Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pismo Beach, CA

Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach accommodates dogs on-leash in all designated pet areas, offering pet-friendly sites for both tent and RV camping. Morro Bay State Park Campground, Lopez Lake Recreation Area, and North Beach Campground maintain similar pet policies, requiring leashes no longer than 6 feet. Sites at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort remain consistently tight, but the campground's location provides excellent beach access for dog owners. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings. Each pet-friendly campground provides water stations and waste disposal areas, though pet owners should bring their own waste bags. Most campgrounds charge a pet fee ranging from $2-5 per night per animal with a maximum of two pets per site.

The beach access trails connecting most Pismo area campgrounds accommodate leashed pets, creating easy walking routes for morning and evening dog exercise. Nearby Oceano Dunes SVRA allows leashed dogs on designated beach areas, but not in vehicle recreation zones for safety reasons. TV Tower Road dispersed camping area permits pets without additional fees, though the primitive setting requires bringing all pet supplies. Weather considerations include fog and wind exposure at coastal campgrounds versus warmer inland temperatures at Lopez Lake. Several campgrounds experience frequent full bookings, particularly during summer months when temperatures remain mild enough for comfortable dog camping. Visitors note the resort's direct beach access makes for convenient dog walks despite the crowded campsites. Nearby veterinary services include emergency clinics in San Luis Obispo, approximately 15 minutes from most Pismo area campgrounds.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pismo Beach, California (76)

    1. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    64 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks."

    "This campground is in a very cool location. You can walk straight out to the beach. There’s a monarch Grove right next to you."

    2. Morro Bay State Park Campground

    62 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    17 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."

    3. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

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

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Long time campers in California are probably familiar with the feeling that the prep work required simply to get a reservation at the most popular national and state parks is more than prepping for the"

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

    4. North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

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

    $35 / night

    "I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away."

    "I love pismo beach, dune and the town, very convenient!"

    5. TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping

    35 Reviews
    Santa Margarita, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 865-0416

    "You can find the entrance to TV Tower Road at the West Cuesta RIdge Trailhead."

    "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."

    6. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    17 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "Very dog friendly. Closed to downtown Pismo. Easy access to the beach. Will go again."

    "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."

    7. Islay Creek Campground — Montaña de Oro State Park

    29 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 772-6101

    $25 - $150 / night

    "You can camp just steps from Spooners Cove (great place for swimming!) in Islay Creek Campground. It’s in the Montana De Oro State Park."

    "Sorry for the alliteration...we really enjoyed this CA State Park campground that is so close to the Pacific you can walk from your site to Spooner’s Cove Beach (dog-friendly)."

    8. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

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

    $225 / night

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

    "The amenities are great & the location is very conducive beach lovers, hikers & cyclists. There’s even a farm across the road with the best pies! Big plus is the camp is very dog friendly."

    9. El Chorro Regional Park

    16 Reviews
    Los Osos, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 781-5930

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Near San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach. When we stayed here it was for the Renaissance Faire (which has moved to San Luis Obispo proper). There were tons of loud people."

    "They do charge extra for dogs, $3.50/day/dog, but was well worth it as they have beautiful large dog parks a mile behind the campsite."

    10. Morro Strand State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Morro Bay, CA
    21 miles
    Website

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Dogs are not allowed on beach to protect endangered species but walking the camp road up to the main road gives enough elevation you can see the ocean and Morro rock in the distance, and the houses have"

    "The site next to ours was occupied which made parking the trailer a little tricky- almost like parallel parking and the sites are close together like a parking lot."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pismo Beach, CA

737 Reviews of 76 Pismo Beach Campgrounds


  • S
    Apr. 1, 2019

    Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    Good base camp

    We stopped here for a few nights so we could hook up to shore power for a bit, do laundry, dump etc. The campground itself is small and old so the sites can be a little small for the larger rigs. Bathrooms and showers were clean. People who run it were extremely accommodating - it was difficult for us to access the dump hookup in our first assigned site (we have a macerater with a very short hose) so they moved us to a better site. Easy walking/biking access to Avila beach (4.8miles round trip), and quick drive from Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo. They allow leashes pets and have a small dog park and pet “walk,” and while these are great, I also like to walk my dog around the whole campground when we can’t take her walks elsewhere, and this campground is very limiting. They have several signs up where dogs aren’t allowed.

