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Established Camping

North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

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California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors. 

Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program.  The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station.  View the following link:  Camping Information

Notice for North Beach Campground and Oceano Campground:

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING:

Winter storm activity may cause standing water in campsites. Sustained winter storm activity may even cause local flooding. To ensure the best possible camping experience, please check the local weather forecast before traveling.

Thank you for your patience as we finalize the 2026 inventory. Please continue to check back. We will be releasing the inventory as soon as it becomes available.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

North Beach Campground, near Oceano, California, is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach vibes. With direct access to the beautiful Pismo State Beach, it’s a prime location for beach lovers and families alike.

The campground features a park-like setting with spacious sites that give you a sense of openness, though some campers have noted that the sites are pretty close together. Clean restrooms and showers are available, and visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities. As one camper mentioned, “Everything was clean and kept up,” which is always a plus when you’re out in nature.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun right at your doorstep. The beach is just a short walk away, and you can easily explore nearby attractions like the Monarch Butterfly Preserve and downtown Pismo. Some campers have enjoyed the convenience of being able to walk to these spots, making it easy to grab a bite or check out local sights.

While the campground doesn’t offer hookups, it does have a dump station and potable water available, which is handy for RVers. If you’re planning to visit during peak season, be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as spots can fill up quickly. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight stay or a longer beach getaway, North Beach Campground has a lot to offer.

Fee Info

There is a $10.00 fee for use of dump station facilities in most California State Parks. State Parks is partnering with Sani-Star, a 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.

Reservation Info

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. **

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Location

North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

The beach is located in the town of Oceano off Highway 1.

Address

928 Pacific Blvd
Oceano, CA 93445

Coordinates

35.1308093792 N
120.634964853 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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out of 5

22 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2025

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.

Site70
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Missy R., August 17, 2025
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Reviewed Jul. 5, 2025

Great location and friendly vibe

Well-placed sites, with easy access to the beach. The lack of electricity, water, etc at each site keeps the tenor of the place pleasantly low-key (tents and small trailers primarily when we were there).  Firering and picnic table at each site.  Sites 7-31 are on the part of the loop closest to the beach, and some of those back up against the bluff between the campground and the beach.  For us, it was a perfect alternative to the commercial, packed-in-like-sardines options that surround this little green oasis.

SiteNB24
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Patrick M., July 5, 2025
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Patrick M., July 5, 2025
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2025

Nice campground, dog friendly

Lots of space for campers and tents. Nice, CLEAN, showers and restrooms. Staying here gives free access to driving onto the beach.

Lots of families and dogs. Noise wasn't a problem other than generators constantly running.

Site49
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Vincent B., January 9, 2025
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Vincent B., January 9, 2025
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Vincent B., January 9, 2025
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2025

A good beginner camp!

This was my first time camping independently, so didn't know what to expect. Everyone was really nice, camp host, camp ranger, etc. A lot of good amenities and very close to the beach. Loved my site specifically as well, especially since walking down noticing others didn't have as much space, shade, etc. Will say this is a really good rv place, did not see a lot of tent campers. They also sell fire wood for $10 so be ready with cash!

Site42
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Alexia O., January 6, 2025
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Alexia O., January 6, 2025
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Alexia O., January 6, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2024

North Beach

Large sites with fire rings, picnic tables, some sites don’t have much shade and some do. Less than 1/2 mile walk to beach. Couple miles from Oceano dunes. Hot showers. Can get windy. Dog friendly.

Site59
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

A winner

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. I picked a site close to the beach and even better my Oceano reservation could be transferred. Yay. Loved this campground so much. It’s well laid out and all the sites are well spaced and clean. The evening was much quieter, with a sunset and sounds of waves. A ten minute walk to the beach and right next to the butterfly grove. I have already made another reservation to see about the butterflies when they are in season. Pismo Beach is fantastic!

Site81
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Christine W., October 27, 2024
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Christine W., October 27, 2024
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Christine W., October 27, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2024

Awesome Beach - Weird Campground

Being so close to this awesome beach is definitely a hook, but something is off about this place. The staff are on top of you from the time you pull in to if you are a couple minutes late leaving. Little to no shade. Said hello to other campers with no so much of a nod.  

Not my scene for sure.

Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jan. 16, 2024

Good for overnight stay

Stopped here for a quick overnight stay on the way to Big Sur over New Year’s Eve weekend. Bathrooms were clean, campground seemed well maintained. Sites very close together with limited to no shade.

Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed May. 9, 2023

Beautiful

Beautiful campground - open park-like setting, not much division between sites. No hookups available here (Oceano 2 miles south has sites with electric and water hookups though). 

There's a dump station here, $10 (even for campers), payable by credit card only at a little fee station right at the dump. There's potable water at the dump station as well to fill your tanks.

As with all California state parks now, not only is there recycling bins available but also food waste / compost bins (yay!).

Showers available, payable via tokens.  Good cell reception here.

