North Beach Campground
4.44160 reviews399 S. Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
North Beach Campground
$25.00 - $25.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite fees are $25 per night. Additional fees include $10 for RV dump station usage payable via credit card.
About this campground
Wake up to the sound of crashing waves at North Beach Campground, where the rhythm of the Pacific Ocean sets the pace for your coastal adventure. Nestled within Pismo State Beach, this year-round camping haven offers spacious, level sites just a short stroll from the shoreline. Each thoughtfully arranged campsite comes equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Modern restroom and shower facilities ensure comfort during your stay, while the nearby Monarch Butterfly Grove adds a touch of natural magic to your camping experience.
North Beach Campground accommodates tent campers and RVs but lacks hookups, catering to dry camping.
Historical SignificanceStep onto lands that have welcomed visitors for thousands of years, where the Northern Chumash people first made their home along these productive shores. Today, thoughtfully placed interpretive displays throughout the Monarch Butterfly Grove and surrounding dunes invite you to discover the rich tapestry of ecological and cultural stories woven into this coastal landscape. Each trail marker and information panel connects modern visitors to the enduring legacy of those who came before.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature smiles on Pismo Beach with enviable year-round conditions that make any season the perfect time to visit. Picture-perfect days hover around a comfortable 70°F, while evenings cool to a crisp mid-40s—ideal for campfire stories and s'mores. Summer months deliver endless sunshine and dry conditions perfect for beach activities, while winter brings occasional gentle rains that refresh the landscape and create dramatic coastal views.
ElevationThis coastal campground sits at sea level, where the land meets the endless Pacific horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine camping where golden sand dunes roll like frozen waves toward the sea, and Carpenter Creek meanders through a landscape dotted with towering eucalyptus trees and vibrant native plants. This dynamic coastal ecosystem transforms with the seasons, reaching its pinnacle from November through February when thousands of monarch butterflies transform the grove into a living, fluttering cathedral of orange and black wings—a spectacular natural phenomenon that draws visitors from around the world.
Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex, one of California's most extensive coastal dune systems along the Central Coast. Here, wind and waves have sculpted a remarkable landscape where shifting sands create an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. The campground's prime location offers front-row seats to the Pacific Ocean's eternal performance, where powerful geological forces continue to shape this dramatic meeting of land and sea.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA accessible restrooms and showers are available, as are sand wheelchairs. The Coastal Access Trail and Guiton Trail are accessible, with features like compacted aggregate and wood surfaces.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, accommodating RVs and tents, with pull-through options for RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are open and lack vegetation between them.
Total Campsites104 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose a site near the beach for proximity to the ocean, or opt for sites farther away for less direct noise from the highway. Sites near the Monarch Butterfly Grove offer seasonal attractions.
Best CampsitesTop-rated campsites include 1, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 47, 49, 62, 81, 83, and 101.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite accommodates up to 8 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes paved roads with pull-through and back-in sites, separated by grassy areas and sand dunes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, reservations highly recommended during peak seasons and holidays.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at ReserveCalifornia or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability may exist but is highly dependent on cancellations. Hosts may help locate spots without reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled at least 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid penalties. Additional details are managed through ReserveCalifornia.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
North Beach Campground offers a variety of activities centered around beach access, trails, and nature exploration. Campers can walk to Pismo Beach, visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove, and enjoy trails like the Coastal Access Trail.
HikingThe Coastal Access Trail connects the campground to nearby attractions and is wheelchair accessible with flat or gently sloped terrain.
FishingFishing is available along the Guiton Trail, with accessible piers on the lagoon providing fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at Pismo Beach, which is a short walk from the campground.
Wildlife viewingThe Monarch Butterfly Grove is a seasonal highlight from November to February, showcasing migrating butterflies.
Beach activitiesVisitors enjoy activities such as beachcombing, sunbathing, and walking along the shore.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground hosts Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs during summer months and educational exhibits at the nearby visitor center.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be in designated fire rings, not exceeding three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only untreated wood is permitted.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTheft has been reported by multiple visitors, particularly of generators and bikes. Wildlife such as burrowing squirrels is common.
Active alertsThere are no current warnings or advisories listed for the park.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital (5.6 miles, approximately 9 minutes). Nearest police station: Pismo Beach Police Department (1.3 miles, approximately 4 minutes). Ranger station: Oceano Dunes District Ranger Station, 928 Pacific Blvd, Oceano (approximately 2.7 miles, 7 minutes).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons are typically summer months and holiday weekends.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and the campground notably provides recycling bins near campsites.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Carpenter Creek and within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include theft, noise from neighboring sites, and proximity to Highway 1 resulting in traffic noise.
HostHosts are available to assist with reservations and provide local information. Some reviews indicate mixed experiences with the host's helpfulness.
Campground Map
399 S. Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Driving directionsThe campground is located off Highway 1 in the town of Pismo Beach. From Highway 101, take exit 191A for Price Street and turn onto Highway 1 south. Continue for approximately 1 mile. Turn right onto S. Dolliver Street, then follow signs to North Beach Campground.
Road access to North Beach Campground is paved and well-maintained, suitable for all vehicle types including RVs and trailers.Nearby places
Pismo Beach (0 miles), Grover Beach (1.5 miles, 5 minutes), Oceano (2.6 miles, 7 minutes), San Luis Obispo (13 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearby grocery and supply options include 7-Eleven (0.9 miles, 3 minutes), Walmart Supercenter (3.6 miles, 10 minutes), and various local shops in downtown Pismo Beach.
Camper Reviews
4.4
160 reviews
North Beach Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its proximity to the beach, spacious sites, and cleanliness of facilities. However, theft has been raised as a recurring issue.
Review Summaries
Positive aspects include clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, proximity to the beach and Monarch Butterfly Grove, and friendly camp hosts.
Common complaints include theft at campsites, loud neighboring campers, limited privacy, and token-operated showers without clear signage.
Campers are advised to lock up valuables to prevent theft, bring soap for restrooms, and plan reservations 6 months in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
Summer months offer Jr. Ranger Programs and campfire activities. From November to February, visitors can enjoy the Monarch Butterfly Grove. Winter camping can be quieter but colder.
"Check-in is super easy and check-out as well. We really enjoyed the pathways that lead to the beach – very pretty." "Restrooms were clean and showers... were available all over the campgrounds and...
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Best campsites reported include numbers 1, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 47, 49, 62, 81, 83, and 101. Site #103 received positive remarks for its proximity to Pismo Beach.
Campsites 3, 4, 7, 22, 34, 45, 71, and 84 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. Accessible trails connect the campground to nearby attractions.
Dogs are allowed within the campground, trails, and beach areas but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Last updated July 20, 2025