Campground Review: Pismo State Beach: North Campground, Pismo Beach California

Site #63

Why we chose here? After hanging around in the southwest our plan was always to head north for the summer, a trip up the California Coast seemed like a great plan as this is an area we love.  We rarely plan enough to get beachside camping, but we managed to get a spot by arriving Sunday and leaving before the weekend.  

Location: This campground is wonderfully located, just over the sand dunes is the beach and the ocean, and the town of Pismo Beach is less than 10 minutes walk away. Unlike many campgrounds this one is not on a bluff, so you can walk right out onto the beach. The dunes provide some shelter from the ocean winds too. 

Sites: All sites have table, BBQ and fire-pit, although ours was a little dilapidated, the curse of being near the harsh conditions of the ocean. The sites are pull through and the ones around the edge have lots of room around them. We were at the highway side of the campground, despite being only steps away from the road we found very little noise.  This is not an especially busy part of  Highway 1. 

Facilities: There are no hook ups here, you have to go the Oceano campground for those. There are lots of water spigots around and showers which we didn't use, but they look OK. There is a dump station on site. 

Groceries: Lots of great choices here, where produce is bountiful. San Luis Obispo has Whole Foods, and Trader Joes   

Reservations: Yes after mid May. You will need them for most weekends, and definitely in the summer. To book busy California State Parks at these popular times you have to go to Reserve America on the first of the month. At 8am (Pacific time) they open up reservation for 6 months time (i.e. for May you book on Nov 1st).  Don't try logging  in at 8.01am the prime spots will largely be gone.  Even if you are not sure you about your plans in 7 months time, it's best to snag a site and cancel at a later date if your plans don't shape up.  

Cell Coverage / WiFi: Good for both Verizon and AT&T

Price Paid: $35 dry camping

Date of visit: May 2015

Other:  California Beach camping may be a little pricey but I think it's so worth it.  To be near the water and walking distance to town is our ideal camping situation. 

Would we come here again? Yes.  

Link to Campground Website