Beach

Oso Flaco Lake

California

About

Oso Flaco Lake is a public beach in California, set within the San Luis Obispo Unit about 2.7 miles from the town of Callender. The beach has restrooms and accessible access, and a fee is charged. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from late spring through early fall. Typical averages from the nearby Pismo Beach weather station show highs around 70 to 73°F from May through October, with only a day or two of rain a month in the middle of that window. Several other outings lie within easy reach. Lagoon Trail is about 5.4 miles away, the Santa Maria River offers canoeing about 6.2 miles off, and Picacho Summit Trail and Vamonos Canyon are both within about 9 miles.

Beach Details

Lifeguards

None

Parking

Available

Fee

Fee charged

Restrooms

Yes

Accessible access

Yes

As published by the managing agency. Lifeguards, fees and dog rules are often seasonal, so check posted signs before you swim.

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Location

Oso Flaco Lake

California

Data: California Coastal Commission, YourCoast public access data. Source metadata

Facts about this place

When to go

Best time to go: Year-round. The mildest months here, with typical highs of 65–73°F and lows of 44–55°F.

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Pismo Beach, CA weather station, 9.8 mi away. High / low in °F, and days with snow.

  1. Jan65° high44° low
  2. Feb65° high44° low
  3. Mar68° high46° low
  4. Apr70° high48° low
  5. May72° high49° low
  6. Jun70° high51° low
  7. Jul70° high54° low
  8. Aug71° high55° low
  9. Sep72° high54° low
  10. Oct73° high53° low
  11. Nov69° high46° low
  12. Dec65° high44° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

  • San Luis Obispo Unit · Public land
Nearest town
Callender, California · 2.7 mi

Source: NIFC Jurisdictional Units; USGS GNIS populated places

Best time to visit Oso Flaco Lake

Best months: Year-round. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    65° / 44°

    10 wet

  2. Feb

    65° / 44°

    10 wet

  3. Mar

    68° / 46°

    8 wet

  4. Apr

    70° / 48°

    5 wet

  5. May

    72° / 49°

    2 wet

  6. Jun

    70° / 51°

    1 wet

  7. Jul

    70° / 54°

    1 wet

  8. Aug

    71° / 55°

    1 wet

  9. Sep

    72° / 54°

    2 wet

  10. Oct

    73° / 53°

    4 wet

  11. Nov

    69° / 46°

    6 wet

  12. Dec

    65° / 44°

    8 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Pismo Beach, CA, 9.8 mi away at 39 ft. We don't have this place's elevation, so higher spots nearby can run cooler. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.