    Overall, this is a great location if you want access to the beach and nearby towns with nice basic amenities.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Perfect spot for the beach and gatherings with friends

    I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Good Location Close to Beach & Lagoon

    Prior reviews accurate. Hook-up sites close together... non-hookup have more separation. Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Nice large showers take state park tokens. Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it. Nice area to start beach walks or rent dune buggies. Close to Pismo Beach for many restaurants and pier. Classic California...

  • T
    Sep. 17, 2020

    Holiday RV Park

    Best location but very tight spots

    Want to be close to Pismo Beach downtown, the pier and the beach? This is the place for you! The spots however are very tight and short, although there are some that are somewhat wider so you can pull in next to your travel trailer.

  • S
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    A very sandy campground

    Pismo Beach is known for its white sand dunes that go on for miles. Located right on the Pacific Ocean, this campground is a perfect spot if you plan on riding the nearby dunes but not if you plan for a quiet weekend getaway. During the summer, lots of people (young, old, families) seem to stay at this campground which cause a lot of noise. Sites are close together which doesn't offer much privacy. Dust is everywhere! The campground has showers which are necessary but just when you think you are clean, you aren't. Very close to stores for ice, food, etc. If you want to experience Pismo Beach for the dunes, this is the place to stay. If you are there jus to camp, I'd recommend finding something elsewhere.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Pismo Sands RV Park

    Good location, clean & well-run

    We stayed here in March 2020 when COVID-19 blew up so it may not be reflective of more typical times.

    Park is centrally located, close to stores etc and 5-10 min drive to Pismo Beach.

    There are both tent and RV sites of all sizes, 30/50A hookups, water & sewer, plus concrete fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Lots of green, trees, and a small duck pond.

    Some permanent residents but mostly travelers.

    Park was clean, staff friendly and efficient. Bathrooms, showers, laundry were all clean and operational but were shut down while we were there due to COVID.

    Per friendly with a dog run. Good for a night or two for us.

  • G
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Coastal Dunes RV Park & Campground

    Popular Spot but Great Location

    This campsite is just south of the City of Pismo Beach along Highway 1 (albeit its called something different along this stretch). It’s a mixture of tent and trailer camping. Plenty of amenities on site but also very much a communal experience. Don’t expect to have a lot of space between you and your neighbor or much privacy. But heck there are stones throw from the beach and there is a trail on the south end to access. Also adjacent to the monarch butterfly sanctuary

  • Corey O.
    May. 23, 2021

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Great Location, lots of space

    This campground is in a very cool location. You can walk straight out to the beach. There’s a monarch Grove right next to you. And it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to Pismo beach Downtown and the Pier where you’ll find all of the main attractions in the area.

    Most of the campsites have little to no shade unfortunately. Each campsite has a fire ring though and each campsite has plenty of space between each site. While it’s not private, it’s spacious!

    Good cell phone service too.


Guide to Pismo Beach

If you're looking for a pet-friendly camping experience near Pismo Beach, California, there are several great options that welcome your furry friends. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities while making memories with your pets.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and beach access

Tips for camping with dogs near Pismo Beach

Pet owners like the amenities and activities available

  • Morro Bay State Park Campground features a boardwalk in the estuary, perfect for leisurely walks with your dog while enjoying birdwatching.
  • At Avila-Pismo Beach KOA, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including biking and hiking, all while having your pet by your side.
  • Santa Margarita KOA offers a beautiful setting with private sites and plenty of outdoor space for your dog to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pismo Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pismo Beach, CA is Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach with a 4.1-star rating from 64 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pismo Beach, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Pismo Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.