This California State Park Offers Off-Roading And Camping For Summer Fun At The Beach

While California's sunny beaches are great for sunbathing or relaxing on a summer day, some beachgoers prefer an adrenaline rush. If spraying sand with your tires till the sun goes down revs your engine, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is likely right up your alley. 

Located just south of Pismo Beach on California's Central Coast, the Oceano Dunes are some of the only coastal sand dunes remaining in the Golden State. For thousands of years, the dunes have been culturally significant to the Chumash people and serve as an important habitat for shorebirds. Over the last century, the area became a popular beachside recreation area, before officially opening in 1982 as a designated area for vehicle recreation. It is the only area in the state where vehicles can legally be driven on California's sandy shores. In addition to cruising through the soft sands, the state-run park is a popular spot for summer camping and other beach activities. The area has hundreds of primitive, undesignated camping sites for off-road, ATV, and UTV enthusiasts to rest and recover under starry skies after a day of riding.

If you're making the trip to Oceano Dunes from Fresno or Bakersfield, the drive normally takes between two and three hours. From Los Angeles, it's a bit over three hours. For travelers flying in to visit the Central Coast, SLO County Airport outside of San Luis Obispo has flights across the West, along with rental car facilities, and is less than half an hour away. As of this writing, the park charges a $5 usage fee for all vehicles entering the area, and past the entry gate, there are no paved roads

Over 1.6 million visitors come to Oceano Dunes each year, many of whom visit to explore and camp in the 3,600-acre recreation area. If you don't own ATVs or OHVs but want to feel the rush of riding on sand, you'll have several well-established shops to choose from near the park's entrance gate on Pier Avenue. Steve's, BJ's, and Arnie's have operated for decades, have hundreds of five-star reviews on Google Maps, and offer a variety of machines for older kids and adults of all riding abilities. The shops provide a shuttle service to the main staging area, about 1 mile down the beach, as well as a safety briefing for all riders. Once inside the park, there is a designated ATV training and safety area between posts 4 and 5. For visitors who want the thrill, but without the driving, Pacific Adventure Tours provides guided excursions in an authentic military Humvee.

California has several beaches that make for an excellent winter camping adventure, and Oceano Dunes is also a popular spot for primitive camping on the sand. For $10 a night, you'll find pit toilets and plenty of open space, but not a lot of protection from the sun and the wind. Campsites are not assigned; however, you should make reservations at least 48 hours in advance on the ReserveCalifornia website. Note that weekends during the summer fill up fast. Additionally, before you set off, pack plenty of these camping essentials, and don't forget to check the weather and tide forecast so you don't get stuck or set up camp at low tide.

ATV riding and off-roading can be exhilarating, especially for first-time riders. That being said, you should always ride safely and be prepared. Keep a tow kit handy for your vehicle and ensure your phone battery is full when starting your ride. Store it in a resealable plastic bag for extra protection from the sand. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long sleeves, and gloves, and bring plenty of water. A bandana and goggles or eyewear can also make a tremendous difference in keeping you comfortable. Most importantly, always wear a helmet, and never go faster than your comfort level. If you are hauling your own ATVs to Oceano Dunes, California state law requires that they be registered and have a whip and a red or orange flag. Out-of-state riders should also check if their state requires visitors from California to purchase a non-resident-use permit; if so, you will have to do the same. 

In recent years, two state agencies, the California Coastal Commission and California State Parks, have battled over vehicle access to Oceano Dunes due to the area being a habitat for the endangered western snowy plover and the California least tern. California State Parks has restrictions in place for riders to protect the sensitive natural environment and wildlife. Riders are asked to do their part to respect the local environment and maintain the 15-mile-per-hour speed limit when riding, as well as staying out of fenced-off areas. If you still have gas in your tank after your trip, don't miss visiting Avila Beach, the coastal town that locals want to keep secret, about 10 miles away.