The Oceano Dunes campgrounds will remain closed for the time being.
The popular sand dunes park south of Pismo Beach has been closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was set to reopen for camping at the beginning of October.
However, park officials are now saying the dunes will remain through Oct. 18, at least, even though San Luis Obispo County has the state’s approval to reopen campgrounds and outdoor recreation since the county is on California’s coronavirus red tier – an improvement from the purple tier.
This closure extension comes on the heels of a July decision to keep the dunes closed until October to protect the snowy plover birds that nest on the beach.
Even though the dunes campgrounds are closed, several nearby campgrounds are open.
A planned “Freedom Flag Rally” was scheduled for Oct. 10 at the dunes, but the extended closure will prevent any vehicles from driving in the park.
