Vehicle Day Use: 7am – One Hour Past Sunset
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Important Arroyo Grande Creek and Oceano Dunes SVRA Access Information
To access Oceano Dunes SVRA, Visitors and Campers are required to cross Arroyo Grande (AG) creek, which is currently flowing at Pismo State Beach. When AG creek reaches a depth of 12” inches or more, the creek is temporarily closed to vehicle crossing, temporarily preventing access into and out of, Oceano Dunes SVRA. Campers and Visitors are advised to check local tides to identify appropriate times for their arrival. Arriving just before and after high tides is not recommended, as AG Creek depths often exceed 12”. If AG creek is closed when you arrive, it is prohibited to cross the creek and you may temporarily be prevented from accessing Oceano Dunes SVRA, potentially up to 7 hours during periods of large tidal swings. If AG creek is closed, don’t risk it. Protect your safety and property. Stay out of the closed creek and wait until creek depth is below 12” and access opens again. Plan your arrival and activities accordingly. Stay connected through social media for the most up-to-date information on beach day-use hours and projected use periods.
To access Oceano Dunes SVRA, Visitors and Campers are required to cross Arroyo Grande (AG) creek, which is currently flowing at Pismo State Beach. When AG creek reaches a depth of 12” inches or more, the creek is temporarily closed to vehicle crossing, temporarily preventing access into and out of, Oceano Dunes SVRA. Campers and Visitors are advised to check local tides to identify appropriate times for their arrival. Arriving just before and after high tides is not recommended, as AG Creek depths often exceed 12”. If AG creek is closed when you arrive, it is prohibited to cross the creek and you may temporarily be prevented from accessing Oceano Dunes SVRA, potentially up to 7 hours during periods of large tidal swings. If AG creek is closed, don’t risk it. Protect your safety and property. Stay out of the closed creek and wait until creek depth is below 12” and access opens again. Plan your arrival and activities accordingly. Stay connected through social media for the most up-to-date information on beach day-use hours and projected use periods.
Phone Number
(805) 773-7170
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Leashed dogs allowed. Dogs not allowed at Oso Flaco Lake or Pismo State Beach Dune Preserve.
Driving Directions to Oceano Dunes SVRA
Directions are currently not available for this park.For camping reservations at Oceano Dunes SVRA (beach camping area), please contact Reserve California.
No online brochures available for this park.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boating
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Off-Highway Vehicles
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Off-Highway Vehicles
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
State Vehicular Recreation Area
One of several off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) offers visitors recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, surf fishing, camping and hiking.
Day Use Hours
The Oceano Dunes SVRA is open daily from 7 a.m. to one hour past sunset for vehicle day use. Day use passes are sold on a first come first serve basis at the beach entry kiosks at Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue. Day use passes are $5 per vehicle. Please monitor the district's Facebook and Twitter for updates on day use capacity.
Vehicle Access
Post 2 is one mile south on the beach from Pier Avenue and marks the beginning of the OHV area. All OHVs must be transported to this point before off-loading. Fenced and signed areas are closed to vehicular use either because the property beyond is private or because the area contains sensitive plant and animal life.
High tides, heavy rains, and blowing sand determine whether or not you can drive down the beach without getting stuck. Access to the OHV and camping area may be restricted periodically by Arroyo Grande Creek which is subject to water releases at Lopez Dam and increased flow during winter storms.
All vehicles must be registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles and display current registration.
Camping
The SVRA offers primitive beach and dune camping with no designated campsites. Facilities include vault and chemical toilets. All camping reservations must be made through Reserve California. Reservations are available up to six months in advance from your arrival date. Beach camping is recommended for 4- wheel drive vehicles only. A fee based dump station is available to campers and it is located on Le Sage Drive, 1/10 miles North of Grand Avenue.
Ocean Safety
Dangerous currents, called rip currents, are caused by the combination of wave action and the shape of the shoreline. Should you become caught in a rip current while swimming, don't try to swim against the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the rip. Then make your way to shore. There is lifeguard service available at Oceano Dunes SVRA June through Labor Day.
Emergency Situations
In case of an emergency, contact a Ranger or dial 911 from a cell phone and advise that you are at Oceano Dunes SVRA. An emergency solar-powered call-box is located at the entrance to Sand Highway at approximately Post 4-1/2. Do not move an injured person unless he is in immediate danger.
Special Events/Film Permits
Special events require an advanced permit through the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Please contact the district office for more information.
Concessions
For information on OHV Rentals and other park concessions, please visit the Additional Services Page.
Additional Visitor Services
- Sani-Star, LLC. (Automated RV Dump Fee Collection System)