Pismo State Beach North

On June 7, 2012, this is our first stop for 2 nights on our Oregon trip to see our son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.  We have stayed here several times and it is our favorite in this neck of the woods.  Actually, it is right on the pacific ocean off hwy 101 and most sites have pull through sites.  The campbook states 36 foot max, but we have had no trouble parking our 40 footer here.  No hook-ups here, but the sites are large and private and there is available water and a dump station.  All sites have fire ring, table, and barbecue grill.  I rate this park F***.  As with all California State Campgrounds along the coast, you must make reservations well in advance during the summer months to camp because they usually sell out quickly.  This park does not take reservations in the winter except for holiday weeks.  We paid $35 per night less $2 discount for seniors over 62.  There is also an $8 fee to make reservation.  Winter rates drop to $25.
We took a day trip to Avila Beach and let Buddy go for a swim in the ocean and romp with the other doggies on the beach.  We hiked onto the pier and I invested in 6 cherry stone clams from Maine to eat on the half shell.  Inflation is alive and well here in Avila - I shelled out a lot of clams for those clams.  $1.65 apiece.  The sales clerk said she would open them for me for only $3 apiece.  I elected to open them myself, thank you.  It has been years since I have had these and they were great! 
There is a campground here and it is first come, first served - no reservations.  At $60 per night you get full hook-ups.  No room for tables or fire ring.  If you have room to park your vehicle in front of your RV, you have room to put out your awning or you can elect to put your slides out instead.  You have a great view of the ocean on the opposite side of the street.  I would elect to pay $40 to dry camp on the oceanside of the street.  Dry campers can purchase water for 25 cents per gallon at a central location.  I don't know about a dump station.  I would rate this campground P***.

We actually stayed here last November to observe the monarch butterfly's.  They nest in this park every year in October to November.  They fly down from Canada and can cover up to 100 miles per day on their journey.  Once here they nest in a stand of Eucalyptus trees and mate then die.  Their offspring continue their journey as far south as Mexico.  They count them yearly and run into the tens of thousands. This pelican allowed tourists within 2 feet of him before opening his large mouth as if to bite his antagonizer.