Storm damage, flooding closes weekend camping at Oceano Dunes

The Pismo State Beach North Beach Campground is among the hardest hit with widespread flooding from the recent storms and remains closed until further notice.

“There’s water everywhere we walked, because of the storms I assume”, says Ken and Loretta Walker visiting the Pismo area in their own RV.

Oso Flaco Lake Nature Area will also remain closed due to storm damage to the main causeway preventing safe public access to the bridge and trails.’

The State Vehicular Recreational Area (SVRA) at the Ocean Dunes is also closed to overnight camping through Sunday night February 26 due to hazardous conditions crossing the Arroyo Grande Creek.

Day use for the O-H-V Park at the Dunes will be open on Saturday and Sunday, as long as conditions permit it.

“Its typically based on tide and creek crossing conditions”, says State Park Ranger Sean Lia about the temporary closures, “we are coming through at about dusk and letting people know that they need to leave and we are closing the gates.

The temporary closures come at a slower time of year for visitors to the SVRA and State Park campgrounds.

“I mean its been dry for the past five years, this is our rainy year, who knows maybe it will be dry against next year”, says Loretta Walker.

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If you’re planning a weekend camping trip to Oceano Dunes or Pismo Beach, you’re out of luck. State Parks has closed the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), the Pismo Beach North Beach Campground and Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area to overnight camping through Sunday night, February 26.

State Parks says recent storm activity, flooding, hazardous creek conditions and anticipated more rain is behind the decision.

Day use to the Off Highway Vehicle park at the Oceano Dunes and at Pismo Beach State Park will be permitted depending on tidal conditions.

The park will close at dusk to all OHV traffic. Keith Carls will have a full report tonight on KCOY 12 Central Coast News and KKFX Fox 11 News.

Check back for further updates on this story.