Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, and watching the sunset over the Pacific-  all from the comfort of your campsite. Pismo State Beach is one of California’s most beloved beach camping destinations, offering a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and relaxation. From digging for clams to riding ATVs on the dunes, there’s something for every kind of camper. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before you book your Pismo camping trip-  including amenities, rules, top activities, and essential gear to bring like the RinseKit.

Location: Where Is Pismo State Beach?

Pismo State Beach stretches along California’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It’s accessible from Highway 1 and located just south of the city of Pismo Beach. The park includes two campgrounds: North Beach Campground, known for its close proximity to downtown Pismo and the Monarch Butterfly Grove, and Oceano Campground, located closer to the dunes and off-roading areas.

Pismo State Beach Weather

Pismo Beach enjoys mild, coastal weather year-round.

• Summer months bring daytime highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s with cool marine breezes and chilly evenings, so layers are key.
  

• Fall tends to be the warmest and driest season, with sunny skies and pleasant temps perfect for camping.
  

• Winter is cooler (50s and 60s), and you may experience rain.
  

• Spring is lush and breezy, with wildflowers and moderate temps.
  

Always pack for fluctuating conditions- even in summer- and bring windbreakers, warm layers, and sun protection.

Booking & RV Info

Pismo State Beach campgrounds are reservation- only, and can be booked through ReserveCalifornia.

• North Beach Campground: No RV hookups but close to the beach and butterfly grove.
  

• Oceano Campground: Offers electrical hookups and is closer to the dunes and lagoon.
  

Important Booking Notes:

• Reservations open six months in advance.
  

• Sites fill fast, especially between April and October-  book early!
  

• Rates range from $35- $50 per night, depending on season and site type.

General Rules & Regulations

• Check-in: 2:00 PM | Check-out: Noon
  

• Quiet hours: 10 PM-6 AM
  

• Generator use: 10 AM-8 PM
  

• Dogs: Allowed on leash in campgrounds, but not on dunes or beach
  

• Alcohol: Prohibited
  

• Campfires: Only in designated fire rings
  

• Vehicles: Only allowed in designated paved areas
  

Top Activities at Pismo State Beach

Whether you're looking for relaxation or adrenaline, there’s no shortage of things to do:

• Clamming: Pismo is famous for its clams-  check local regulations before harvesting.
  

• Surfing: Small to moderate beach breaks, great for beginners.
  

• Off-roading (Oceano Dunes): Bring your own ATV, dirt bike,  or rent one nearby.
  

• Hiking & Biking: Stroll through dunes or bike the nearby coastal trails.
  

• Wildlife Watching: Don’t miss the Monarch Butterfly Grove in winter or the lagoon trail for birding.
  

• Fishing: Shore fishing is allowed year-round with a valid California fishing license.

Pismo State Beach Campground Amenities

Whether you’re staying at North Beach Campground or Oceano Campground, Pismo State Beach provides a variety of amenities that make it a popular coastal camping destination:

• Restrooms: Clean, regularly maintained bathrooms with flush toilets.
  

• Public Showers: Cold-water showers available, but not always convenient or private.
  

• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each site comes equipped with its own table and fire ring- perfect for grilling, relaxing, and late-night s’mores.
  

• RV Dump Stations: Available for RV campers at Oceano Campground.
  

• Potable Water Spigots: Scattered throughout campgrounds for refilling water jugs or water for pets.
  

• Beach Access: Campsites are just steps away from the sand which is the main activity at the campgrounds. Perfect for long days at the beach and surfing!
  

• Trails: Access to walking and biking trails that connect to the Monarch Butterfly Grove and the beach.
  

• Fishing Access: The nearby lagoon and beach offer spots for surf fishing- bring your fishing license!
  

• Wildlife Viewing: The area is a bird-watcher’s paradise, and during the season, you can visit the Monarch Butterfly Grove

• Nearby Off-Road Access: Just a few minutes away from Oceano Dunes SVRA, where you can drive on the beach or go off-roading.

Why You Really Need a RinseKit at Pismo State Beach

Pismo is the kind of beach where adventure gets messy in the best way- but that also means you’ll want a solid way to clean up. Enter: RinseKit, the must-have piece of gear you didn’t know you needed until you had it.

 Post-Surf Showers

After catching waves, you’re covered in salt, sand, and possibly kelp. A RinseKit delivers pressurized water to quickly rinse off your wetsuit, board, and body-  right at your campsite or tailgate. No need to stand in line at the public showers (or worse, wait until you're home).

