Pismo Beach Dunes Rules: A Guide for Beaches Touring Enthusiasts

by

Pismo Beach Dunes, located in San Luis Obispo County, California, offers a unique recreational experience with off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, camping, and other coastal activities. Understanding the key rules and regulations is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. This comprehensive guide covers the entrance rules, OHV use, camping guidelines, and general information to help you navigate the Pismo Beach Dunes.

Entrance Rules

Accessing the Pismo Beach Dunes is straightforward, but there are a few essential rules to keep in mind:

  1. Vehicle Access: Vehicles can enter the beach through two points: Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue. A $5 day-use pass is required, which can be purchased at the beach entry kiosks.
  2. OHV Requirements: All OHVs must be registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles and display current registration. “Green Sticker” OHVs and “street legal” vehicles are allowed, with a daily limit of 1,000 vehicles.

OHV Use

pismo beach dunes rules

Responsible and safe OHV riding is crucial at the Pismo Beach Dunes. Here are the key rules to follow:

  1. Safety Equipment: Riders must wear a Department of Transportation certified helmet, goggles, long sleeves, over-the-ankle boots, pants, gloves, and a neck brace.
  2. Speed Limit: The speed limit on the beach is 15 miles per hour.
  3. Riding Tips:
  4. Ensure your whip and flag are attached and visible.
  5. Be aware of weather changes and other riders.
  6. Use a spotter and assess your route before making jumps.
  7. Always supervise younger riders.
  8. Approach ridges at an angle to ensure safety.

Camping Rules

Camping is a popular activity at the Pismo Beach Dunes, and there are specific rules to follow:

  1. Camping Locations: Camping is permitted on the State Beach, which is regulated by California State Parks. The Pismo State Beach North Campground has 103 campsites without hook-ups, with amenities like pay showers, a dump station, restrooms, fire rings, and pet-friendly areas.
  2. Reservations: Reservations are required and can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com.
  3. Camping Limitations: Currently, 150 camping units are available at Oceano Dunes SVRA, with the possibility of incremental increases up to 500 units as park operations allow.

General Rules

In addition to the specific rules for OHV use and camping, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

  1. Park Hours: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset.
  2. 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.
  3. Environmental Considerations: Avoid driving over wet sand, vegetation, and stay within marked riding areas to protect the environment and endangered species like the Western snowy plover and California least tern.

Additional Information

For more details and resources, consider the following:

  • Phone Numbers:
  • State Beach Ranger’s office: (805) 473-7220.
  • Pismo State Beach North Campground: (800) 444-7275.
  • Website Resources:
  • Friends of Oceano Dunes’ Facebook page for updates.
  • RideSafelyCA.com for additional OHV tips.
  • ReserveCalifornia.com for camping reservations.

By familiarizing yourself with the Pismo Beach Dunes rules, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Remember to always prioritize safety, respect the environment, and follow the guidelines set forth by the California State Parks and the Oceano Dunes SVRA. Happy adventuring!

References

  1. https://www.pismobeach.org/834/Camping-on-Pismo-Beach
  2. https://www.slocal.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/atvs-off-roading/safe-riding-at-the-oceano-dunes/
  3. https://californiathroughmylens.com/driving-on-sand-pismo-beach/
  4. https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30461
  5. https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207

Leave a Comment