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    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

    4.3 (197 reviews)

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Photos

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    Cher C.

    Beautiful sunsets. I'll bring a picnic and chairs next time. Not crowded at all. Personally, Prefer this beach over crowded location's. We took Couple sunset pictures.

    Whitney F.

    Did some Summer Beach camping and had an excellent time! We went from Sunday to Tuesday and let me tell you, coming during the week is a hack; lots of space in between the campers, and like always very friendly campers all around! Below are some tidbits and helpful hints for the primitive beach camping at the Oceano Dunes: * This is primitive style, meaning there are no designated campsites; come early to get the best spot options. Also, I highly recommend bringing stakes and some sort of bright tape or rope to cordon off your area * You can make campfires on the beach and buying local wood is encouraged rather than brining your own from different regions * There are toilets intermittently placed along the beach (some are porta-potty and some are a concrete chamber)...if you are able I recommend getting a portable pop-up toilet and tent. Ours was a lifesaver. * For those that need to deflate their tires, there are trucks that drive along the beach periodically and offer air (for a nominal fee) * Bring a shovel!

    John D.

    Impending Dune 1,500-acre Coastal Sand Dune that the state allows access by vehicle. The beach itself can be driven on/by pretty much any vehicle (AWD/4WD preferred obv) but the dunes need to be driven on by ATVs only. One can provide their own ATV or rent one from several companies in the area--but beware you need to certified by the State to get a rental to drive on the dunes. I believe it's just a couple of safety classes and your g2g, but it's been a while since I've looked into it. Anywho, we only came here to watch a sunset and it was magical. Seems like a great place to visit as it's a meager $5/per vehicle fee to access the beach and then you can have at it to your hearts content from sunrise to sundown. There are also campgrounds available thru reservations and a nominal fee, ofc.

    J R.

    Fun area but gets very, very crowded during peak times. The beach area is nice as the vehicle traffic is limited to 15 mph. The rangers keep a pretty close eye on this but when they leave the beach speeders will speed. The recreation area has room for dry camping. The dunes area gets chaotic, please use caution and keep you and your family safe and alert for bad actors that fly through the dunes without due care. That being said it is an amazing and unique land use area especially for lawsuit happy California. Come prepared for the time you plan on staying as the closest stores, gas, and supply stores are all pricy, ATV Rentals are available and the equipment seems to be decent. There are quite a few 2 wheel drive cars that come to this area but that doesn't mean people don't get stuck or in danger, drive within your own skill set and limits to have an enjoyable time. For people that don't do dry camping there is a state campground with hook ups just up the street from the beach entrance. Bring a camera for the amazing sunrises and sunsets,

    Wasima K.

    I had been to the Central Coast several times but did not know there was this area to drive your car right onto the beach! There is also a section for ATVs along with rental shops and if you walk far along enough, you can walk the sand dunes which is what I did. There were signs when I was out there saying the sand was quite soft and since my car is low, I was not comfortable driving through on my own. It's probably about a mile of walking to get to the section without vehicles but it is so worth it. The scenery is just otherworldly and I was lucky enough to be there during golden hour and sunset. Even in this remote area there were influencers doing photo shoots but it just demonstrates what a gorgeous place it is.

    Driving to choose our campsite
    Amy C.

    My partner and I camped here with our dog earlier this year and we had such a great experience! The camping area is dispersed among the recreation area, you can pretty much camp anywhere between certain mile markers. There are pit toilets throughout the park for camper use as well. When we went it was the "off season," so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We did some 4-wheeling on the dunes with our truck, but there were also buggy and ATV rentals available at the entrance to the park. Fires are ok on the sand as long as you only use natural untreated wood. Bring tables and water as they are not supplied (dispersed camping, remember?). But the sites were like, $8 a night for 10am-5pm the following day. Even day use doesn't close until like, 11pm! A great deal for a beach getaway!! Highly recommend!!!

    Unique universe of adventure ahead!
    Rick P.