Clean Kids & Dogs

Pismo’s beaches and dunes are a playground for kids and pups-  but they come back caked in sand and dirt. With a RinseKit, you can give them a quick rinse before they jump into the RV or tent. It’s portable, easy to carry, and much more effective than baby wipes.

Off-Roading Cleanup

Been blasting through the Oceano Dunes? Your gear, boots, and ATV are likely covered in sand and mud. RinseKit makes it simple to spray down your equipment without needing a hose or electric hookup-  and its battery-powered pressure means no manual pumping.

Cooking & Camp Cleanup

The RinseKit is also clutch for rinsing dishes, cutting boards, or even sandy picnic tables before eating. Use the spray to clean off food prep areas or your grill- it’s like having a faucet wherever you need one.

Outdoor Showers with Privacy

Need a full-body refresh but your RV’s indoor shower is cramped or occupied? RinseKit lets you set up a private outdoor shower- especially handy if you bring a pop-up privacy tent. With hot water add-ons like the RinseKit HyperHeater, you can even take a warm shower after sunset.

 Extended Water Use Without Hookups

If you're camping at North Beach Campground (which has no hookups), the 10-Gallon Tailgate Shower is a game-changer. It gives you multiple days of rinsing power without needing to refill constantly.

No Power? No Problem

Pismo camping is rustic at times- especially in off-grid spots. RinseKit’s battery-powered models don’t need external electricity and can run for months on a single charge. Some models even offer USB charging ports for your phone or other devices.

Pro Tip: Mount the RinseKit 10-Gallon Tailgate Shower directly to your vehicle or RV for easy access, or keep the RinseKit Pro tucked in your gear bin for quick grab-and-go cleaning wherever you are.

Why RinseKit is the Best Portable Shower to Bring Beach Camping

1. Superior Pressurization: Unlike many portable showers that rely on gravity or manual pumping for water pressure, RinseKit features a patented battery-powered pressurization system. This system allows it to maintain a steady, high-pressure stream of water, mimicking the experience of a home shower. This is crucial for effectively rinsing off the day's dirt, sunscreen, and sweat, making you feel refreshed and rejuvenated without the need for constant pumping or repositioning.

2. Ease of Use: RinseKit is designed for simplicity and ease of use. Filling the RinseKit is straightforward- simply pour in water from any source. Once filled, it’s ready to deliver a pressurized spray with the twist of a nozzle. There’s no setup required each time you need a shower, and its user-friendly operation makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with camping gear.

3. Durability and Reliability: Built to withstand tough conditions, RinseKit’s robust construction makes it ideal for the outdoors. Its materials are designed to resist UV damage, corrosion, and the wear and tear of outdoor use. This durability ensures that RinseKit can handle from dust and mud to rain and prolonged sun exposure at the beach campsite

4. Versatility: RinseKit isn’t just for showering. Its adjustable nozzle settings (from mist to jet spray) make it incredibly versatile for other uses like washing dishes, cleaning sandy surfboards and beach gear, or even giving a quick rinse to get the sand off your feet in and out of your RV or tent. This multipurpose functionality means you carry less while getting more uses out of a single item.

5. Portability: Despite its sturdy build, RinseKit is highly portable. It’s designed to be compact enough to easily transport to and from your campsite. With ergonomic features like a carrying handle, it is easy to move around, ensuring that you can take it anywhere you go, whether you’re heading down to the beach or just need to refill it at a water station.

6. No External Power Required: RinseKit’s models are battery-operated, requiring no external power source to pressurize the water. Each charge lasts 4-6 months, making RinseKit an ideal companion for multi-day beach camping if you don't have an electricity hookup option. This portable power means you can also charge your external devices, like your phone or your air mattress pump, off of your RinseKit.

7. Hot Water Options: RinseKit can be paired with portable heaters like the HyperHeater, providing the luxury of a hot shower. This can be particularly soothing after long days spent outdoors or during chillier nights, enhancing comfort and relaxation. 

Final thoughts

Pismo State Beach delivers the best of California beach camping: laid-back vibes, natural beauty, and tons of activities right at your doorstep. With its wide variety of sites and proximity to both sand dunes and surf breaks, it’s a bucket list camping destination. And with the help of a portable water system like RinseKit, you’ll keep the sand where it belongs- outside. So whether you're heading out for a long weekend or a full-blown beach adventure, pack smart, book early, and enjoy everything Pismo has to offer.