Camping in Pismo Beach | The 11 Best Rv and CampGrounds

Camping in Pismo Beach gives you a lot of options. 

If you’re looking for a stress-free getaway, camping might be the way to go. Hiking – like the Oceano Lagoon loop-, swimming, and fishing are all great ways to spend your time outdoors in the middle of nature. 

And there’s no better place to try camping than Pismo Beach. There’s a vast array of campsites to choose from, and the best part is that you never know what you might find!

Best Camping in Pismo Beach

San Luis Obispo vs Pismo Beach

San Luis Obispo is the ideal getaway for those looking for a small, cultured town with a lot to do. Pismo Beach is good for families with children as it offers many activities for children and has a nice beach. There is also pier avenue, and grand avenue with great downtown areas to explore. If you ask me, it’s hard to decide which you should visit, but they are both great places. Let’s go to Pismo Beach!

Pismo Beach vs Morro Bay

Pismo Beach and Morro Bay are both beautiful coastal communities in California, but they are very different. Pismo Beach is home to the Pismo Beach Pier and hosts the annual Pismo Beach Art Festival. Morro Bay is full of great restaurants and beautiful tide pools. Morro Bay is home to the Morro Bay Aquarium and hosts the annual Morro Bay Oyster Festival. This is just a

Pismo Beach Camping Reservations

If you’re looking for a place to camp in Pismo Beach, one of your first questions may be, “Do you need reservations?” This is a common question, and the answer is yes. Pismo Beach is a popular tourist destination, and at this time of year, we need reservations to camp in the area. And you have to follow the regulations to be permitted to stay in the campgrounds.

Camping on Pismo Beach is only allowed on Pismo State Beach. We can make reservations online or by phone via the California state park website. 

Oceano Campground Reservations

Oceano Campground is a great location for both RV and tent camping. The campsites are nestled among the trees along the coastal dunes and are spread out for maximum privacy. If you are looking for a spot where you can be free to roam and enjoy nature, this is the place. There are also showers and restrooms on-site.

But like camping on Pismo Beach, you also need to make reservations. We can make these via Reserve California.

Pismo Beach Rv Camping

Looking for an RV campground? Then you’re in luck. Pismo State Beach has a lot of options! From Pismo pier to Grover beach, that are a lot of options. 

Pismo Sands RV Resort

Pismo Sands RV Resort is the perfect destination for a family vacation. Nestled in the beautiful Pismo Coast, the resort is on the edge of the Pacific Ocean 

Pismo Sands RV Resort is a beautiful setting for your next RV adventure. For those looking to get off the beaten path, this is the place for you. The campground is also near the beach, as well as various caves and kayaking spots. You can also explore the many types of shells on the beach and in the tide pools. This is one of the best Pismo Beach RV camping spots. 

Pismo Beach KOA

In the quaint tiny beach town of Pismo Beach has just about everything you could want in an RV campsite. They offer 82 full hookup sites with 30 and 50 AMP service, a heated pool, and a hot tub. With a beautiful outdoor movie theater and a playground for kids, this is the perfect place to spend your next family vacation.

Pacific Dunes Ranch

The sprawling ranch offers an abundance of opportunities to explore, from the rolling sand dunes to the off-track dunes. There are many organized activities, such as horseshoes, a championship RC car track, and an on-site laundry facility. The campgrounds are just a short drive from Pismo Beach, where there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy. Explore the vast sand dunes and off-track Pismo dunes at Pacific Dunes Ranch.

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

The fantastic Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is an outstanding destination and nationally recognized RV resort. The resort is located right in downtown Pismo Beach and has 400 full hookup sites. This resort is within walking distance from downtown and has all the amenities you need to enjoy your time here. The resort features a General Store, heated pool, arcade, and bicycle rentals.

Holiday RV Park

The Holiday RV Park is a friendly place to stay if you have a small RV. Their spaces are tiny and they do not have dog pens or green areas. The Holiday RV Park is perfect for a quick stopover, but probably not a destination. This is not the best place for RV camping on Pismo Beach. But if you can’t find another place, it is an option. 

Pismo Beach Camping Dunes

Oceano Dunes SVRA

Oceano Dunes is a popular spot for RV campers and day-trippers, but if you’re looking for a more primitive experience, head to the Oceano Dunes SP’s primitive campground. With 150 campsites, this is the perfect place to enjoy a more primitive camping experience. This is a magnificent spot for the RV’er who likes to get away from it all.

