Half Moon Bay's campgrounds sit along the San Mateo County coastline where coastal fog typically burns off by afternoon, creating temperature variations between inland and shoreline areas. Year-round temperatures average 45-65°F, with summer highs rarely exceeding 75°F due to persistent marine influence. The area's campgrounds often experience morning fog and afternoon winds, with evenings frequently requiring warm clothing regardless of season.
What to do
Coastal trail exploration: The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail provides direct access from several campsites. "You can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views," notes a camper at San Francisco RV Resort.
Wildlife watching: The coastal location offers opportunities to observe marine and shore wildlife. "Saw a couple whales too. When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore," reports a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort.
Beach activities: Many campgrounds provide direct beach access for surfing, fishing, and beachcombing. "Wonderful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas," according to a camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground.
Local food exploration: The area features several local food establishments and farms. "PCH is 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," shares a visitor to Ben Ries Campground.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Many campsites offer direct beach access or are within walking distance. "You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!" reports a camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground.
Marine environment: The ocean views and sounds create a distinctive camping atmosphere. "The atmosphere here is wonderful. It's quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation," notes a visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Access to amenities: Despite the natural setting, most campgrounds maintain convenient access to services. "Walgreens, Safeway, and a couple coffee shops, local bakery and restaurants all walking distance. Spectacular sunsets over the pacific if the fog permits," describes a camper at San Francisco RV Resort.
Connectivity: Many campgrounds offer reliable connectivity despite their coastal location. "Should you need connectivity there is actually (unsecured) wi-fi provided by the park and adequate cell coverage!!" mentions a reviewer at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "You're definitely, not exactly going to get a remote camping experience and the dog beach is a little way away," notes one camper about Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Weather preparedness: The coastal climate demands appropriate clothing and gear. "Night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees, easy to sleep, not too cold(first week in August)," reports a visitor to Ben Ries Campground.
Bathroom and facility conditions: Facility quality varies by campground and can change based on visitor volume. "The bathrooms are pretty clean, flush toilets, no showers, no hot water and no soap. There is potable water throughout the campground," notes one camper at Ben Ries Campground.
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds experience significant weekend congestion. "We stayed here in early August of 2017. This RV resort gets packed!! RV's were super close together so it's a roll of the dice on what kind of neighbors you're gonna get!!" reports a visitor to San Francisco RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: For families with children, certain sites offer more room to play. "If I were to come back and want two large sites to connect, I would choose either 6 and 8 or 10 and 13," suggests a camper at Ben Ries Campground about site selection.
Alternative activities: When weather doesn't cooperate, having backup plans helps. "Thank goodness we brought the kids' bikes!! If you are willing to sacrifice the close proximity to neighbors, there are some killer views of the Pacific Ocean," mentions a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort.
Wildlife education opportunities: The area offers numerous wildlife viewing chances for children. "Wildlife viewing opportunities include shorebirds and occasional whale sightings during migration seasons," notes a camper at San Francisco RV Resort.
Multi-day planning: Consider using campgrounds as base camps for regional exploration. "This is an interesting rv park on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco," describes a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some RV sites require leveling equipment. "The sites were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," notes a visitor at San Mateo Memorial Park.
Slide-out considerations: Many sites have limitations for large rigs with slide-outs. "Spots are tight. Staff is great! Laundry hot tub pool are always clean. Right on the ocean (on a cliff)!" reports an RVer at San Francisco RV Resort.
Arrival timing: Early arrival improves site selection options at first-come campgrounds. "We stayed at campsite 1. This RV resort gets packed!! RVs were super close together so it's a roll of the dice on what kind of neighbors you're gonna get!!" advises a visitor at San Francisco RV Resort.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV hookups. "We liked that the pull-through sites allow RVs to face opposite ways to have a common camp side. Of course the utility sides were in great position for that. Full hook ups with 30 amp," notes an RVer at Half Moon Bay RV Park.
