7 Best Pismo Beach Camping Sites

The popularity of Pismo Beach camping has been skyrocketing lately. Unfortunately for those of you who want to find a quality campsite, it’s becoming harder & harder. Fear not camper! We’re here to help.

Today we’re sharing 7 easy Pismo Beach camping sites that will make your next outdoor adventure one to remember.

We’ll include the exact coordinates, price, pros & cons, and an overall “Camp Vibes” score. The Camp Vibes Score is determined by price, location, camper reviews, and a little secret sauce.

Let’s do this!

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

GPS: 35.1341, -120.6381

Price: $60-$80

Ideal For: RV Campers – Anything from small travel trailers to big motorhomes can find a site here.

Pros: Beach access, baby! You can walk to local restaurants or relax in your full hook up RV site. Pismo Coast makes it easy for the RV vacationer to enjoy all the area’s hot spots.

Cons: It can be very noisy. Both tourists and campground staff keep the noise flowing during daylight hours. Also, make sure you’re following the rules or campground security may come a-knockin’

What’s The Word: A recent reviewer on Campendium says,”Easy check-in and site parking; level sites but close together. Nice general store and clean bath/shower houses. You pay for location here; this park is in town so we enjoyed riding our bicycles to the public beach accesses and to restaurants. ”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 7.3/10 If you’re an RV camper, this site could be perfect for you. From dining to beach access – this RV resort makes life easy.

One cool thing about Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is that it’s close to shops. You can walk to the restaurants & boardwalk. And today I biked to the market for a couple of things. It’d be the perfect spot for someone without a toad. https://t.co/ryRD8z0OaB pic.twitter.com/sTctRlNtJB

— VeganRVr (@VeganRVr) May 3, 2018

North Beach Campground

GPS: 35.1319, -120.6359

Price: FREE or $25 // First-come-First-serve Camping Dec 1 – May 14. Site specific reservations available May 15 – Nov 30

Ideal For: Tent, Van or RV Camping

Pros: The price is awesome during the off season (FREE) and it’s still a great deal during peak season. The community of campers here is usually great. It’s a mix of free spirits who want to be connected to the surrounding nature.

Cons: No great reservation system. If you need the assurance of a reservation, don’t plan on this campground! Also, if you need hook ups, you’ll want to camp elsewhere.

What’s The Word: Clemintine on Campendium says, “Terrific little campground! Walk through the dunes to the beach. Very friendly host and campers. A convenience store within walking distance. I only stayed one night on each end of my road trip to the Bay area but would have stayed longer if I could and will return when I can.”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 9.1/10 True California vibes abound from North Beach Campground. This is for the camping purist.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

GPS: 35.1055, -120.6307

Price: $10

Ideal For: Off Grid Vehicles willing to take a risk.

Pros: This is literally on the beach. It has an “Aynthing Goes” vibe to it and the crowd likes to party. We think these are pros 😂 OHV access directly on site. The price is pretty great too!

Cons: You may get stuck because many before you have also gotten stuck. Most campers lower their tire pressure for easier access. It’s also important to keep an eye on the tide.

What’s The Word: Jeff on Campendium says, “I’m torn on this place. On one hand it’s a unique opportunity to pull your trailer right down on the sand and setup camp steps from the ocean. It’s beautiful and (off season) relatively peaceful and wide open space. We really enjoyed the experience being from the East Coast where nothing like this exists.”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 8.7/10 Sweet price, great location and an anything goes attitude.

Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort

GPS: 35.0933, -120.6165

Price: Around $70

Ideal For: RVers looking for easy dune access

Pros: This RV resort is near all the Pismo action. You can take part in OHV activities, enjoy the Pacific and eat some great food. Here’s a quote straight from Campendium:

Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort was the ultimate Pismo Beach Oasis. We especially loved the location, the staff, and the nearby attractions. The staff provided information about local attractions and made us feel welcome.

Cons: This doesn’t have “resort vibes” – its a gravel lot with sites tightly squeezed in. Don’t expect the ambiance to be great.

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 5.2/10 It has wonderful location, but not many vibes. If you pack your days full of activities and use the RV as a place to sleep…it’ll be pretty good.

Holiday RV Park

GPS: 35.1364, -120.6376

Price: Around $65

Ideal For: RV campers with families. Also, good back up plan if the nearby dry camping sites are full. This RV park is close to the beach and great for exploration.

Pros: The staff at Holiday RV Park seem to make the guests feel right at home. Also, the modest park is kept clean. There’s a pool and hot tub on site. Holiday RV Park is park of the Encore system which means certain Thousand Trails members get a sweet discount!

Cons: Premium price for a simple and small site.

What’s The Word: Donald on Campendium says, “The staff was great. After checking in, they will escort you to your site and help back up in. The sites are tight. Place is clean. Heated pool, hot tub, large club room, and updated laundry area. The beach is right across the street. Down town Pismo is less that a half a mile away. easy walking distance.”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 6.9/10 We rank this park high for it’s customer satisfaction and awesome location. Having a few fun amenities onsite is good, too! But, not the same California Vibes as some of the other campgrounds.

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Pismo Sands RV Park

GPS: 35.0975, -120.6064

Price: Around $50

Ideal For: RV campers – especially those with a big rig. Cottages available, too!

Pros: This RV Park, unlike some others, has wonderful landscaping. The pull through sites are up to 78 feet long. Lots of room for your huge 5th wheel. They have a pool & hot tub. Also, the adult only library sounds fun…but, its probably not that kind of fun 😂

Cons: The RV park stays busy – getting a reservation might be hard!

What’s The Word: A recent Campendium reviewer says, “This close to the beach on the California central coast, it was cool and damp – which is exactly what we were looking for to escape the Las Vegas heat. Yes, the sites can be a little close together, but really only on the service sides of your rig. The front yards are plenty spacious enough to give everyone plenty of elbow room.”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 7.3/10 Solid spot and a great choice for anyone with a larger RV.

Le Sage Riviera RV Park

GPS: 35.1238, -120.6315

Price: Around $40

Ideal For: Last minute choice if all other options are full…and you need RV parking.

Pros: Beach access is good and the staff is kind! RV camping sites are paved and offer full hook ups.

Cons: The road noise, and noise in general, might be a little loud. This RV park won’t wow your inner glamper…but it’ll do!

What’s The Word: Kat on Campendium says, “LeSage is clean. The staff is kind and treat you like family. The spaces are wide so you don’t feel like you’re in a sardine can. You can hear the ocean at night. You need to Love Trains because you’re near the train tracks.”

Pismo Beach Camping Vibes Score: 5.3/10 If you need RV hookups and want want to be close to the beach – Le Sage will deliver. If you want cali-vibes…you might need to get them outside of the RV park.

Pismo Beach Camping Insider Tips

#1 If you’re down for it – dry camping on one of the public campgrounds will create a more memorable experience. If you’ve never gone dry camping – AKA boondocking – here’s a beginners guide on how to get started.

#2 Know your camping style. If you want RV hook ups, that’s alright! If you know you’re going to be spending more time exploring and less time at the campground – choose accordingly.

#3 If you want more EPIC & FREE CAMPING sites – take a look at this guide on the 20 Best Free Campings Sites in the USA!

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