Some friends are going to pismo beach this weekend and I might be going. I was just wondering what I can expect as far as how crowded it will be, how the dunes are, camping, law enforcment etc.. I wanna know because i have only been to sand mountain and know that sand mountain is probably more carefree in terms of law enforcment and atmosphore. Just wondering. Thanks.

Somebody, anybody....... Hello!!!!

Pismo is good. Dunes are good. The whole place is good. The Law Enforcement is in your face! Keep the party in the camp with all of the toys parked, they will not hesitate to put your precious toy on the back of a tow truck and you in their back seat. Obey the speed limits where posted too.
Have fun. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

WHOA!!!! Speed limits????? Like as in 10MPH or just slow? I don't have a speedo on my quad. Just courious.

Be careful by the beach.I think it's a 10 mph speed limit.Alot of ranger's in every type of vehicle you can think of.The dunes aren't to big and they're isn't alot of flat area to go all out in, but it's a cool place.

If you're used to Sand Mountain then Pismo will probably be a let down. Too many rules, helmet, antenna and flag,current registration and so on. The Rangers sit in their Broncos in the dunes just off the beach and use binoculars to watch you in your camp, if you hop on the quad and just start it and move it around camp without putting on your helmet you'll get a ticket.
I've been going to Pismo since 1970 and a lot has changed but it's still cool to be camped on the beach.Best time to go is in October , awsome weather.

Personally, I like pismo a little better than sand mtn. Only because pismo is a shorter drive & camping on the beach is pretty cool.Like Kyle & Nailhead said,obey the limits on or near the beach.They will chase you Code 3 in a hummer if you are speeding.Hell, I've seen all wheel drive ambulances respond code 3 to an injured rider,out in the middle of the dunes.Have fun! <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/clown.gif" border="0">

Pismo is a total blast if you are into driving fast, carving bowls, and catching air. If you are not, it is still a very fun place to wheel, party, camp, relax, etc.

If you obey the rules, you will not have any problems with the rangers. Here are some things you should know.

1. The beach front is considered a state road with a speed limit of 15 mph. Don't do donuts (sp?) on the beach or you will get a ticket (unsafe turn - I guess I should have used my turn signal?). Don't speed, don't speed, don't speed.

2. The speed limit is only enforced on the beach front below the mile marker poles. If you are between the ocean and the poles, you are on the state road and you must obey the laws. If you are above the poles, you can do what you want!!!!!!!! (at least that is what I think).

3. Don't drink and drive or you will be spending the night in jail. Keep your party in your camp and not all over the dunes.

4. If you have a sand toy, wear your helmet or you will get busted.

5. Have fun!


So, are you still interested in going? My wife and I are heading down there on Saturday morning to ride motorcycles. Maybe we can hook up?

Here is a little shot of some Pismo fun.....

http://www.off-road.com/~estegall/images/airtime1a_s.jpg

[ 07-20-2001: Message edited by: Eric ]

Try these web sites:
www.oceanodunes.org (http://www.oceanodunes.org) www.oceanodunes.com (http://www.oceanodunes.com)

The recreation area was changed to Oceano Dunes a while back.

I was just there, and prefer Sand Mountain. But Oceano is good for ATV's and motorcycles. It has a bunch of drop off's. If you are going on a holiday weekend, make a reservation. They limit the number of vehicles on the beach.

If you like Sand Mountain, check out
Friends of Sand Mountain (http://www.SandMountain-NV.org)

Crowdog