How much does camping cost at North Beach Campground?

Camping fees at North Beach Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is North Beach Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

North Beach Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at North Beach Campground before I book?

Yes! North Beach Campground has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit North Beach Campground?

North Beach Campground is open Peak seasons are typically summer months and holiday weekends.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at North Beach Campground?

Yes, North Beach Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at North Beach Campground?

Cell phone service at North Beach Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does North Beach Campground have?

North Beach Campground has 104 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Beach Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Beach Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at North Beach Campground?

North Beach Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

North Beach Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Beach Campground?

Fire policies at North Beach Campground: Campfires must be in designated fire rings, not exceeding three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only untreated wood is permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

515 reviews

399 S. Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

104 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

104 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

North Beach Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsite fees are $25 per night. Additional fees include $10 for RV dump station usage payable via credit card.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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Reserve California

Provider

805-473-7220null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

399 S. Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

North Beach Campground

399 S. Dolliver St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449

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.

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.

Weather at North Beach Campground

Current alert: There are no current warnings or advisories listed for the park.

Best Time to Camp at North Beach Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable beach weather, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and nights in the low-to-mid 50s°F. Water temperatures reach 58–64°F. This is peak season for crowds, so book six months ahead if possible. Winter brings cooler conditions and occasional rain, but temperatures rarely drop below the mid-40s at night. Coastal fog can roll in year-round, especially in the mornings.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder weather and good coastal access; fewer crowds than summer though still popular.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak seasons are typically summer months and holiday weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, reservations highly recommended during peak seasons and holidays.

About North Beach Campground

North Beach Campground sits within Pismo State Beach, 104 sites between Highway 1 and the Pacific Ocean. Sites are level and spacious, with pull-through options for RVs. Nightly fees run $25. The beach is a short walk away, and the Monarch Butterfly Grove is nearby. Expect good cell coverage but limited privacy between sites.

North Beach Campground accommodates tent campers and RVs but lacks hookups, catering to dry camping.

Historical Significance

The Northern Chumash lived along this coastline for thousands of years. Interpretive displays in the Monarch Butterfly Grove and surrounding dunes provide context about the area's ecology and cultural history.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable beach weather, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and nights in the low-to-mid 50s°F. Water temperatures reach 58–64°F. This is peak season for crowds, so book six months ahead if possible. Winter brings cooler conditions and occasional rain, but temperatures rarely drop below the mid-40s at night. Coastal fog can roll in year-round, especially in the mornings.

ElevationThis coastal campground sits at sea level, where the land meets the endless Pacific horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a flat terrace at 13 feet elevation within the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex, one of the largest coastal dune systems in California. Wind-sculpted sand surrounds the sites, broken by stands of eucalyptus trees. Carpenter Creek runs through the area. Vegetation is sparse between campsites, leaving open views across neighboring sites and toward the ocean. From November through February, monarch butterflies cluster in the nearby grove, thousands of them transforming the eucalyptus canopy into masses of orange and black wings.

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.

Scenic ViewsCampground sites are set near the beach, separated by sand dunes. Views include the Pacific Ocean and seasonal Western Monarch Butterflies.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge-style accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs during summer months and educational exhibits at the nearby visitor center.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 of 15 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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPaved roads serve a mix of pull-through and back-in sites separated by grassy areas and sand. Sites lack screening vegetation, so privacy is minimal. Highway 1 runs close enough that road noise is constant. Lock valuables. Theft comes up often enough in reviews to take it seriously.

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.

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.

Site SizeSites are spacious, accommodating RVs and tents, with pull-through options for RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as sites are open and lack vegetation between them.

Total Campsites104 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose 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 CampsitesSites 1, 8, 9, 11, 14, 16, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, 47, 49, 62, 81, 83, and 101 rate highest in reviews. Site selection matters less for ocean views than for distance from Highway 1, which generates steady traffic noise.

Need help booking North Beach Campground?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

North Beach Campground features tent camping facilities and a campfire center. There are no hook-up sites available in this campground. Visitors can access the beach from the campground and enjoy the the views along Carpenter Creek.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTheft has been reported by multiple visitors, particularly of generators and bikes. Wildlife such as burrowing squirrels is common.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be in designated fire rings, not exceeding three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only untreated wood is permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest 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).

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, and the campground notably provides recycling bins near campsites.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Carpenter Creek and within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean.

Camp HostHosts are available to assist with reservations and provide local information. Some reviews indicate mixed experiences with the host's helpfulness.

Cell CoverageUser reviews confirm good cell phone coverage and internet access within the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

515 reviews

Recommended

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

Based on 515 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, proximity to the beach and Monarch Butterfly Grove, and friendly camp hosts.

Based on 515 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include theft at campsites, loud neighboring campers, limited privacy, and token-operated showers without clear signage.

Based on 515 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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.

Based on 515 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

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.

Based on 515 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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.

Based on 515 reviews

Camper Quotes

"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...

Based on 515 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites 3, 4, 7, 22, 34, 45, 71, and 84 are accessible, including adjacent water stations. Accessible trails connect the campground to nearby attractions.

Based on 515 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed within the campground, trails, and beach areas but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Based on 515 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Butterfly season (November through February) draws campers who want a front-row seat to the monarch migration, and sites 1, 14, 35, or 103 put you closest to the action without fighting the summer crowds.

Skip if

Open, unscreened sites, constant Highway 1 road noise, and a real theft pattern for generators and bikes are the baseline here; campers who've reported feeling unwelcome or targeted by neighbors suggest anyone outside the local cultural mainstream may have a rougher stay than the

Nearby Campgrounds

555 Pier Ave. Oceano, CA 93445

Oceano Campground sits between the Oceano Lagoon and the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex at 23 feet elevation, offering 82 sites for both RV and tent camping. The campground provides flush toilets, hot showers (token-operated), electric and water hookups, and a dump station, with nightly fees ranging from $25 to $50. Reserve early for summer weekends when the place fills up.