Oceano Dunes
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area near Pismo Beach on the Central California coast encompasses 3,600 acres with 1,500 acres of active sand dunes and more than 5 miles of beach open to vehicle use, the only coastal beach in California's state park system where vehicles are permitted to drive on the beach surface. The coastal location gives Oceano Dunes a character fundamentally different from the desert and inland dune systems: the Pacific Ocean provides the backdrop for beach driving, the marine layer creates cool coastal temperatures that extend comfortable riding into summer months when inland California parks are baking, and the tidally influenced beach surface changes character between low and high tide in ways that inland sand systems never do. The dune field itself rises from the beach to heights of 100+ feet, with the intermediate terrain between the beach corridor and the high dune crests providing the most technically interesting riding as sand density and slope angle change with moisture content and wind direction. ATVs, OHVs, motorcycles, and full-size vehicles are permitted on the designated vehicle area; all vehicles must be currently registered and display valid DMV sticker. A California State Recreation Pass or day-use fee applies. Overnight camping is available in the Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve camping area, one of the few California state park vehicle-accessible oceanfront camping options. The San Luis Obispo area provides full urban services. Oceano Dunes is under ongoing regulatory review regarding vehicle access scope; check current SVRA regulations before visiting (805-773-7220).