If you are interested in camping on the beach here, there are a few things you should know. We figured we would give a little review and some tips.
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oceano-dunes-state-vehicular-recreation-area-oceano
Is a great place for riding on the dunes. We have seen dirtbikes, quads, side-by-sides, buggies, jeeps, etc out on the dunes. Other activities here are surf fishing, surfing, jet skis in the surf, and all you normal beach stuff.
Camping on week days is pretty good but the weekend brings tons of people when there's good weather. As with anytime you get people, multiple activities, and alcohol all packed into one relatively small area it can get frustrating sometimes...
TACTICAL TIP - calm the f@ck down and enjoy watching the crazies.
TIp - come early and find a nice spot to camp, above the high water marks, and read tide reports.
Also, there have been people camping here for a long time and campfire pits get buried by the blowing sand. This means you will most likely be parking on top of an old fire pit. Add to this, people who's parents did not teach them well enough to clean up after themselves, and you may be setting up right on top of glass bottles, used paper plates, etc. the Parks Department does a great job of cleaning up after the slobs, but they aren't everywhere and can't pick up everything.
Read all you can online (trip advisor, yelp, others) before you come down.
As for meeting great people, we met Josh and Patsy from Canada. We wound up sharing a few days, stories, campfires, some drink (Josh) and meals.
Talks of travel and rigs and food and kids, and family were all great and I hope they get home and are still saying "I tell you what?" With a harsh Sothern accent.
It was wonderful meeting them and look forward to seeing them someday up in the cold North East, cheers to Canada!
