Where to RV Camp in Pismo Beach
Surf, sand dunes, sunshine, delicious food, and a central location on the California coast - Pismo Beach is a fantastic place for a beach vacation. But, did you know Pismo is an RVing mecca? I don’t know for sure, but I’d take the bet that there are more RV spots than hotel rooms in the Pismo area. We spent a month in Pismo and had the pleasure of staying at multiple RV parks. Each campground provides a unique experience, with a variety of amenities, and a range of price points. So, where should you camp in Pismo Beach? Whether you have your own rig or are looking to rent an RV in California, chances are one of these parks will be perfect for you!
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
If proximity to the beach and downtown is important to you, look no further than Pismo Coast Village RV Resort. RV camping here puts you in the heart of all the action! We absolutely loved our week at PCV because we could walk to the beach, walk to dining, shopping, and the Pier, and the park amenities were perfect, especially with kids!
Campsites
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort features 400 full hookup sites, each with free internet access and cable TV. If you’ve camped on the coast, you probably already know most sites tend to be tight. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is no exception. Even though the sites are close together, we fit fine in our 41 ft. fifth wheel and still had space to spend time outside.
Amenities
This campground in Pismo has no shortage of amenities. The beach access is probably the park’s highlight, but you don’t even need to get sandy to have a great time and live well here!
General store
Restaurant
Heated pool
Arcade
Multiple playgrounds
Mini-golf
Shuffleboard
Ping pong
Horseshoes
Bike rentals
Laundry room
Bathrooms
Showers
Location
For us, camping is all about location, location, location! PCV is less than a mile from the famous Pismo Beach Pier and even closer to a plethora of restaurants and shops. If staying near the water and checking out the town of Pismo is all you plan on doing, you won’t have to worry about driving or parking during your stay! Walking or biking is a great way to get around. If you’re interested in all that the area has to offer, Pismo Coast Village is in the middle of it all and it is the perfect home base on the Central California Coast for the active RVer.
Rates
Non-Prime Weekday
Sunday - Thursday
$69/night
Non-Prime Weekend
Fri - Sat (2 night minimum)
$73/night
Prime Time
$79/night
Summer / Holiday
$86/night
See more information on nightly rates at Pismo Coast Village RV Resort
Take $10 off orders $75 or more! Use code CWSAVE at checkout!
Hipcamp near Pismo Beach
Want to try something a little different? Try RV camping at a Hipcamp! Hipcamp operates as an online marketplace, providing users with the opportunity to discover and book outdoor stays and camping experiences. Hipcamp features a diverse range of listings, including campsites, glampsites, RV spaces, and cabins, allowing private landowners in and around Pismo Beach to showcase their offerings based on factors such as listing type, location, landscape, activities, and amenities.
North Beach Campground
Located just south of downtown Pismo Beach, on the coast and sand dunes, is the Pismo State Beach camping area, North Beach Campground. This is a great camping option in Pismo Beach as it is close to everything and doesn’t cost as much per night compared to some private campgrounds.
Campsites
The sites at North Beach are much roomier than you might find at other campgrounds nearby. Because it is a State Park, there is more open space and fewer sites. All sites are dry and do not offer hookups. Generators can be used during specified times each day and there is an RV dump station on site. Each campsite comes with a fire ring and picnic table.
Amenities
North Beach Campground has everything you’ll need to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable in its beautiful natural setting.
RV sanitation station
Showers
Bathrooms
Walking trails
Beach access
Campfire center
Location
Being able to easily access all that Pismo State Beach has to offer is the highlight of camping at North Beach Campground. Walking trails from the campground lead directly to the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, Carpenter Creek, the freshwater Oceano Lagoon, and the beach itself. Want to check out downtown Pismo and the Pier? Town is only a 5 minute drive or 8 minute bike ride away!
Rates
Campsites cost $25/night. You can’t get closer to the beach or the water for that price! Keep in mind, spots go quickly. You’re able to book your stay six months in advance.
Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort
This unique place for RV camping is like nothing else in the Pismo Beach area. Pacific Dunes Ranch is located a little further from town than other campgrounds but offers the best access to the rolling sand dunes of the Oceano Preserve. We stayed here for two weeks while in the Pismo area and had a blast exploring and playing on the dunes. We loved hiking up, jumping down, and even sledding the massive dunes. The views alone are incredible! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can walk the ½ mile through the dunes all the way to the water.
Campsites
Campsites are spaced fairly far apart and are able to accommodate rigs of all sizes. We had no trouble with our 41-foot fifth wheel in our pull-through site. Each site offers full hookups and a picnic table. There are a number of sites that back right up to the dunes offering unobstructed views and killer sunsets!
Amenities
Besides the incredible dune access, another unique amenity you’ll find while camping at Pacific Dunes Ranch is horseback riding! There is a stable and horses onsite available for rides along the dunes. For kiddos too small to ride, they are also fun to just visit and pet during your stay!
Horseback riding
Horseshoes
Game room
RC track
Hiking
Laundry
Bathrooms
Showers
Location
This campground near Pismo Beach is all about the dunes. You can’t ask for a better location! Downtown Pismo Beach is located about 4.5 miles north of Pacific Dunes Ranch. Another fun town to explore, Arroyo Grande is just 3.5 miles from the RV park.
Rates
Rates vary depending on the size of the site, dates, and length of stay. Rates are discounted for weekly stays.
Standard sites start at $66/night for a week or $76/night outside of week-long reservations.
Extra large sites start at $71/night for a week or $83/night outside of week-long reservations.
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Want to get away from the RV park and really camp in Pismo? Primitive beach camping at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is the way to go! There is no way to get closer to the water or the beach than camping here! Bringing the ATV camping with you? Then this is definitely the spot for you. Simply wake up and hit the sandy road right from your site!
Campsites
Well, there are no campsites! This is primitive camping at its best. Simply find an area that looks good to you, is not too close to your neighbors, and set up camp. Currently, 150 campers are allowed on the beach at a given time. From time to time, this limit is raised to up to 500 campers.
Amenities
Amenities at Oceano Dunes SVRA are what you make of them. The incredible location and view are amenities enough for me!
Vault toilets
Location
If you come to Pismo for the dunes, you can’t beat this location. You, your rig, and your ATV couldn’t get any closer to the action! Downtown Pismo Beach is only 3 miles north.
Rates
Camping on the beach/dunes is only $10/night. But, availability goes fast! You can book your stay up to six months in advance.
Avila / Pismo Beach KOA
Located conveniently between Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and San Luis Obispo is this beautiful KOA campground. KOA is known for comfortable campsites and outstanding amenities and this one definitely does not disappoint! We loved visiting Avila Beach during our time camping in Pismo and this RV resort makes it easy to enjoy the quaint little beach town.
Campsites
The Avila / Pismo Beach KOA offers 82 full hookup sites. Both back-in and pull-through sites have 30 and 50 AMP service available. Sites are somewhat narrow and there is only a small number of sites that can accommodate large rigs. Sites can fit one vehicle in addition to your RV, but there is overflow parking on the premises.
Amenities
You can always count on KOA to bring the amenities. This campground in Avila Beach has everything to make your stay comfortable and then some!
Heated pool
Hot tub
Mini golf
Dog park
Bike rentals
Playground
Outdoor movie theater
Horseshoes
Shuffleboard
Showers
Bathrooms
Laundry
Location
As mentioned, this campground is not only close to Pismo Beach, but so much more! The Avila Pier and beach is less than 3 miles away, the Pismo Pier and beach is just 5.5 miles away, and downtown San Luis Obispo is just 8 miles away. Easily enjoy everything the Central California Coast has to offer!
Rates
KOAs are not known for being budget-friendly, but, with the amenities and great location, you get what you pay for! Camping prices depend on the type of campsite, dates, and length of stay. Expect to pay $63 - $92/night. For reservations and more information on rates visit KOA.com.
I am so happy we had the opportunity to RV camp in Pismo Beach. Who knew this coastal paradise catered to campers?! Regardless of the time of year, the Pismo area is a great place to visit. And, no matter your camping style, there is a great place to stay. Happy camping!
RV Rentals in Pismo Beach
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