FAQs

Q: How can I purchase an annual pass?

A: You can purchase an annual pass by clicking here: Purchase Annual Pass.

You can also purchase by sending a $50 check to us at:

Parks Management Company,
PO Box 1018
Templeton, CA 93465

Please Include your name, address, phone number or email address. Please allow 10 days for processing.

Passes may be purchased with cash or credit card at:

  • Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area,
  • Sand Dollar Beach Day Use,
  • Cerro Alto Day Use Area
  • First Crossing Day Use Area (purchase at Paradise Campground when the Kiosk is not open).

Q: Recreation.Gov says the campsite is FCFS/FF (First Come First Served). How do I reserve one of these campsites?

A: All of our PMC campgrounds contain at least a few FCFS/FF Sites. The majority of questions we receive are in regards to these sites.

First-come, First-served sites are not reservable. We can not hold a FF site. We can not promise a FF site will be available when you get there. If a campground offers FF sites, it does not mean FF sites will always be available. There is only a limited supply, and they usually sell out.

Please register with camp host upon entry. Please don’t simply take a FF site as your own as it may already be occupied!

FF Sites fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Weekdays are easier to secure a site. If you are planning on camping at a first-come, first-served site, please allow for back-up plans if no sites are available.

We are not able to update our guests once first-come, first-served sites are taken. Most of our campgrounds do NOT have available or reliable cell phone/internet service to update websites with their availability.

How do you secure a first-come, first-served campsite then?

We ask that you arrive to the campground by 2PM.
Your entire group does not need to be present, just one person to represent the group.  By 2PM the campground host will have a good understanding of who is leaving, and what is available for you.

Once you secure a FF site, you have the first priority to ask to stay the next night, and again the next day..

First-come, First-served may remind you of boondocking or free camping. FCFS/FF for PMC campgrounds are more specifically to have availability at campgrounds that book up quickly due to reservations.

We understand that FCFS/FF sites can be confusing and frustrating. Many of our campgrounds are popular and can book/sell out six months in advance.
FCFS/FF sites allow the last minute traveller a chance to still visit these popular campgrounds, and give everyone a chance to stay with us.

We Thank You For Camping with PMC. ❤️🏕

Q: I am going to be late to camp. Will you hold my reservation?

A: We hold reservations for 24 hours past the check-in period, so as long as you arrive before 3pm the following day you should be fine! And you do not need to notify us.

Q: How do we make a reservation? How do we change/cancel existing reservations?

A: All of our campground reservations are handled by Recreation.Gov You can online chat with them, email, or call:
(877) 444-6777
10AM-12AM EST

Q: What is your refund policy?

A: We only refund if a campground is closed. Unfortunately we are unable and do not refund for personal illness, accidents, COVID, or any personal inability to make it to camp.

Q: I have 2 cars, how do I pay for an extra vehicle? I have more than 2 cars, where will we park them?

A: Your first car is free, after that you can pay ($10 Per Car, Per Night) for additional vehicle parking at the campground.

Just ask the host upon arrival. Many of our campgrounds have overflow parking for extra vehicles, again, just ask the host where this is when you get to camp.

Q: How many people are allowed at each campsite?

A: Each campsite reservation includes SIX people and EIGHT people MAX. For each additional person over 6 people, there is a $10 per person fee, per night.

Q: Are fires allowed right now?

A: As of 01/04/24, Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Q: Are dogs allowed?

A: Yes, but they must be on leash at all times. Dogs can not be on trails in Limekiln State Park.

Q: Are there showers at the campground? What are the amenities?

A: Please visit the Recreation.Gov page for the campground you wish to stay at. Click on Facility Information, then amenities, all of the info for the camp will be listed there.

Q: What time is check in/check out? Can we come early?

A: Check-in time: 3:00pm, Check-out time: 12:00 noon. Quiet Hours: 10:00pm – 6:00am. Early check in is based on availability and at host’s discretion.

Q: I was given a citation for parking at one of your trailheads, how can I pay you? Can I purchase a Day Use Pass to avoid this in the future? Where is the Day Use Pass honored?

A: Yes! For a yearly pass you can purchase online here or you can send a $50 check to us at:

Parks Management Company,
PO Box 1018, Templeton, CA, 93465

Please Include your name, address, phone number or email address. Please allow 10 days for processing.

Passes may be purchased with cash or credit card at:

  • Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area,
  • Sand Dollar Beach Day Use,
  • Cerro Alto Day Use Area
  • First Crossing Day Use Area (purchase at Paradise Campground when Kiosk is not open).

You can use the Day Use Pass at the following locations:

  • Pfeiffer Beach Day Use Area,
  • Sand Dollar Beach Day Use,
  • Cerro Alto Day Use Area,
  • Mill Creek Day Use Area,
  • Willow Creek Day Use Area,
  • White Rock Day Use Area,
  • First Crossing Day Use Area,
  • Lower Oso Day Use Area,
  • Live Oak Day Use Area,
  • Sandstone Day Use Area,
  • Red Rock – Trailhead / Day Use Picnic Area,
  • Upper Oso Trailhead,
  • Nira Trailhead,
  • Aliso Trailhead.

Day Use Passes are good for day use only, not overnight camping.

If you received a citation on your car you can send a $10 check to Parks Management Company, PO Box 1018, Templeton, CA 93465

Q: Do you accept any discount passes?

A: Yes, we accept the Golden Age/Access pass which will give you 50% off camping fees.

Q: Will there be firewood for sale at the campground? Can I bring my own?

A: Yes, all of our campgrounds that have hosts on-site sell firewood. They sell for $15 per bundle. You are also welcome to bring your own.

Q: I have questions about El Capitan State Beach, Gaviota State Park, and Refugio State Beach.

A: Parks Management Company only handles concessions/food/store items at these locations. Please contact www.parks.ca.gov with any questions about the campgrounds.

Q: I would like to get married/elope at Pfeiffer Beach, can I?

A: Yes. Although weddings are not permitted from March 15-October 15th due to limited parking and peak season.

Please reach out to us ahead of time and we will do our best to accommodate your special day.

Beautiful Beach Location In California