124 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options along the San Mateo County coastline near El Granada include several established campgrounds and RV parks within a short drive of the Pacific Ocean. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers tent and RV sites with electrical hookups and water, while Pillar Point RV Park provides oceanfront camping with full hookup sites. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds, private RV resorts, and county parks, with most facilities concentrated along Highway 1 and the coastal corridor. Several campgrounds provide direct beach access or are situated within redwood forests further inland.
Most coastal campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and weekends. The coastal climate brings cool, foggy mornings even in summer, with temperatures typically ranging from 50-70°F. Winter camping is possible but can bring significant rainfall and occasional storm systems. Many campgrounds, including Half Moon Bay State Beach, offer amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Cell service is generally reliable near coastal towns but can be spotty in more remote areas. A camper noted, "The campsite is at a great location. You are right near the beach as well as close to grocery stores and restaurants. It can get pretty cold at night with the ocean right there."
Campers consistently mention the unique experience of camping near both redwoods and beaches in the same area. Several visitors highlight the proximity to hiking trails, with many campgrounds offering access to coastal paths and forest trails. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail provides miles of scenic walking and biking opportunities directly accessible from some campgrounds. While oceanfront sites tend to be more exposed to wind and fog, inland campgrounds like San Mateo Memorial Park offer more sheltered sites among redwood trees. Visitors frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, including shore birds, deer, and occasional marine mammal sightings. "The beauty and greenery, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails make this place and the surrounding area a real natural treasure," wrote one visitor about San Mateo Memorial Park, highlighting the region's appeal for nature enthusiasts.
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"
"Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."
"Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!"
"Great spot right off the highway and on the beach. Lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking….Pet friendly"
from $95 / night
Check Availability"The site was a pull through as well as our friends who were able to face the opposite way to have a common camp side with us. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that."
"From booking until leaving, we had a positive experience. Our site was a little tight, that would be the only thing I wish was better."
"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here for approximately 2 weeks and loved the location."
"The facilities were kept clean and the location is unbelievable. It is expensive at $75 / night no hook up however it was very relaxed and we met lovely people here. Would return for one night."
from $88 / night
Check Availability"It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."
"Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."
"So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability
ScoutA very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
LegendGeneral: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
GuideI loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
GuideVery nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
ScoutIt’s kinda more like a last choice in the area. I’m happy I had the opportunity to stay there (to compare the other campsites) and it is nicely set up with running water, picnic table, and pit toilets. Campsite 10 though is the worst of ‘em. Set directly in the middle with no privacy and no shade.
Whenever someone opened the pit toilet doors, the smell wafted gracefully like a hammer out of nowhere to abuse my olfactory senses! Just trying to be real and give the scoops.
The NPS does a great job with maintaining the campsite BUT I would definitely pick any of the other locations first. Eg Sky, Coast, or Wildcat. That being said, if there was nothing else available, I’d stay there again. Get in late and leave early.
TravelerReally wonderful spot to be. They have multiple camping options and day pass options. For RV setups your choices are parking, water only, and the works (water, electrical, waste dumping with fire pit and camping table).
Its a bit far from anything but if youre just looking to camp, charge, and relax then this is the spot for you. They have showes, bathrooms, and laundry on site.
Final notes, there are multiple hiking trails and wildlife to see, including a lovely group of Turkeys who don't mind you getting a little close for photo ops.
ScoutNice staff, hot clean showers, great location, good campsites
GuideCalled on 7/14/26, they said "we won't cancel any reservation due to arriving late or next day"
LegendGeneral: Many different options: pull-thru and back-in FHU sites, tent sites, bungalows, tent bungalows, cabins, and a lodge. Note that in early 2025, ownership changed and it is no longer a KOA.
Site Quality: As would be expected in an RV park, the sites are very close together with little to no foliage to separate them. The sites in the Eucalyptus loop where we were had back-in sites, with a paved driveway, and are level. The sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and wood-fenced platforms. What is confusing is that the platforms and tables are not always directly behind the site. They are labeled with the site number, but again, they are close together, and if the campground is crowded, there is no privacy. Bath/Shower: There are two bathhouses for the RV sites. Each gender has one shower, three toilets, and two sinks with soap and paper towels. They were immaculate. I was lucky not to have to wait for a shower, but if full, I heard there are waits.
Activities/Amenities: There is a spa on site, but we did not check it out (not sure if you need to be a lodge guest to use). Other amenities include a restaurant (which was fantastic), general store, sauna, meeting space, playground, giant Jenga and chess board, and community fire pits. You can rent bikes, golf carts, and dune buggies. On weekends and in season, there are other activities and a bar cart that makes the rounds.
This is not our preferred type of camping, and it is expensive, but we enjoyed time here as we met family for a couple of days.
Tent and RV camping options surround El Granada, California, with sites spread across coastal areas and redwood forests. Winter camping temperatures typically average 45-55°F with occasional rainstorms, while summer brings morning fog that often burns off by afternoon. Most campsites require 2-3 weeks advance booking during peak summer months (June-August).
