DESTINATION
What’s not to love about riding off road, it’s a roller coaster of events. From the minute you hit the sand it starts. Navigating through the sand, hopefully without getting stuck, traversing waterways, again hopefully without getting stuck. Then, finally settling into just the right spot where you and your family will call home for the next few days. Down comes the ramp, out comes the toys and “POOF”, instant family fun. From our online forum to readers’ pics featured in “Braggin Rights”, the Oceano Dunes at Pismo Beach is one destination that is always filled with family fun. What makes the area so special is that it’s the only coastal state park that allows riding of off highway vehicles (OHVs) onto the beach. Imagine driving right on to the beach surrounded by miles of grainy sand dunes, you can feel the traction just thinking about it. With 1,500 acres of open sand dunes available for OHV use, you’re liable to be packing the toyhauler before finishing this article.

LOCATION:
So are you ready to enjoy coastal living at its best? Start by cruising the Central California coastline towards Pismo Beach. The Oceano Dunes are located between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. California’s temperate weather conditions make it ideal for riding all year long. During the summer, temperatures at the dunes hang between the 60s and 70s with lows in the 50s. Keep in mind you are camping on the coastline and dense morning fog is not uncommon. Of course, without the wind there would be no dunes, so be prepared to deal with on shore winds that create and recreate this sandy Disneyland on a daily basis. Day trippers can expect to pay $5.00 per vehicle for a day pass that allows riding from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For a minimal fee of $10.00 per vehicle, you can camp overnight on the beach, ride at the crack of dawn, and soak in the sun by midday.

Rey Monge, Deputy District Superintendent of the Oceano Dunes State Recreation Vehicular Area (ODSRVA) advised “the park is limited to 1,000 camping vehicles per night; however reservations can be made in advance by calling 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reserveamerica.com.” Reservations come highly recommended due to the fact that the park’s capacity maxs out at 5,300 vehicles (including day visitors). This number includes all the toys that visitors are hauling in. Chemical and vault toilets are provided and the trailer sanitation dump station is free for campers. The station is located on Le Sage drive, 1/10 mile North of Grand Avenue on Highway 1. Water is not provided, so be certain to fill up. No camping excursion is complete without a campfire. Campfires may be on the ground and must not have a base diameter larger than 3 feet and a flame height no higher than 2 feet. Surrounded by sand, sea, and an abundance of wildlife, the dunes create a feeling of remoteness that is misleading. For day trippers who want to prolong their stay, this seaside sanctuary is conveniently located near hotels, motels, campgrounds, and restaurants. For a nominal fee trailer rental business such as LUV2CAMP will even drop off a trailer to your campsite. All you need to do is show up. Reservations can be made online at www.luv2camp.com or by calling 1-888-898-CAMP.

SEASIDE SITUATION:
For those planning on camping overnight, reaching your campsite will entail a little adventure. In order to reach the camping area you will need to cross the Arroyo Grande Creek, and this is where the fun starts! Four wheel drive is recommended but so is common sense. Checking with the ranger station for information on when low tides occur will help you execute safely crossing the creek. IF not, you, your ego, your toyhauler, and family may be swept out to sea. Camping areas are marked by Posts. Posts 2-8 indicate areas designated for OHVs. All OHVs must be transported south of Post 2 before off loading. Camping is permitted South of Post 2 on the beach in open sand dune areas. If emergency assistance is needed, dial 911 or use the call box located at the entrance to the “Sand Highway.” To prevent causing congestion for those leaving the park, visitors need to be cognizant to leave room for access lanes when pulling up to the tide line. The dunes have been described to rise gently on the west side, with steep slopes on the east. Officer Monge advises, “All riders should scout the area and become familiarized with the dunes before getting ready to throw a roost.” He went on to explain, “sand dunes are like water, you get a little wind on them and they change. What was once a small easy dune to navigate can become a challenge. Whereas, no wind and plenty of riders changes the dune to be more rounded out,” like a creamy tub of margarine. California’s basic speed law applies—don’t sacrifice your safety or the safety of others by driving faster than is safe for existing conditions. Responsible riders should be equipped with safety apparel while riding. Even the most experienced rider can be easily fooled by failing to recognize slip faces, which are steep cliff-like slope sections on a dune that drop off on the backside anywhere from 1 foot to 30 feet.

