Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort in Oceano, California was a place we looked forward to visiting—but it didn’t turn out the way we expected.
Great Anticipation
After doing some research, we found what seemed like the perfect stop—Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort in Oceania, California.
Everything we saw said the same thing: you could ride horses on the beach. You could explore the sand dunes. You could enjoy a beautiful coastal experience.
YouTube videos talked about it. Their website showed it. The cover of their campsite map showed it. The pictures others posted confirmed it.
Now that is exciting!
I was ready to jump on a horse at any moment.
(First picture from Pacific Dunes RV Park website. Second picture from Images when website name is searched.)
Total Disappointment
As we drove into the RV park, we saw the stables—and my heart started beating just a little faster.
“This is really going to happen,” I thought.
After settling in, we went to the office… only to find out there were no horse rides on the beach.
In fact, the only thing they offered—during the summer—were pony rides for children.
Aw, shucks.
The employees apologized and told us they were not responsible for what was shown on their website.
What to Expect at Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort
“Well… at lease the dunes and the beach will not disappear from Pacific Dunes RV Resort!
And truly, the dunes were incredible—only about 100 feet from our RV door.
Each evening, a steady parade of people walked past our camper toward the dunes. Why?
Yes, it was cooler in the evening…
But mostly, it was because the sky became a canvas of color—
reds, oranges, pinks, and purples.
And the best seat in the house?
The top of the dunes.
Ken and I made our way through the sand and climbed to the top of the tallest dune. From there, we could see the ocean in one direction and endless dunes stretching into a painted sky in the other.
Hike to the Beach
Seeing the ocean from a distance stirred something in me.
“I’m going to hike out there at sunrise,” I decided, “and have my Bible study on the beach.”
So early the next morning, I set out.
“This is easy,” I thought. “There are footprints everywhere—I’ll just follow them.”
Some of the climbs were challenging, but I took my time. The views from the top of each dune were worth every step.
And sliding down the other side? That was the easy part.
As the sun rose, the shadows on the sand made it look like whipped cream—soft, textured, and glowing.
Then suddenly…
The footprints disappeared.
“What happened? Where did they go?”
For a moment, I realized I probably should have turned on a hiking tracker app—but it was a little late for that now!
So, I found the tallest dune and made a mental note: this will be my marker to get back.
Disappointment… Again
After adjusting my direction a few times, I finally climbed one last hill—and made it to the beach.
And then…
“What is this?”
Cars were everywhere.
People were driving across the sand.
Hundreds of ATVs were lined up for rent.
There was no quiet place to sit.
No peaceful shoreline.
“I can’t even have a Bible study here,” I thought. “I’d be sitting in the middle of a road!”
What kind of beach was this?
This was not peaceful.
The Return
Before heading back, I climbed one of the tallest dunes and sat down at the top.
From there, I could see everything—the busy beach on one side and the quiet dunes on the other.
And then it hit me…
“What better place to meet with God than on the top of a mountain?”
Up there, I could still hear the distant sound of waves—but the noise of the vehicles had faded away.
And suddenly, what felt like disappointment… became peace.
I found my marker dune and began the hike back. As I walked through the quiet sand, there was no one around.
Just space.
Stillness.
Time to think.
Time to pray.
A Gentle Reminder
“You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”
— Psalm 30:11 (NIV)
Sometimes what we expect isn’t what we receive…
but what God gives us is exactly what we need.
Everywhere I go, I enjoy camping with Jesus—on the road and in life.
Enjoy your journey, and feel free to reach out.
Tips for the Journey — Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort
- While horses are no longer part of the resort experience, the dunes themselves are worth exploring.
- The staff was incredibly helpful—we were even able to have 8 large boxes (our new couch and loveseat!) delivered directly to the park, which many campgrounds would not allow.
- Sites accommodate tents, small rigs, and large campers—but space is tight.
- Our 45-foot fifth wheel took nearly the entire site, and we had to park our truck nearby.
- Full hookups were available, including 50-amp service.
There are no trees or shade, and sites are close together—but the sunsets and dune access make up for it.
Additional Information
For more places to stay near Oceano and Pismo Beach, visit our Resource Page.
To learn more about Pacific Dunes Ranch RV Resort, visit their website: