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Places to ride · California

Oceano Dunes
Pismo

Drive down the beach to reach the dunes. Ocean air, sea-level power and sunset runs on the sand.

Sea levelElevation at the staging area
0%Power lost to thin air, naturally aspirated
Year-round (check access)Prime season

Know before you go

Fees, rules and the lay of the land.

Managed byCalifornia State Parks

Rules, closures and current conditions come from them. Fees and rules below are from their page, read November 10, 2026.

Fees$5 per vehicle, day use

Passes are first come, first served at the Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue kiosks. Special rates can apply on peak days.

The placeState Vehicular Recreation Area

Vehicle day use is open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Unload at Post 2

The OHV area starts at Post 2, a mile south of Pier Avenue on the beach. Haul your machine there before you unload.

Tides and the creek

High tides, heavy rain and Arroyo Grande Creek can restrict beach access.

Fees and rules change. Check the California State Parks page before you haul.

What the elevation does

Sea-level air. Full power.

Pick a naturally aspirated machine

Rated225 hp
At Sea level~225 hp

Standard atmospheric math: roughly 3% per 1,000 feet for a naturally aspirated engine. Not a dyno claim.

Turbo and supercharged cars.

A turbocharged machine (Can-Am Maverick R, Can-Am Maverick X3, CFMOTO Z10) can spin its turbo harder as the air thins, so it loses far less. We don’t put a number on that.

A supercharger breathes the same thin air, so it gives up a similar share. It just starts from much higher.

Tunes written for your fuel and elevation →

What to run

Set up for Oceano Dunes.

Paddles in the back dunes. Access rules shift, so check current status before you haul.

Sand tiresSteers and paddles → Forged wheelsBeadlock or standard lip → TunesFor your fuel and elevation → SuperchargersPower to spare up high → FitmentWhat fits your machine →

Where it is

Oceano Dunes, California.

ArizonaCaliforniaOregonUtahIdahoNevadaPackard · ClearfieldOceano Dunes

Vehicle day use is open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Open in Google Maps ↗California State Parks page ↗

More places to ride

Glamis ~300 ftDumont Dunes ~800 ftSand Hollow ~3,000 ftSand Mountain ~4,000 ftSt. Anthony Sand Dunes ~4,900 ftLittle Sahara ~5,200 ftCoral Pink Sand Dunes ~5,900 ftAll places →

Questions

Oceano Dunes questions.

What is the elevation at Oceano Dunes?

Close to sea level.

How much does it cost to ride at Oceano Dunes?

$5 per vehicle, day use. Passes are first come, first served at the Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue kiosks. Special rates can apply on peak days. That is from the California State Parks page as of November 10, 2026; check the official page before you haul.

How much power does my machine lose at Oceano Dunes?

Almost none. Near sea level a naturally aspirated engine makes its rated power.

When is the best time to ride Oceano Dunes?

Riders go mostly Year-round (check access).

Who manages Oceano Dunes?

The California State Parks. Rules, closures and conditions are on their page.