camping by the beach: oceano dunes
Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation is one of (the only?) places in California that you can drive on and camp on the beach. That alone makes it a pretty awesome place to visit, however there are a few things to you should know before you go. Here’s my honest review:
Be ready / able to drive on the beach. This is perhaps obvious but also worth re-iterating - the camping area is located on the beach and you will need to drive onto the beach/sand to access it. Much of sand is fairly compacted and accessible to most vehicles, however you should consider time of day (where the tide is at) and recent conditions. Depending on what rain, tides, storms, etc have been like, there may be water crossings of varying depth you would need to feel comfortable with. The park generally recommends 4 wheel drive only vehicles.
Primitive camping. As in no running water, pit/chemical toilets only. Most of the vehicles that visit here are RVs and have their own water and facilities. If you are tent camping, be mindful that you will need to bring your own water source.
Camping at Oceano Dunes
3. No assigned campsites. The beach is open to camping but there are no assigned spots; first come first serve only. When we went, most of the RVs were gathered further down the beach, with most of the tent camping slightly closer to the beach entrance.
4. Off-highway vehicles / ATVs. Lots of em. Because the dunes are one of the few places in California you can ride OHV/ATVs, there are a lot people riding them up and down the beach. During the day this can get quite noisy. If you’re looking for a peaceful day at the beach - this is maybe not the best fit for you. However, once it starts to get dark, the vehicles stop running and it is an awesome place to be camped for the night.
5. Carry in, carry out. As always, when camping or in nature, be mindful of your impact. Anything you bring in, should be carried out. Don’t leave trash on the beach. etc. etc.
Beach at Oceano Dunes