    Wait what? Yeah, we already knew about this one-of-kind playground after riding atvs here years ago. We drove our truck right on to the beach last weekend and into the dunes. It's pretty wild! People come from all over to ride their atv's or whatever apparatus they have.. Cost is $4 which wouldn't hurt anyone. Thats for the entire day and yes, you can leave and re enter later on. You have a couple of options. You can park your car and then go walking on the beach or you can drive whatever you drive right onto the beach. The sand is packed so you can take a 2 wheel drive car out onto the beach. You can drive for about 1/2 mile before you will need high clearance as there is a shallow creek of 8 feet to cross before you get to the actual playground which are the dunes. Then, you're truly on your own. RV camping? No sweat! There are thousands of campsites and motel rooms to stay in as you would want to spend more than a day here. Gotta be alert and take your time. Some people are full throttle individuals that may not be looking for you. There's a danger factor to help ratchet up the adrenaline! One of a kind experience that I highly recommend. Take the car, bike, RV, whatever you've got. There's pizza and other delights nearby so you can enjoy your hot food on the beach. Best time is as the sun's going away. Pull right up to the surf and enjoy. Nothing like it!

    The cone setting their perimeter
    Lili H.

    Super bummed about our experience this time. Will definitely be coming again when the reservations are lower. We have come to the dunes many times but this year was like no other. We noticed once we had gotten there that people were blocking off entire sections with caution tape not allowing anyone to get near their "spot". Unfortunately we went up and down the entire beach multiple times and wouldn't find ANY spots. Being there are "499" available spots I was shocked at how limited the spaces were this year. Thankfully a kind couple allowed us to set up in their area since it was just my husband, my daughter, and I. However, a group of people deemed that we were "too close to their spot" and expressed their frustration. As we were unhooking and setting up our site they were just watching us and it was over all a super uncomfortable experience. I understand wanting to be secluded but it is pretty ridiculous to block off entire sections and be upset when someone sets up near your caution tape. Mind you we were by their caution tape not their trailer!!! We are kind and reasonable people who don't like to intrude so we decided to book at a near by RV resort instead. I would urge anyone coming this year or any years in the future to get there early and have respect for others who pay to camp at the beach as well! We all want to enjoy the same beach and it's a bummer when you are made to feel like you don't belong somewhere you paid to be.

    My pups def enjoyed it!
    Patrick V.

    I go all the way from Los Angeles to Pismo Beach for the vibe and good clam chowder. Now that I've gone to the sand dunes a couple times, this is now ALWAYS permanently a part of the trip agenda. Amazing view (especially the sunset). Great place to chill with family, friends, and fur-babies! On the side note, I wish it was free-- but gotta pay to keep the place maintained.

    Suzanne L.

    Highly recommended site to come see & visit! State park vehicles are always driving to regulate the rules and check for safety. Don't forget to air down so you don't get stuck! Happy Memorial Day $5 entry fee day use Beautiful day to have with family and friends

    Beautiful day at the beach
    Mitch R.

    I'll always have a place in my heart for this place! When I drive in the sandy shoreline and 4by and atv in the dunes it makes me feel good about being in a country that has freedom!! The beauty can't be matched!! The people here take care of each other and usually very kind! I too am welling to help anyone in distress. Just like when I was rescued by some nice 'Jerk Pirates' I feel it's my duty to help others!! You can be a part of the group by joining on Facebook. It's also quicker to get help but you can always flag anyone most likely you will be helped! It's a beautiful place it's truly a blessing to be here! Have a beautiful time and make blessed memories!! Please keep the beach and dunes clean this will help to keep us open.. Be kind and be respectful!!

    Beautiful ocean
    Lisa V.

    You can drive your car on the beach! We drove down right at low tide. We only had a 2 wheel drive and entered from grand street entrance down a steep hill and fishtailed through the sand out to the next street and out pier ave. It was scary and fun at the same time! Speed limit is 15 and cost $5.

    Make a left at the sign to drive onto the beach
    Adriana D.

    Stopped here for a relaxing drive on the beach. It was nice, but incredibly crowded. So many small kids running around and in front of the cars driving. My anxiety level was super high until we found a spot to park. It's a really nice area and there are even ATV rentals.

    Lunch on the beach in my truck

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    Beautiful campground with clean bathrooms. Showers not hot, no hand dryers or towels. Nice sites close to beach and bike trails

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    Ask the Community - Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

    Can we take our Subaru out onto the dunes? Walk/hike around?

    I'm not sure about driving on the dunes I know you can drive your car onto the beach to get to the dunes but I'm pretty sure there are no vehicles allowed on the dunes.I'm not 100% sure but that is what I am thinking.

    Are the dunes accessible to vehicles right now during covid season?

    No not currently. Pedestrian only.

    What is the fee for day use and what are the payment methods allowed?

    $17.99 a Car

    View All 12 Questions

    Review Highlights - Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

    When I drive in the sandy shoreline and 4by and atv in the dunes it makes me feel good about being in a country that has freedom!!

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    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area - parks - Updated August 2026

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