Oceano Dunes ready to welcome back campers. Here’s how to get a reservation
After more than a month of closures, Oceano Dunes is set to reopen to camping.
The popular off-roading park in coastal San Luis Obispo County had been hit hard by the winter storms, causing much of the sand to be stripped away from the beach.
The storms also turned the once-trickling Arroyo Grande Creek into a raging river that made vehicle crossings dangerous, according to California State Parks officials.
Camping is only allowed in the area south of the creek, and the way to access it is to cross the creek.
State Parks had also restricted day use in the Oceano Dunes depending on how high the creek was running. The agency is only permitted by the California Coastal Commission to allow vehicles to cross the creek if the water is less than a foot deep.
State Parks will reopen the park to campers starting Wednesday, with visitors encouraged to make reservations.
About 500 camping reservations will be available on a daily basis. Reservations can be made at www.ReserveCalifornia.com.
State Parks will continue to monitor the creek and has issued notices for visitors to keep in mind.
“To protect public safety and natural resources, visitors are advised to plan and be ready to vacate the (Oceano Dunes) south side of Arroyo Grande Creek,” a notice posted to State Parks’ Facebook on Monday said.
“Campers may also be confined to one side of the creek for up to 18-hour periods when entry and exit is restricted,” the notice continued. “The public is advised to plan their activities accordingly.”
