Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area reopened to vehicles and camping on May 21 after a month-long closure due to a court ruling over the Endangered Species Act. - The closure began on April 9, 2026, after a lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity.
- The park lost approximately $250,000 in revenue during the six-week closure. - The reopening was enabled by an incidental take permit from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and a finalized habitat conservation plan. - Environmental advocates criticized the reopening, arguing it harms endangered species like the Western snowy plover.