🌤 Weather at Oso Flaco Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46–72 °F | 51–71 °F | 46–72 °F | 44–65 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pismo Beach, 10 mi away, elevation 39 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Oso Flaco Lake is not a separate state park. It is the non-motorized day-use area at the south end of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in San Luis Obispo County, run by California State Parks. A one-mile boardwalk crosses the lake and leads out to the beach.
Quick Facts
| State | California |
| County | San Luis Obispo County |
| Part of | Oceano Dunes SVRA (California State Parks) |
| Area type | Non-motorized day-use area |
| Phone | (805) 773-7170 |
Location & Getting There
Oso Flaco Lake lies at the south end of Oceano Dunes SVRA, south of Oceano. The park’s coordinates are 35.0295, -120.6235.
Things to Do
California State Parks describes Oso Flaco Lake as a place for a moderate hike: you walk the one-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk across the lake to the beach and watch wildlife and native plants on the way. The lake is an important stopover for waterfowl on the Pacific Flyway, and the trails around it are good for birdwatching. No vehicles are allowed in this part of the park.
Wildlife & Nature
Oso Flaco Lake — on the Central Coast south of Oceano — features a freshwater lake, a boardwalk through a wetland ecosystem, and access to a remote beach in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. The dunes — the most extensive coastal dune complex remaining in California — hide the buried set from Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 film “The Ten Commandments.” California red-legged frogs (federally threatened) inhabit the lake. Snowy plovers nest on the beach.
Visitor Tips
Dogs are not allowed at Oso Flaco Lake, although leashed dogs are allowed elsewhere in Oceano Dunes SVRA. The SVRA lists day-use parking at $5 per vehicle per day at its Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue entrances; check the fee posted at the Oso Flaco Lake lot. For current conditions, call the Oceano Dunes District office at (805) 773-7170. As of October 2026.
Explore More California State Parks
Oso Flaco Lake is part of Oceano Dunes SVRA, one of many state park units in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby Attractions
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center — nearby — has exhibits on the buried DeMille set and dune ecology. Santa Maria — 10 miles south — has Santa Maria-style BBQ. Pismo Beach — 10 miles north — has the pier and monarch butterfly grove. San Luis Obispo — 20 miles north.
Keep exploring: Oso Flaco Lake State Park is part of Oceano Dunes SVRA. The closest other parks are Pismo State Beach (a short drive away) and Point Sal State Beach (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Oso Flaco Lake State Park
Park policy: California State Parks does not allow dogs at Oso Flaco Lake. Elsewhere in Oceano Dunes SVRA, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times (Oceano Dunes SVRA infosheet, July 2026).
- Pets allowed?
- No, dogs are not allowed at Oso Flaco Lake
Are dogs allowed at Oso Flaco Lake State Park?
No, dogs are not allowed at Oso Flaco Lake.
More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Oso Flaco Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