Tent Camping In Pismo Beach

North Beach Campground

North Beach Campground is a popular campground located just a short walk away from Pismo Beach. The campground offers a variety of amenities, including a picnic table, a fire ring, and showers.

North Beach Campground has great walking access to the beach and a nearby Monarch Butterfly Garden.

Lopez Lake Recreation Area

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors, then Lopez Lake is the perfect place for you. With a 1,000-acre lake and 22 miles of shoreline, Lopez Lake offers a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also a perfect location for those who love playing in the water. Lopez Lake has a high-adventure ropes course nearby and is only a 20-minute drive from Pismo Beach where there are many fun attractions to enjoy. As a perfect location for camping, Lopez Lake has over 350 campsites and plenty to do for those who need to escape.

Avila/Pismo Beach KOA

We talked about Avila/Pismo Beach KOA in about RV section. But it is also 10-minutes from Pismo Beach. The tent camping is in a beautiful canyon. And nearby, this is a small farm with a petting zoo. This is a great option for exploring Avila beach, and this campsite can be a great alternative for Airbnb. 

Coastal Dunes RV Park and Campground

Whether you’re looking for a hot shower or a place to wash your clothes, Coastal Dunes has you covered. Next to the Grover Beach Amtrak Station, Coastal Dunes offers hot shower facilities and laundromats. They also offer pull-thru and back-in campsites, so you can enjoy our beautiful grounds and the beautiful beach that lies just across the street. Pismo State Beach is a short walk away, too.

Pismo Beach Camping Cabins

Pismo Sands RV Resort

Not only is this campground great for rv’s. But the campgrounds also have four fully equipped vacation cottages that are roomy, fully furnished, and come with an equipped kitchen. It is almost like some of the best glamping in Big Sur. It is a great option for camping on California’s central coast. 

Things to See When Pismo Beach Camping

Pismo Beach, located on California’s Central Coast, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its pristine coastline, diverse wildlife, and adventure-filled parks, it offers a plethora of unique attractions. Let’s explore the things you absolutely must see when visiting Pismo Beach.

Colony of Monarch Butterflies

Butterfly Grove

One of Pismo Beach’s most magical attractions is the Butterfly Grove, which houses a colony of Monarch Butterflies. This natural marvel becomes even more enchanting during the winter months when the Monarch Butterflies migrate to Pismo Beach’s eucalyptus trees. The Butterfly Grove offers an unforgettable butterfly viewing experience that will leave nature lovers awe-struck.

Visitor Center

Before you venture into the Butterfly Grove, make sure to stop by the Visitor Center. Here, you can learn more about the Monarch Butterflies, their migration patterns, and the conservation efforts to protect this beautiful species. The Visitor Center offers educational exhibits that make the butterfly viewing experience more enriching.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

For those who crave a bit of adventure, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a must-visit. This park is the only one of its kind in California where vehicles may be driven on the beach. Visitors can enjoy off-roading, hiking, swimming, and even overnight camping in this unique sandy playground.

Oceano Beach

Oceano Beach, adjacent to the dunes, is a serene spot known for its picturesque views and abundant wildlife. Here, you’ll find a freshwater lagoon that attracts a diverse range of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watching enthusiasts.

Beach Trail and Parks

Beach Trail

For a tranquil experience, take a stroll along the Beach Trail. This trail offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, morning run, or a scenic bike ride.

Beach Parks

Pismo Beach boasts a number of beach parks, each offering unique views and recreational opportunities. These parks are perfect for picnics, games, and simply enjoying the California sun.

Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort

For those looking for a stay to remember, the Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort is the perfect place. Nestled among the coastal dunes, this resort offers a unique camping and glamping experience. Whether you want to stay in your RV, rent a cabin, or pitch a tent, this resort has options to suit all preferences.

Dinosaur Caves Park

Last but not least is the Dinosaur Caves Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. This park, perched on the cliffs of Pismo Beach, offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Its open grassy areas are perfect for picnics, kite flying, or simply relaxing and taking in the ocean views. The park is also home to unique dinosaur-themed play structures that are a hit with children.

A lot of the campsites on this list are wonderful. And offer everything from a fire ring, a nice community experience, and many games (horseshoe anyone). As well as basic camping amenities to accommodate your needs. Like a dump station. Some of them are pets allowed and wheelchair accessible as well. 

This is the best camping in Pismo Beach! And I hope you enjoy it.