Hiking on coastal trails: At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, visitors can access miles of scenic paths directly from their campsites. "I had sites 5 and 6. The map for the campground is deceiving as they looked close together and connected but they were separate," notes a camper at Ben Ries Campground, who enjoyed exploring the nearby trails.
Marine wildlife viewing: Camping near Pillar Point provides opportunities to spot ocean wildlife from shore. "If you are willing to sacrifice the close proximity to neighbors, there are some killer views of the Pacific Ocean. We even saw whales!!" reports a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort.
Redwood forest exploration: The area offers unique camping in ancient redwood groves within a 30-minute drive of coastal sites. "The park itself has great hikes, thick with Redwoods, immediately you feel like you are in Ewok territory. Lots of varying levels as well," writes a camper about their experience at Ben Ries Campground.
Beach access: Proximity to ocean beaches ranks as a top feature for coastal campsites. "We stayed here! So peaceful, easily accessible from San Francisco," notes a visitor to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, highlighting the shoreline location that draws many campers.
Shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural canopy at forest campgrounds. "Most every campsite is going to be in deep shade during the day, which is nice in summertime," writes a visitor about San Mateo Memorial Park.
Local food options: The region's agricultural heritage means fresh produce and artisan foods near camping areas. "PCH is also dotted with farms and fruit stands, artisan pies, etc. The closest town is Pescadaro, and has a tiny main street with an excellent coffee shop, and grocery store with fresh baked pies, breads, jams, sauces," notes a Ben Ries Campground visitor.
Site spacing varies significantly: Coastal RV parks often feature close quarters while forest campgrounds offer more separation. "The sites are close to each other, meaning you're not going to get anything close to a secluded camping experience," notes one visitor to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground about the beach sites.
Weather patterns affect comfort: Fog and wind impact coastal camping differently than forest sites. A camper at Pillar Point RV Park observes: "Only cons are the extremely busy road is right next to the park, it can be very loud and when the park is full the spaces can get pretty tight."
Facility maintenance fluctuates: Campground amenities receive mixed reviews depending on season and visitor volume. "The bathrooms are pretty clean, flush toilets, no showers, no hot water and no soap. There is potable water throughout the campground, recycle bins, trash bins (animal proof) and bear lockers and firepits at each site," notes a Ben Ries Campground visitor.
Creek exploration: Several inland campgrounds feature small waterways perfect for children. "There is a little creek that's only about a quarter mile hike down a trail. The campground is only a 10 minute drive down to Pescadero State Beach so we went there after we broke camp," shares a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The region offers accessible wildlife viewing appropriate for various ages. "We enjoyed our stay. I really liked how our site was level and easy to get to," writes a visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park, which offers access to nearby nature areas.
Educational facilities: Several campgrounds maintain visitor centers with family-friendly programming. "The campsite has a super cute camp shop, as well as activities for all the family," notes a San Mateo Memorial Park visitor about summer offerings.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. "Full hook ups with 30 amp. (used my 50 amp adapter), no issues," reports a camper at Half Moon Bay RV Park, noting the accommodations for larger rigs.
Maneuverability challenges: Some campgrounds present access issues for larger vehicles. "The grounds are clean, drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs," observes a Trailer Villa RV Park visitor, contrasting with tighter spaces at coastal locations.
Long-term occupancy impacts: Several RV parks maintain permanent residents alongside vacation spots. "The RV Park is clean and secure. There are many full time residents that take pride in their community and it shows," writes a visitor to Half Moon Bay RV Park, noting this common arrangement in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near El Granada?
El Granada offers several excellent camping options nearby. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is minutes away and occasionally has last-minute availability, though reservations are recommended. For RV travelers, Half Moon Bay RV Park provides pull-through sites with helpful staff who assist with parking and site assignments. Other quality options within a short drive include San Mateo Memorial Park in the redwoods and Sanborn County Park, which offers a unique walk-in camping experience with gear carts available. If you're willing to drive 30-45 minutes, consider Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or Anthony Chabot Regional Park for additional camping opportunities.
What digital marketing strategies work best for campgrounds in El Granada?
Effective digital marketing for El Granada campgrounds should emphasize the area's unique coastal-meets-redwoods appeal. Create virtual tours highlighting distinctive features like those at Sanborn County Park with its walk-in sites and storage boxes. Implement a reservation reminder system similar to New Brighton State Beach Campground, which maintains high occupancy through advance booking. Develop a mobile-friendly website showcasing amenities, nearby attractions, and seasonal availability. Establish email marketing campaigns featuring off-season promotions and last-minute openings. Encourage guests to leave reviews on camping platforms like The Dyrt, and use these testimonials in your marketing materials. Leverage social media to highlight seasonal activities and special events unique to the Half Moon Bay area.
Which is the most popular campground near El Granada, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near El Granada, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
What parks are near El Granada, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near El Granada, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
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