Off-roading and camping returns to Oceano Dunes. Here are the new rules

California State Parks has reopened off-roading and camping at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area.

On April 9, off-highway vehicle recreation at the Ocean Dunes was halted south of Arroyo Grande Creek by U.S. District Court Judge Anne Hwang to protect endangered snowy plovers.

On Thursday, six weeks later, the Oceano Dunes is once again allowing vehicle day use and camping in that area.

Current shorebird nesting season is underway, according to California State Parks, and visitors are encouraged to stay out of fenced and posted closure areas, obey the 15 mph speed limit and remember that wildlife always has the right-of-way.

Recent wind activity may have altered topography of the Ocean Dunes, according to a notice from California State Parks, and caution is recommended when operating vehicles within the dunes.

Scouting the route is encouraged, where steep slip faces, drop-offs, soft sand conditions and other terrain hazards may be present and not visible when approaching the dunes at an angle, the notice read.