COMMISSION

Oceano Dunes SVRA
Oceano Dunes SVRA is located on California’s
Central Coast in San Luis Obispo County, Location: San Luis Obispo County
within the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes complex. Total Park Acreage: 3,600
The SVRA is bordered on the north by the
Year Park became an SVRA: 1982
cities of Grover Beach and Pismo Beach, on
the east by the city of Oceano, on the south
Annual Visitation: 1,083,490
by Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Camping: Yes
Refuge, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
The SVRA offers 3,600 acres of beautiful
scenery along the Pacific Ocean, including the beach, coastal sand dunes, wetlands,
lakes, and riparian areas. Oceano Dunes’ topography includes an active dune complex
(shifting sand) that is geologically unique. The sand that formed these dunes was carried
down to the ocean by rivers and streams,
deposited on the beach by ocean currents,
and then shaped by the wind into the dunes
seen today in an ongoing process. The
sand dunes’ distinctive features provide for
impressive recreational opportunities for OHV
enthusiasts visiting from all over the world.
The park provides a unique opportunity for
visitors to participate in motorized recreation
on several miles of beach and coastal sand
dunes. The SVRA has been a favorite
camping and recreation site for families for over 100 years. Elevations at the park range
from sea level to 200 feet. Oceano Dunes SVRA experiences typical Central California
coastal weather conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the
high 70s throughout much of the year. Gusty afternoon wind and morning coastal fog are
prevalent in the spring and summer months.
Facilities and Recreational Opportunities
Of the 3,600 acres managed by Oceano Dunes staff, 1,500 acres of beach and dunes are
available for OHV recreation. The SVRA is a favorite area for Californians to recreate on
the beach and dunes in a wide range of motorized vehicles, from standard highway vehicles
to highly specialized dune buggies.
2017 Program Report 211