Two Awesome Campgrounds at Pismo State Beach
I have waited a few months to write this, as I was hoping the California State Campgrounds would open up again, but they have not. Once the California State Campgrounds open up again, I highly recommend you plan a trip to Pismo State Beach!! We recommend you camp at 1) North Beach Campground if you are tent camping or prefer to dry camp with your RV or 2) Oceano Campground if you want hookups. Or stay a few days at both like we did and get the best of both worlds! We also share details on where you can drive your vehicle on the beach and where to get the best Tri-Tip sandwich! Don’t have time to read this now? Pin it for later!
Pismo State Beach Camping
Back in March, we arrived at North Beach Campground shortly after heavy rain, and most of the campground was flooded. It looked like there were multiple water features snaking through the park. I was grateful we were not trying to tent camp. There were very few dry spots big enough for a tent at any of the sites due to the ponds that had appeared. However, the cats loved it because there were tons of ducks hanging out in these new ponds.
North Beach Campground
Dry Camping
Water spigots and Dump on site
Easy walk to Pismo Pier
Highly recommended you walk and check out the pier and neighborhood restaurants
We stayed in site #55 which fit our motorhome and Jeep perfectly
Oceano Campground
We camped in the hookups sites - Electricity and Water
No dump on site but the dump station is a short drive away and very easy to access
Short drive to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
We stayed in site #10 which required us to park our Jeep slightly at an angle to fit in our site but that was no problem
Top Things to Do Near Pismo State Beach
Drive your vehicle through the Oceano OHV (off-highway vehicle) Recreation and Camping Area
One of the few places where you can still drive on the beach and it is a lot of fun!! The dirt can be soft and there are areas you have to cross a little water so make sure you have the right vehicle (although we saw plenty of compacts brave it!)
You can even Tent and RV Camping here, right on the beach
I know a lot of people who love to camp here
Beach camping further in is recommended for 4-wheel drive vehicles only, which is why we camped at Oceano instead
For more information about beach camping check out Oceano Dunes SVRA
Eat a Tri-Tip Sandwich!!!!!
This is one of my favorite things to do when I come to the Central Coast.
You might be wondering: “Where do you get the best Tri-Tip sandwich?”
When I was in college, a long time ago, the Tri-Tip sandwich from Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo was the best. So we went there to have it again and it is still the best!
Penguin had the Tri-Tip sandwich which includes: Generous portion of sliced Tri-Tip and BBQ Sauce on a toasted French Roll. Simple but delicious!
I had the Firestone Salad, but I of course added chopped Tri-Tip too! The salad includes Leaf Lettuce, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Tomato, Feta Cheese, and Pine Nuts. I recommend going with the Vinaigrette dressing. This salad is still one of my favorites ever!!!
Don’t forget the fries! They are awesome. The regular size, aka the side, is a basket big enough for 2-3 people. The large, aka the basket, is crazy large!
They now have three other locations so if you find yourself craving a Tri-Tip sandwich and you are in one of these cities check them out: Firestone Grill in Bakersfield, Dog House Grill in Fresno, and Main Street Grill in Cambria.
California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Where did we go next on our CA US 101 road trip? Unfortunately due to COVID-19, we had to change plans and decided to head out to Desert Hot Springs for a month. Wondering where we went on our CA US 101 road trip? Check out our CA Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip by RV route.
Interested in things to do in California? Take a look at our California articles. Where are we going next? Don’t miss an adventure, subscribe today.
