Outdoor Adventure
Oceano Dunes
California's only drive-on state beach. Ride ATVs across 1,600 acres of rolling dunes, camp on the sand, and experience the most unique outdoor adventure near Pismo Beach.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area sits three miles south of Pismo Beach and is unlike anything else on the California coast. You can drive a street-legal truck directly onto the sand, ride ATVs up rolling dunes with ocean views, and camp with the Pacific right outside your tent. No other beach in California allows this. For a lot of visitors, it ends up being the most memorable part of the entire trip.
Quick Facts
ATV and Dune Buggy Riding
Riding through the dunes is the main draw for most visitors. The 1,600-acre riding area covers coastal dunes that reach up to 50 feet high, with sweeping views of the Pacific on one side and the Santa Lucia mountains in the distance. There is no single route. You navigate the terrain however you like, cresting dunes and dropping into valleys of soft sand.
Rental outfitters cluster near the Pier Avenue entrance in Oceano, just outside the park boundary. Most offer ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and dune buggies by the hour or half day. You do not need prior experience. The rental shops provide helmets, safety instruction, and a brief orientation before you head out. Expect to pay per vehicle, not per person.
If you bring your own OHV, registration and a helmet are required. Green sticker vehicles must stay in designated OHV areas. Red sticker vehicles are prohibited. Check current California OHV regulations before you go, as the rules are updated periodically.
Beach Camping at Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes is one of the few places in California where you can drive your vehicle directly onto the beach and camp on the sand. You park next to your car or RV, set up your tent, and wake up to waves 20 feet away. For a lot of campers, this is a bucket-list experience.
The beach camping zone is primitive. There are portable toilets scattered throughout the area but no hookups, running water, or showers in the open beach zone. Developed campsites with full hookups, hot showers, and flush toilets are available at the north end of the park near the entrance. Those sites require advance reservations through ReserveCalifornia.com.
Before setting up camp, check tide charts. Some areas of the beach camping zone can flood at high tide. Arrive with enough light to scout your spot and stake down your tent properly. Spring and early summer bring strong onshore winds, especially in the afternoon.
Full Guide: Camping Near Pismo Beach →How to Get There
From downtown Pismo Beach, head south on Highway 1 for about 3 miles. Turn right on Pier Avenue in Oceano and follow it to the beach entrance. The vehicle entry station is at the end of Pier Avenue. ATV rental shops line the street just before the entrance.
If you are not driving onto the beach, there is a free parking lot at the Pier Avenue entrance. From there, you can walk in or rent a vehicle from one of the nearby outfitters.
Address
Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA 93445
Tips from Sally
- 1.Go on a weekday if you can. Summer weekends at Oceano Dunes are packed, the entry lines are long, and the good camping spots fill by noon.
- 2.Book ATV rentals in advance online through the rental shop websites. Walk-in availability disappears fast on summer and holiday weekends.
- 3.Bring water, sunscreen, and a bandana or buff. Sand gets airborne in the afternoon wind and the dunes offer almost no shade.
- 4.Check tide charts before choosing your beach camping spot. The lower-beach zones flood at high tide and you don't want to move your setup at midnight.
- 5.If you are driving your own vehicle on the beach, air down your tires to about 15 PSI before entering. It makes a huge difference in soft sand. Re-inflate before getting back on the road.
- 6.The dunes at sunset are spectacular for photography. The light hits the sand ridges beautifully in the last hour before dark.
Oceano Dunes: Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Oceano Dunes?
The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is located in Oceano, California, about 3 miles south of Pismo Beach along the coast. The main vehicle entrance is at the end of Pier Avenue in Oceano. From Pismo Beach, take Highway 1 south and turn right on Pier Avenue.
Can you drive on Oceano Dunes?
Yes. Oceano Dunes SVRA is the only beach in California where street-legal vehicles are permitted to drive on the sand. You can also ride ATVs, UTVs, dune buggies, and other off-highway vehicles throughout the dunes area. A vehicle entry fee is required.
How much does it cost to enter Oceano Dunes?
Vehicle entry to Oceano Dunes SVRA is charged per vehicle per day. ATV and OHV riders typically pay a separate recreation fee on top of the vehicle entry. Fees are collected at the Pier Avenue entrance. Check the California State Parks website for current fee amounts as they are updated periodically.
Where can you rent ATVs near Oceano Dunes?
Several ATV and dune buggy rental outfitters operate near the Pier Avenue entrance in Oceano. Most rent ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides by the hour or half day. You can also rent dune buggies and sandrails. No prior experience is required for most rentals. Outfitters typically provide helmets, instruction, and a safety briefing.
Is Oceano Dunes good for families?
Yes. Oceano Dunes is very popular with families. Children can ride as passengers in UTVs and side-by-sides, and some rental outfitters offer smaller youth ATVs for older kids. The beach sand is wide and flat, perfect for playing, flying kites, or just walking along the shore. Many families combine ATV riding with a beach bonfire and sunset.
Can you camp at Oceano Dunes?
Yes. Oceano Dunes SVRA allows beach camping where you can drive your vehicle directly onto the sand and camp next to your car or RV. This is one of the most unique camping experiences in California. The beach camping area is primitive, with portable toilets but no hookups. Developed campsites with hookups are available at the north end of the park near the Pier Avenue entrance.
What is the best time to visit Oceano Dunes?
Weekdays in late spring or early fall offer the best experience at Oceano Dunes. Summer weekends can be extremely crowded. Spring afternoons bring strong onshore winds that create sandstorms in the dunes. Fall is often the calmest and least crowded season. Arrive early on weekends to secure a good camping spot and avoid the entry line.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
All Things to Do
Explore the pier, Monarch Butterfly Grove, surfing, kayaking, and more activities near Pismo Beach.
Camping Near Pismo Beach
Full guide to Pismo State Beach campgrounds, Oceano Dunes beach camping, and reservation tips.
Pismo Beach Pier
Walk the iconic 1,200-foot pier, fish for free, watch for dolphins, and catch a spectacular sunset.