125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Half Moon Bay ranges from state beach campgrounds with tent and RV sites to private RV parks along the Pacific coastline. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground at Francis Beach provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups within walking distance of the beach, while nearby facilities like Pillar Point RV Park and San Francisco RV Resort cater primarily to recreational vehicles. The coastal location offers campers direct access to beaches, hiking trails, and proximity to downtown Half Moon Bay.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. "Amazing campground right by the beach in beautiful Half Moon Bay. Enjoy the sound of the ocean waves all night long," notes one camper about Half Moon Bay State Beach. Weather conditions typically include cool, foggy mornings even during summer months, with afternoon winds common along the coastline. Most campgrounds feature basic amenities including drinking water and restrooms, while RV parks generally offer full hookups with electric, water and sewer connections. Cell service is reliable throughout the coastal region, though fog can affect visibility year-round.
Several visitors highlight the spectacular ocean views and beach access as primary attractions for camping in this area. The Pacific Coast Trail runs through Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, allowing campers to explore miles of coastline on foot or bicycle. Reviewers frequently mention the urban-adjacent nature of these campgrounds, with some noting proximity to Highway 1 creating road noise at certain sites. "The location is great. The cost is reasonable. The views are great," reported one camper, though they noted bathrooms could be better maintained during busy periods. Wildlife viewing opportunities include shorebirds and occasional whale sightings during migration seasons. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, with fall often recommended as the optimal time to visit for clearer skies and more moderate temperatures.
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"The campsites are not very private, but every time I’ve camped here the people around us have been nice. You can bike or walk a trail here that goes pretty far up and down the coast."
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."
"About 20 mins from small town, about 1/2 hr from Pescadero State Beach, about 45 mins from Half Moon Bay, about an hour from San Francisco…all estimates without traffic, of course."
"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. "
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"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."
"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"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"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"But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat."
"There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone. The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather."
from $100 - $200 / 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks available in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay RV Park is a clean, secure option for RV campers in the area. The park accommodates extended stays and features a community of full-time residents who take pride in maintaining the grounds. While some sites can be tight, the location offers convenience for exploring the Half Moon Bay region. Another option near the area is Pelican Point RV Park, which provides drive-in access with reservable sites that include water hookups and toilet facilities. Both parks are suitable for big rigs, though it's advisable to check site dimensions before booking.
Are there any dog-friendly campgrounds in Half Moon Bay?
While camping options in Half Moon Bay have varying pet policies, Sanborn County Park offers a dog-friendly camping experience a short drive from Half Moon Bay. This walk-in campground provides carts to help transport gear from the parking area to campsites, with storage boxes available at each site. For those specifically looking to stay closer to Half Moon Bay with pets, San Francisco RV Resort in nearby Pacifica allows dogs with certain restrictions. Always check current pet policies before booking, as rules may change, and remember that even at pet-friendly campgrounds, dogs typically need to be leashed and supervised at all times.
Where are the best camping sites in Half Moon Bay?
The premier camping option in the area is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, featuring spacious, level sites with picnic tables and the soothing sound of ocean waves throughout the night. While campsites aren't very private, the beautiful beachfront location more than compensates. For a different experience away from the coast, San Mateo Memorial Park offers family-friendly camping with spacious sites, easy hiking trails, and a creek running through the grounds. This campground is located about 45 minutes from Half Moon Bay and provides a more forested setting with ranger presence and a small camp store on site.
Is beach camping allowed in Half Moon Bay?
Yes, beach camping is available at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, where you can enjoy oceanfront sites with the sound of waves as your nighttime soundtrack. The campground is situated right along the beach, offering easy access to the shore. Fall is often recommended as the best time to visit for sunny weather, as Half Moon Bay can be cold and foggy during other parts of the year. Electric hookups are available for campers, though there's no water or sewer at individual sites. The campground's proximity to the ocean makes it a popular choice for those seeking a classic California beach camping experience.
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