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PISMO BEACH, CALIFORNIA -- Pismo Beach California offers a lot of beach camping options for both tenters and RVers, as well as fun recreation opportunities for those wishing to stay in hotels. Pismo holds the distinction of being the only beach in California that allows motor vehicles to actually drive on the sands. Needless to say, this is ATV heaven, but what's also unique is the 2 mile stretch of beach where tent campers and RVers are allowed to stay,

That's right, ocean front camping -- if you got any closer, you'd get wet! No hookups, but so what? There is one drawback to camping on the beach however, and that is the fact that it is zoned for ATV and motorcycle use. There are no quiet hours. In the middle of the heavy summer season, it can be a big problem when your neighbors are going for 2 AM races, but I'm told at other times of year, the crowds are minimal. Also, the pounding of the surf tends to drown out other noises.

If camping on the sand is a bit too adventurous, try the 82 site Oceano Campground at Pismo State Beach. Water and electric hookups, nature center and trails, pay showers (.25 cents for two minutes) and fire pits at each site are some of the amenities. This state run campground also has facilities for tent and RV campers.

In addition, you'll find tons of private commercial campgrounds in the immediate area, as well as the Ocean Canyon Park membership resort in nearby San Luis Obispo.

A short drive or a long walk on the beach from Oceano campground is the town of Pismo Beach and the Pismo Beach pier. It's a typical small beach town with the typical cheesy charm that makes such places a constant delight to visit. There are lots of small restaurants and take out joints, but according to everyone we talked to, the Splash Cafe is the place to go. So we did.

This seaside eatery had a line out the door and down the block when we arrived, most of them waiting for the award winning clam chowder, served in a sourdough bread bowl. Last year, the Splash Cafe served over 10,000 gallons of the famous creamy chowder. In addition to chowder, you can get buckets of steamers, fish and chips and other beach town favorites, all delicious and all reasonably priced.

The beaches here are busy. Besides motorsports, if you arrive at the right time of year, Pismo beach is the home of thousands of migrating Monarch butterflies. South of the North State Beach Campground, they cluster in the limbs of Monterey pines and Eucalyptus trees. They begin arriving in late October and stay until February. There's also clamming for the famous Pismo Clams (a license is required and some restrictions apply), and horseback riding, in addition to the usual sunning swimming activities of all good beaches.

• For general visitor's information about Pismo Beach, please visit Classic California.com
• Ocean State Campground -- from town, go south 2 miles on Hwy 1 to Pier Ave, turn right (west) 2 blocks. (805) 489-1869.
• Click here to visit the Splash Cafe website.

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