Generations of visitors have considered Oceano Dunes a home away from home since the early 1900s.
Rent an OHV, camp overnight, hike, fish, and enjoy the beach year-round
A vehicle recreation destination since the early 1900s, Oceano Dunes is California’s only off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area on the Pacific Ocean. Established as a state park in 1974, the long stretch of beach fronts 3600 acres of open space, including 1500 acres for OHVs. Over 1.6 million visit this unique park annually to ride the dunes, camp, swim, surf, fish, hike, bird watch, and explore.
Come for the day or the camping
Oceano Dunes is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. for vehicle day use. Passes are $5 per vehicle, on first-come-first-serve at the entry kiosks at Grand Avenue in Grover Beach and Pier Avenue in Oceano.
All vehicles must display current registration. OHVs must be hauled in and off-loaded at a designated location.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the park but may not be at nearby attractions.
Camping, at $10 per vehicle per night, is primitive beach and dune camping with no designated campsites. Facilities include vault and chemical toilets. Make camping reservations up to six months in advance at Reserve California, reservecalifornia.com/Web/.
Map your adventure
Don’t forget a map from a kiosk or the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center at 555 Pier Ave. The center, open daily from noon to 4 p.m., is packed with exhibits about the Chumash, the unique Bohemian Dunite community, and much more.
The map identifies important locations within the park, especially along Sand Highway. Sand Highway is named for its expansive sand dunes, stunning coastal views, and access to nature trails offering chances to explore and enjoy the landscape, coastal vegetation, and wildlife.
OHVs allowed in the park include ATVs/UTVs, off-road motorcycles, some dirt bikes, sand rails, and dune buggies. Four-wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended. Even then, high tides, heavy rains, and blowing sand can get you stuck.
“Riders are encouraged to explore and scout routes. Ride within your experience and ability,” said Oceano Dunes District Planning Chief, Roger Jacobs. “Don’t hesitate to ask park rangers or more experienced riders for tips. They’re here to help you have a great time. Enjoy the thrill, take in the beautiful scenery, and remember, the more you practice, the more fun it gets.”
Hikers, horseback riders, and wildlife also enjoy the park. Remember to yield when you encounter them so that everyone has a great time.
Don’t own an OHV? No worries. Rent one from a nearby vendor. Recommended vendors from the Oceano Dunes website include:
- Arnie’s ATV Rentals, 311 Pier Ave., Oceano, (805) 474-6060
- BJ’s ATV Rentals, 197 West Grand Ave, Grover Beach, (805) 481- 5411
- Steve’s ATV Rentals, 332 Pier Ave, Oceano, (805) 481-2597
- Sun Buggy Run Rentals, 328 Pier Ave, Oceano, (805) 473-8636
- Pacific Adventure Tours, (805) 481-9330. Book an extreme Hummer adventure for a “mild to wild” ride in a USMC Humvee over the wild terrain of Oceano Dunes.
Play safely
“Stay safe. Following posted signs, wear proper gear, and ride only in designated areas. Help protect this stunning environment for the future by packing out what you pack in and respecting wildlife. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the thrill of outdoor adventure!” said Jacobs.
Detailed safety information is available at ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207. The State of California has partnered with the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) to conduct regular OHV training and certification sessions at the park. For more information visit atvsafety.org.
Getting there
Oceano Dunes is located three miles south of Pismo Beach in Oceano. Exit Highway 101 at Pismo Beach to Highway 1 and turn right at the light in Grover Beach to enter the park. For more information visit ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207, call (805) 773-7170 or (805) 473-7220.
—Jackie Iddings