Really hard to get a spot here during busy season - recommend reservations!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Laura M., May 9, 2023
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Laura M., May 9, 2023
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Laura M., May 9, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2023

Our Go To each August to enjoy the Ocean air and Beach

This Campground is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors, family and friends.  We have been coming here for over 10 years for an annual reunion.  The sits give you a lot of open space.  If you are a Boondocker type you will enjoy the experience

In walking distance to downtown Pismo and a short ride to Arroyo Grande

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2022

Quite cheap and very pretty

Lots of space, you don't feel cramped even with all sites around you occupied. Toilets are very clean, there are lots of trash cans, can't complain. Nice rule that prohibits generators use after 8pm. There are sites for tents, small campervans and bigger rigs.

Site85
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Jan U., October 27, 2022
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Jan U., October 27, 2022
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Jan U., October 27, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2022

Can walk to all the tourist sites

This a a great campground. It is very well kept. Walking distance to the beach, the Monarch Butterfly Preserve and town.

Sitenb53
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Tommy B., February 16, 2022
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Tommy B., February 16, 2022
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Tommy B., February 16, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Apr. 7, 2021

Big Rigs, but good access

Great beach access and sites are spread enough apart. It does feel little like a trailer park because of all the rigs that stay here die a few nights, but the updated bathrooms and showers are worth it!

Reviewed Oct. 14, 2020

Great Proximity to Beach, No Shade or Privacy

This is the North Beach Campground at Pismo State Beach. We stayed in October and it was 90 during the day and around 60 at night. We were tent camping and while better than the neighboring RV park, there were still more RVs than tents- I’d say 80%/20% RVs to tents. That being said our campsite was large with a picnic table, fire ring and water hook up. There were restrooms at central locations throughout the park. Showers are $.50 for two minutes, accepts dollar bills only. We were at site 48 and it was a very large site, could fit 3-5 tents easily and runs along a center large grassy area. The big draw back with the campground is there is very little to no shade and no privacy. The best sites in my opinion were sites 7-25 ish that run along the side of the park closest to the beach path. Those spots had easy beach access, a bit more privacy as you don’t have campers along your backside, and afternoon shade from a row of trees. The rest of the sites are all in a grass field. Some have trees and some don’t, it’s kind of a crap shoot. It’s a short 5 minute walk to the beach from anywhere so that’s a huge plus, the park rangers were all very nice while we were there and there’s a Monarch butterfly sanctuary within walking distance (they weren’t there when I stayed in the park). Bathrooms were clean for a state park, shower was sandy but it was getting high usage. Overall I’d return if I was in the area and didn’t care about privacy.

ETA: I forgot to mention the sand flies, mostly in the evenings, were fierce and left huge itchy welts on me (less so on my husband) so I highly recommend bringing bug spray.

  • Pismo beach
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  • At sunset
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  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Alexandra T., October 14, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2017

Crowded but right on the beach

Great place to camp right off the dune though can be crowded and has many spots that are not on the beach. The sites are not ocean view with the sand dunes but a short walk over and your there. Also a very easy walk on the beach to downtown. It can get crowded and their is a security booth where you have to sign in, little annoying when they tired to charge our two motorcycles as two cars but they let's us by.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Ryan R., September 15, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2016

Pismo

Love beach camping. Go here every year for Thanksgiving. Beautiful place. Lots of dunes to ride and fun times ocean fishing

  • Review photo of North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach by Jeanette  C., July 10, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is North Beach Campground located in relation to Pismo Beach?

North Beach Campground is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Pismo Beach. The campground sits just off the beach behind sand dunes, providing easy beach access via a short walk. Its strategic position allows campers to enjoy both the natural coastal setting and the amenities of town without needing to drive. The Monarch Butterfly Preserve is also within walking distance, making this an ideal base for exploring the Pismo Beach area.

How do I make reservations at North Beach Campground in Pismo Beach?

Reservations for North Beach Campground can be made through the California State Parks reservation system (ReserveCalifornia) online or by phone. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and holidays as this is a popular destination. The campground sometimes has availability for last-minute reservations, but this shouldn't be relied upon. Reservation fees apply, and cancellation policies should be reviewed before booking. For current availability and to make reservations, visit the ReserveCalifornia website or call their reservation line.

What do visitor reviews say about North Beach Campground in Pismo Beach?

North Beach Campground at Pismo State Beach receives consistently positive feedback for its prime location near the beach. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that don't feel cramped even when fully occupied. The facilities are well-maintained with clean bathrooms and showers. Many visitors return annually for family gatherings and holidays. While the campground can get crowded, especially with a high percentage of RVs compared to tents, the open, park-like setting and proximity to both beach and town make it a popular destination. Some visitors note limited shade and occasionally strict staff, but overall the campground is valued for its cleanliness, location, and accessibility.

Are there photos available of North Beach Campground campsites?

Photos of North Beach Campground are available through official California State Parks websites and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images typically show the open, park-like layout of the campground with its spacious sites, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visual documentation confirms the limited shade at most sites and the relatively close proximity between camping spots. For the most current and comprehensive photo collection, check the official California State Parks website or contact the campground directly.

Can you camp directly on the beach at North Beach Campground?

No, you cannot camp directly on the beach at North Beach Campground. The campground is situated behind sand dunes, not on the actual beach. All designated campsites are in the campground area with a short walk required to reach the beach. While not oceanfront, the beach is easily accessible by foot, typically just a few minutes' walk over the dunes. For those wanting to camp with sand beneath their tents or RVs, this isn't the right location, but the proximity to the beach still offers excellent coastal access.