Oceano Dunes camping

mena661 wrote:

dunerunnerjw wrote:
Speaking of oceano dunes, are the rangers diligent about checking vehicles for reservations?

As far I know they check before you even enter the beach.

X2..........There is a ranger shack at the entrance......there is no way you will get on without a reservation...(unless you crash the gate doing 98:B)...they can however stay outside of the beach and drive their car on for a daily rate......

dunerunnerjw wrote:
Speaking of oceano dunes, are the rangers diligent about checking vehicles for reservations?

As far I know they check before you even enter the beach.

Speaking of oceano dunes, are the rangers diligent about checking vehicles for reservations? For example, I`m camping there during the 4th of July week and made my reservations months ago however I have a couple of friends wanting to join me but it is completely booked. What are their chances of getting a ticket with so many campers on the beach? I`m leaning towards telling them it won`t be worth the fine if they get caught.

And something to remember about the creek is if it's low right now, doesn't mean it's going to be low in 2 hours. You're generally probably safe in the summer if you know that no rain storms are coming in, but in other times of the year it's dependant on what the rain is doing up in the hills. I was there once and easily crossed it in my Jeep Wrangler. On the way back out the rain had come in up stream and the creek was twice as full. I got back across but at one point water came across the hood of the Wrangler. People were getting stuck in the creek in other types of vehicles. Probably the only reason I made it is because the wrangler is set up to cross deep water unlike many other vehicles.

It's just like mowermech stated.
The only time it's more fun, is if the tide is up and the creek is running.
I've seen more than one car, truck, rv or what have you, being drug out to sea when the tide heads out.
Some of our most memorable vacations at Pismo,contained a cooler full of libations, some lawn chairs, high tide and anxious people wanting to get parked and start having fun.
On the other side of the issue, I seen some very nice diesel pushers camping on the sand, it's just not for me.

We spent three months at Pacific Dunes RV Ranch many years ago. I used to walk across the dunes and watch the RVs trying to get out on Sunday afternoon.
Took a blanket to sit on, and a couple of cold ones, and just watch. More fun than a three ring circus, and not nearly as well organized!
Running the dunes in a 4X4 was fun, but I would never take an RV to the beach! After three months of living in the RV Ranch, it took us months to get all the sand out of the fiver. It would be much worse on the beach!

I have camped on the beach many times, with an older shorter Motorhome, At that time I towed a 3/4 ton Chevy pickup, set up for off road, I never worried about getting stuck.

With a 33,000 lb pusher, I don't think I would do it. Pismo Coast Village is a real nice place to stay, walk to the beach and activities for the kids.

Terry

You can pay for on/off towing service in advance.
I understand the service is far less than stuck/rescue service.
Mostly trailers with 4wd trucks or at least a 4wd buddy in the group.
Have seen a few A's though. If the creek is flowing... good luck.

Stay on the dark stuff (hard Pack) as long as you can. When you find a spot where you want to stay unhitch your toad and back into the spot. Keep your wheels as straight as possible, if you do need to turn don't be aggressive with your wheel cut. If you turn too sharply the tires will act as plows and you'll bog down.

Make sure you select a spot that is far inland from the waterline. The tides can come in and flood your campsite if you get too close. You'll see how far back other RVs are parked.

Before you leave, dig out a shallow (2in deep) runway (at least 2 feet long)in front of each rear tire. It will give you a chance to get a run when you pull out. The goal is to get up on top of the sand so don't spin the tires. If you do begin to dig in stop. The deeper you bury the MH the harder it will be to pullout.

Keep front wheels straight and don't turn until you get back to the dark sand.

Air down if you have a rig with an air compressor to air back up with. Check under the front for a suitable place to hook a strap to get pulled out before you need it. I suggest welding or bolting a tow point to the frame before going.
Disconnect your toad before proceeding down the beach and have someone else drive it for you.
Go in at low tide so the sand is firmer to drive on.
Don't spin your tires. If you feel yourself getting stuck don't keep trying.
Carry some long suitable planks to place under the tires if you need assistance getting unstuck.
Be careful whom you allow to help pull you out if you do get stuck. Not everyone has experience or know-how. You don't want the front body work ripped off.
Think smart and don't panic.

We have gone camping there for many years. We drive jeeps that are hopped up and we spend a good part of our day pulling others out of stuck situations.