Oceano Dunes District - Pismo

Home
United States
Pismo Beach, CA
Oceano Dunes District - Pismo

California State Parks Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes SVRA

09/10/2026

Join State Park Docent Dan for a guided Beaver Walk around the Oceano Lagoon and discover the fascinating history of beavers in California!

We have another Beaver Walk coming up, and we hope you’ll join us! Learn about their unique physical adaptations, their role in our country’s westward expansion, why they were heavily hunted during the fur trade, and their local history. Enjoy an easy-paced walk around the lagoon as you search for evidence and signs of beaver activity.

Meet at Guiton Hall, next to the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center at Oceano Campground.

The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and lasts about 2 hours. Open to all ages.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. No dogs, please.

Space is limited. Please call (805) 474-2664 to RSVP.

09/04/2026

Celebrate California Biodiversity Week by helping us discover and document the incredible biodiversity of Pismo State Beach!

Join State Park Interpreters in person on Friday, September 11, for our community science BioBlitz! Can't make it? No problem! You can still participate by exploring Pismo State Beach and adding your observations to the BioBlitz project anytime during Biodiversity Week (September 5–13).

On Friday September 11, start your adventure at our California State Parks pop-up booth at the Grand Avenue beach access boardwalk, next to Fin’s Beach Club. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., learn how to use iNaturalist and get tips for participating. Once you're ready, head out and explore, and be a part of our community science effort!

This free, drop-in event is open to all ages. Participants are encouraged to download the free iNaturalist app before arriving and bring a smartphone, water, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection.

08/27/2026

Start your career at Oceano Dunes! We are hiring a Senior Maintenance Aide to support the facilities across Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area.

Visit calcareers.ca.gov (you can search for the role using the Job Code "529448") to read the full duty statement and apply by September 4!

08/19/2026

2) Why are there dust concerns?

High levels of particulate matter have been measured downwind of Oceano Dunes SVRA. Increased levels of particulate matter contribute to poor air quality. Elevated particulate matter levels can have negative health impacts according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What is causing it?

Active dune systems, such as those found in Oceano Dunes SVRA, can be naturally dusty environments. When wind blows, sand particles creep and bounce across the dune surface through a process called saltation. The impacts of saltating particles cause emission of particulate matter into the air.

08/18/2026

Day-use passes for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Oceano Dunes SVRA are SOLD OUT. No additional day-use passes will be available for purchase on the day of the event.

If you purchased a day-use pass in advance, please have your pass ready to show State Parks staff when you arrive at the entrance kiosk.

Important reminders:

▪️The vehicle license plate must match the license plate listed on the reservation/pass. Vehicles without a matching license plate will not be permitted entry.

▪️If you used a California State Parks-issued Annual Pass, Disabled Discount Pass, or Senior Discount Pass to obtain your day-use reservation, you must present the valid physical State Parks pass upon entry.

▪️Please have your pre-purchased day-use pass ready to display before reaching the entrance kiosk to help keep traffic moving.

Thank you for planning ahead and helping our staff provide a safe and efficient entry process.

08/17/2026

Planning on visiting Oceano Dunes SVRA for the Sand Drags event on August 22?

Advance Day Use Vehicle passes are available now and are expected to sell out. If you're planning to visit Oceano Dunes SVRA or Pismo State Beach on August 22, be sure to purchase your Day Use Vehicle pass online in advance. No Day Use Vehicle passes will be sold at the park entry kiosks on the day of the event.

Use the link below to purchase your pass.

https://tinyurl.com/3kxvru8e

When purchasing your pass, the vehicle license plate you enter must match the vehicle arriving at the park.

California State Parks Annual and Discount Pass holders are eligible to participate in the pre-sale at their applicable rate. When reserving through the LAZ pre-sale website, select the pass type that matches the California State Parks pass you currently hold. If you're using a California State Parks pass, please bring it with you on the day of the event.

Camping at North Beach or Oceano Campground? Your camping reservation does not provide beach access for your vehicle on August 22. You will still need to purchase a Day Use Vehicle pass online if you plan to drive onto the beach.

08/12/2026

1. Stipulated Order of Abatement

What is it?

The Stipulated Order of Abatement (SOA) is an agreement between the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) and San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District that was adopted in 2018 and amended in 2019. As part of the SOA, State Parks has committed to reducing particulate matter downwind of the SVRA. The SOA is a legal agreement that requires State Parks to meet specific air quality targets to maintain off-highway vehicle use on the SVRA and can be viewed here:https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1140/files/07-28-2021-5C-Stipulated%20Order%20of%20Abatement.pdf

Who is the Science Advisory Group and how are they involved?

The Science Advisory Group was formed as part of the SOA and consists of an international group of Earth and atmospheric experts who serve in an advisory capacity to help guide efforts to reduce emissions from the dunes.

08/07/2026

Join State Park Docent Dan for a guided Beaver Walk around the Oceano Lagoon and discover the fascinating history of beavers in California.

Learn about their unique physical adaptations, their role in our country's westward expansion, why they were heavily hunted during the fur trade, and their local history. Enjoy an easy-paced walk around the lagoon as you search for evidence and signs of beaver activity.

Meet at Guiton Hall, next to the Oceano Dunes Visitor Center at Oceano Campground. The walk is approximately 0.5 miles and lasts about 2 hours. Open to all ages.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and binoculars if you have them. No dogs, please.

Space is limited. Please call (805) 474-2664 to RSVP.

08/06/2026

Planning on visiting Oceano Dunes SVRA Saturday, August 22, 2026 for general day use or the Sand Drags event?

Advance Day Use Vehicle passes are available now and are expected to sell out.

If you're planning to visit Oceano Dunes SVRA or Pismo State Beach on August 22, be sure to purchase your Day Use Vehicle pass online in advance. No Day Use Vehicle passes will be sold at the park entry kiosks on the day of the event.

When purchasing your pass, the vehicle license plate you enter must match the vehicle arriving at the park. If the license plate does not match your pre-sale pass, entry will not be permitted.

California State Parks annual and discount pass holders are eligible to participate in the pre-sale at their applicable rate. When reserving through the LAZ pre-sale website, be sure to select the pass type that matches the California State Parks pass you currently hold. If you're using a California State Parks pass, please bring it with you on the day of the event.

Purchase your day use pass here: https://tinyurl.com/3kxvru8e

08/01/2026

Explore Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area this August!

Swipe through to see our full calendar of guided walks, Junior Ranger programs, and campfire programs happening throughout the month.

Visit parks.ca.gov/events for full event details and more information about each program. If you have any questions about these programs, give us a call at (805) 474-2664 or send us a message, we're happy to help!

We hope to see you out in the parks this month!

Address

Pismo Beach, CA
93449

Telephone

(805) 773-7170

Website

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=595, http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Oceano Dunes District - Pismo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Pismo Beach?