PRESERVATION PROTOCOL:
Visitors are asked to remember that they are entering a state park which plays home to a variety of plants and wildlife, and that everyone must adhere to the park’s protocol to preserve this fragile environment. You haul in your trash and must haul it out, simple enough. While riding be aware that areas that are fenced or marked by signage usually indicate habitat preservation, private property etc. Two of the park’s permanent residents are an endangered and threatened species of shorebird. They are the Western Snowy Plover and the California Least Tern who, between March 1st and September 30th, nest amongst the dunes. Come spring, hatched fledglings continuously make a beeline between the open sands within the recreation area and the rolling surf. Guests are instructed to obey the 15 mph speed limit and yield the right of way to these fine feathered friends. Federal and state laws prohibit the tampering or disturbing of these birds, and are enforced by Park Rangers. ATVs, two wheelers, sandrails, and vehicles must drive responsibly, especially along stretches of the park that include pedestrian, equestrian, and wildlife crossing.

ORGANIZATION:
Originally, there were 15 miles of beach available to OHV recreation, but presently OHV areas are becoming as rare as finding gas for under $3.00 a gallon. One organization that actively and continuously supports “Access for all” within the ODSVRA is, the “Friends of the Oceano Dunes.” Monitoring legislation that could call for additional land closures is literally an uphill battle that has more hills than the dunes they fight to protect. This not-for-profit corporation of both citizens and businesses, represents a group who enjoy the benefits of public access and usage of the ODSVRA. Like most battles, this is a costly endeavor. The friends count on revenue generated by fund raising events like raffling off custom sandrails, actively pursing grants, donations, and group rides like their Poker Run this 4th of July, to pursue their plight. Volunteers regularly schedule trash clean up days to help preserve the park. For the “Friends,” “the looming threat of continued closures is real, they support ALL forms of responsible recreation and are dedicated to ensuring continued access to the ODSVRA.” For more information visit www.oceanodunes.org.

SALUTATIONS:
It is no wonder that the 1500 acres dedicated to OHV, which make up this 5 miles of fun has become one road trip that some families make annually. One such family is the Wertens of Orange County, who never tire of the ODSVRA. When asked why Pismo is so special to Kimberly Werten and her family, the first thing she shared was the hours of entertainment it provided for the entire family, all of whom ride, “the kids have such a great time playing in the sand. It’s someplace that gives them a fun activity while the adults can also sit, chat, and relax.” She used one word to describe this setting “AWESOME!” Watching sunsets and listening to waves are moments they cherish. Kimberly described the dunes as a “family oriented riding location.” The Werten’s are like most that enter the park, young families who all share the same sensibility for responsible riding, especially watching after the kids. Kimberly added that “if anyone ever needs help there’s always someone nearby that is willing and happy to help you out.” Many are drawn to California for its theme parks that claim they have the best rides in town, but if you happened to ask the Werten’s where they could find the best ride, they certainly would disagree.

A NOTE ON LEGALIZATION: Ready to roost by the sea? Not so quick, here is a quick tutorial on law and safety in OHV areas. The park is staffed with 13 Rangers who oversee and enforce OHV rules of the road. This is only a partial list of regulations pertaining to OHV’s. For a complete listing, see Division 16.5 of the California Vehicle Code available at DMV offices and at www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html.

• A driver’s license is not necessary to operate an OHV in most areas. However, if your driving privilege is suspended in any state, you may not operate an OHV on California public lands
• California’s driving under the influence laws apply to off-highway vehicle drivers
• It is illegal to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage while riding in or operating an off-highway vehicle.
• No person shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle on public lands unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting requirements established for motorcycles and motorized bicycles.
• Sound levels are enforced; Noise emissions should not exceed more than 96 dBA if manufactured on or after January 1, 1986, and not more than 101 dBA if manufactured prior to January 1, 1986.
• All OHV’s must be registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are going to operate a motorized vehicle off-road only, you must have either a Green Sticker or a Red Sticker that has been issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Green Sticker allows vehicles to operate on public land all year. The Red Sticker is for motorcycles and ATVs model year 2003 and newer that do not meet the emission standards established by the California Air Resources Board.
• The speed limit is 15 mph in the camping areas and beach and within 50 feet of campsites and persons elsewhere.
• ATV operators under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult.

-THM

Special Thanks to Officer Rey Monge and Jim Suty