Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex | beach, National Natural Landmark

 beach, dunes, draw only border, National Natural Landmark

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The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes is the largest remaining dune system south of San Francisco and the second largest in the state of California. It encompasses an 18-mile (29 km) stretch of coastline on the Central Coast of California and extends from southern San Luis Obispo County to northern Santa Barbara County. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex is home to a unique dunes ecosystem as well as several endangered and threatened species of plants and animals. To protect the dunes environment, much of the Complex has been set aside for conservation. In addition, it is recognized as a National Natural Landmark. Another portion of the Dunes is utilized for recreation, such as camping and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use. However, ORV use on the dunes has led to conflict with environmental conservationists. The Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes is owned and managed by a collaboration of both private and public parties, including the counties of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, the California State Parks, the Nature Conservancy, the Dunes Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Center for Natural Lands Management, and the Land Conservancy.

The following regions are part of the complex:

Pismo State Beach-North Beach Campgrounds
Pismo State Beach-Oceano Campgrounds
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Oso Flaco Lake Natural Area
The Dunes Center
Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge
Rancho Guadalupe Dunes County Park