate and wood. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections between 5% to 8%. Accessible parking is provided at the visitor center.
Trail Name Running Slope Cross Slope Trail Width Trail Surface
Coastal Access Trail 3% Average 5 FT Average Aggregate & Wood
8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum
Guiton Trail 1% Average 0.9% Average 5 FT Average Concrete, Aggregate, & Wood
8% Maximum 5% Maximum 5 FT Minimum
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.
Botanical Garden: Tours are conducted by staff and volunteers. The pathways through the garden are accessible. Accessible parking is located at the visitor center. The garden entrances are located along the Guiton trail about 0.18 miles from the visitor center.
Fishing
There are 2 wooden accessible fishing piers along the Guiton Trail on the West side of the lagoon. One pier is located near the RV campground and visitor center. The second pier is at the east side of the tent campground.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 928 Pacific Avenue
Oceano, CA 93445 - Nearest town
- Grover Beach
- Coordinates
- 35.1064, -120.6270
- Phone
- (805) 473-7220
Entrances
- Directions point
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The beach is located in the town of Oceano off Highway 1.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- California State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- California State Parks Listing page (one link per unit, page_id = officialId), unioned with the CSP Enterprise GIS 'ParkEntryPoints' ArcGIS layer (coords, address, county, unit number, management status) and the 'CSPParkUnit_CurrentStatus' layer (open/partial/full closure)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Pismo Beach 004.JPG — Public domain (released by the author), Sfgiants222 at English Wikipedia
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology