We were unable to even GET a campsite. The North Beach Campground is First Come First Served, and what a mess. I was told by the Oceano Campground via telephone that we had to go to the campsite, find an empty spot, set up our tent and pay. I asked Specifically if we could put out a reserved sign and pay for it. No, you have to set up camp.
We went there at noon Sunday to get the site, and everyone was putting up boxes and paper plates to reserve the space, no one was putting up any of their camping items, just a chair or a box. We went to the ranger station to let them know, and the Aide was rude as anyone I have ever encountered.
My question becomes this. Do you have to get there at 10 a.m. and ask who's leaving, and then hang around their campsite all morning like a vulture in order to get a campsite? in which case, when is it cleaned? I was told that check out was at noon, and check in at 2:00, I can't imagine putting even camping gear down before it's cleaned up from the previous campers. ish.
So, I don't believe we'll be camping until the spots are reservation only; or until we figure out the system... which seems to change from day to day. I don't believe it's so difficult to go play in the dirt for a few days. Sigh.

Westayed 3 nights , location was great the trail around the lagoon was great, was looking for the beavers that was visiting they were spotted,also got to experience seeing mother skunk with 4 babies,clean bathrooms and showers was great. Great time and I am on the internet to re-book another stay, enjoyed the wildlife and the musuem there is also nice. Now for those looking for the Marriott its not but it is really nice. See you soon if you have any open sites as we think its a great place to have a great time thanks.

We have been coming to Oceano Camprground for over 10 years and love the campground. Most campsites have sufficent space between them for privacy unless you get one that circles around the restroom/showers. Some sites having tents can be back to back. Kyaking in the lagoon is fun but you have to lock your food due to the racoons. We lost a turkey one Thanksgiving. There's a nice nature walk around the lagoon. My only complaint is that the campground has not converted to a "site specific" campground. Although you may sign up online for a specific size site, you are assigned a site unrelated to what was requested on your reservation or your personal need. A backpacker could one of the five 31' sites and a 31' RV get a 24' space. This part is not not managed well. If you accidently get what you need, you'll generally have a good experience.

After traveling 300 miles to get here and paying $42.50 for this so called premium camping space @ oceano not North beach we realized that we made a huge mistake for booking this online. It's basically a trailer park (NEAR, NOT ON THE BEACH) without the trailers. There is no privacy between the other campsites. We were so disappointed that we turned around and drove 300 miles through the night back home. If you're not into the ATV thing DO NOT STAY HERE!! alot of budweiser drinking and partying happening here. Find a campground elsewhere like Morro beach