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Best Campgrounds near Half Moon Bay, CA

711 Reviews

Camping options near Half Moon Bay range from state beach campgrounds 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Half Moon Bay, California (120)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."

    "Awesome campground right by the beach in beautiful Half Moon Bay. Enjoy the sound of the ocean waves all night long. Sites are spacious, level and have picnic tables."

    2. San Francisco RV Resort

    16 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    3. San Mateo Memorial Park

    16 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "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. 

             "

    4. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 712-9277

    $95 / night

    "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"

    5. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "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."

    6. Half Moon Bay RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-7275

    "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."

    7. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "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."

    8. Pelican Point RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-9100

    $88 / night

    "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."

    9. Trailer Villa RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Redwood City, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 366-7880

    "Clean, has some views from far border of the hills but the spots are tight and there is not much to do but hook-up."

    "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance."

    10. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Half Moon Bay, CA

249 Photos of 120 Half Moon Bay Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Half Moon Bay, CA

711 Reviews of 120 Half Moon Bay Campgrounds

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Very quite/ beautiful sites

    We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground

    Friendly and quiet

    Was able to book the night before and get the last full hookup spot. The man who checked us in was super friendly and answered all of my partners questions and even helped us with some basic RV knowledge as we’re new.

    Redwoods are super pretty. Area outside of the RV park isn’t super walkable though. Bathrooms are fine for the price and very clean.

    Situated near the people who live in the park and they were super friendly and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Santa Cruz Harbor RV Park

    Clean, safe place to park, fairly busy.

    Well maintained, friendly host. Clean, feels safe. Bridge construction at the mouth of the harbor, use the path next to the bridge (don’t let Apple Maps send you though miles of residential streets, just walk around the construction). Lots of things to do and see, e-bike rental racks all over the city (get the BCycle app). Best tacos at Las Palmas at the foot of the pier! It’s a University town UC Santa Cruz) so enjoy all that culture.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    Arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • g
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Olema Campground

    Nice spot, little privacy

    Lovely large meadow with scattered trees. RC/van spots are arranged in cul de sacs, tent spots on the edges of fields.

    Somewhat noisy - kids, dogs, radios - but settled down by 9. Friendly vibe. Expensive at $83/nt but good showers. Wifi was slow when I stayed.

    Decent backup option for the area if Samuel Taylor is booked.

Guide to Half Moon Bay

Camping near Half Moon Bay, California, offers a mix of beautiful coastal views and lush forests. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a forest adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground said, “Nice quiet spot. Rangers were helpful and accommodating. Great views and easy access to the beach.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, one camper remarked, “Showers and toilets looked clean,” which is always a plus.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA are great for families. A reviewer noted, “Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun,” making it a hit with kids.

What you should know:

  • Crowded During Holidays: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on holiday weekends. A camper at Lawson's Landing mentioned, “Went on Veterans Day weekend so it was pretty busy.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A visitor warned, “Porta potties were very dirty and TP less,” so be prepared.
  • Variable Campsite Sizes: Campsites can vary in size, which might affect your setup. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground noted, “Not much space to pitch a larger size tent.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that offer activities for kids. One parent said, “This place is busy and expensive, but great for kids.”
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping during peak times, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, “Despite the website showing every site booked, we drove in about 4 pm to a decent number of sites.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground suggested, “Make sure you bring a padlock as there is no locking mechanism on the door,” for food storage.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A camper at Mount Madonna County Park noted, “The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, “No full hookup at stations,” so plan accordingly.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the area. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground said, “Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list.”

Camping near Half Moon Bay, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there’s something for you in this beautiful area.

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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