Best Campgrounds near Oceano, CA

The coastal community of Oceano, California anchors a diverse camping landscape where beach access and dune environments define the experience. Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach offers sites with water hookups and amenities within walking distance of the shoreline, while North Beach Campground provides a similar coastal experience two miles north. Pacific Dunes Ranch caters to RV travelers seeking full hookups near the distinctive sand dunes. For those willing to venture beyond immediate beach access, Lopez Lake Recreation Area (15 miles northeast) provides lakeside camping with electric hookups, and TV Tower Road near Santa Margarita offers free dispersed camping with expansive views but minimal facilities. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area allows beach camping with vehicles directly on the sand.

Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. As one camper noted, "Really hard to get a spot here during busy season - recommend reservations!" Coastal weather patterns bring morning fog and afternoon winds, especially at sites directly behind the dunes. Sites along lagoons may experience mosquitoes during warmer months. Many campgrounds charge additional fees for services like dump stations ($10 at North Beach) and showers (token-operated at most state parks). Cell service is generally reliable at coastal campgrounds but may be limited at inland dispersed sites. Dog owners will find most campgrounds pet-friendly, though leash requirements are strictly enforced on beaches and trails.

Beach proximity consistently ranks as the primary attraction for campers visiting Oceano. "If beach access while camping is your thing, this campground may be the ticket," wrote one visitor about Oceano Campground, recommending sites 20-31 for optimal dune access. The Monarch Butterfly Grove adjacent to North Beach Campground provides seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities from late fall through winter. Boardwalks and trails connect many campgrounds to beaches and natural areas, with one camper noting, "The campground is right next to several paths, a boardwalk, a marsh with lots of ducks, and a monarch butterfly habitat." Site spacing varies considerably, with tent areas typically offering more separation than RV sections where units are "lined up in a row." Facilities maintenance quality fluctuates by season and visitation levels.

Best Camping Sites Near Oceano, California (97)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    63 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Coastal Dunes RV Park down the road handles the check-ins for Oceano. This is a small campground with just a single loop, but all the amenities: full hookups at every site and a central bathroom."

    "Oceano CA. Wooded nice spaces with 20 amp electric and water. We tried to reserve online but site said they were full and sign at entrance said they were full."

    2. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."

    3. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    21 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $35 / night

    "Less than 1/2 mile walk to beach. Couple miles from Oceano dunes. Hot showers. Can get windy. Dog friendly."

    "I skipped out on Oceano and came here hoping they might have something open. Turns out they had 8 and the park ranger let me drive in to scope it out."

    4. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "Steps away from the ocean. We will return."

    "This is a pricey rv park, but great location and very busy. It is competitive with the others around and think it was the best one in the area."

    5. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-2560

    $35 - $165 / night

    "Unlike many state campgrounds you find near the highway or railroad tracks, this one is located a nice distance from the road.  Still, it is within walking distance to a small marina and restaurant."

    "It is only 2 miles away from Morro Rock and the adorable tourist town full of shops and eateries."

    6. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "The drive up is a bit treacherous but nothing unbearable. Our car can off road quite well, but our friend had a Volkswagen Golf and it also did perfectly fine and never bottomed out."

    "It’s best to have an offroader to come here, but van can do too."

    7. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."

    8. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground. Beach, trails and golfing all within 5min."

    "Located just north of Pismo Beach, Avila is tucked away down a hill that is totally worth venturing off to."

    9. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    27 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Quiet, peaceful and surrounded by skies perched out atop a hill."

    "This campground is near the beach on the central California coast . It has tent and RV sites. The only amenities are non-flushing toilets and water . There are no lights at night, so it is very dark."

    10. Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    5 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $10 / night

    "A vehicle beach with unlimited things to do fishing, offroad sand dunes, hike, camp rv vehicle theres class A B C home made its awesome dogs allowed, after 10pm it's so quite"

    "We did see 2 skoolies on the beach, but then we also saw a pickup truck stuck in the sand in the parking lot outside of the beach, so there's that."

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Showing results 1-10 of 97 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oceano, CA

759 Reviews of 97 Oceano Campgrounds



Guide to Oceano

Camping near Oceano, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, one reviewer mentioned, "The beach is a short walk away," making it easy to enjoy the sun and surf.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground noted, "We loved the boardwalk in the estuary and all the bird sightings there."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One camper shared, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or train tracks. A camper at Refugio State Beach Campground mentioned, "There is a railroad track just east of the campground... could still wake tent campers."
  • Limited Privacy: Campsites can be close together, which may affect your experience. One reviewer at Morro Strand State Beach Campground said, "Sites very close together. Many squirrels. Mostly RV sites."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds do not have potable water. A visitor at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach advised, "Be sure to fill up tanks at El Capitan before entering."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with fun activities for kids. A reviewer at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach mentioned, "There's a fun game for kids where you download an app and go on a scavenger hunt."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the little ones happy. One camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground warned, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacells."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to choose a campground that fits your RV needs. A reviewer at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The lovely county run park... offers a wide variety of camping experiences from full hookups to grass-covered spaces."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Morro Bay State Park Campground said, "The pull-in for site 118 isn't quite level."
  • Bring Cash for Showers: Some campgrounds have token-operated showers. A visitor at Morro Bay State Park Campground advised, "You get two tokens for a dollar and each token gets you 2 min of shower time."

Camping near Oceano, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to wildlife enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oceano, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oceano, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Oceano, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oceano, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oceano, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 63 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oceano, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Oceano, CA.

What parks are near Oceano, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Oceano, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.