Best Campgrounds near Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay has several good camping options to check out in the area. Taylor State Park Campground sits among trees and gives you plenty of space between sites so you won't feel crowded. Over at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, you'll sleep under giant redwood trees at sites that work well for both tents and RVs. The weather around Half Moon Bay stays pretty mild all year, though you'll find more people camping during summer. You should book your spot early, particularly if you're planning to visit when it's busy. Most places let you reserve online now. The typical campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and some have electricity too. Being close to the ocean means you can easily walk to beaches and catch some nice views. Hikers will find plenty of trails throughout the state parks nearby. Keep in mind that some campgrounds close during certain seasons, so it's smart to check before you go. Even in summer, bring warm clothes since evenings can get cool here. The beautiful natural surroundings and things to do make Half Moon Bay popular with many campers. You'll find quiet or active camping depending on what you're after. Just follow the rules and clean up after yourself to keep these places nice.

Best Camping Sites Near Half Moon Bay, California (121)

    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. 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"

    3. San Francisco RV Resort

    13 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!"

    "It is essentially a parking lot on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.  The cliff edge here has fallen into the sea so the site must of lost 50 spaces when it happened. "

    4. San Mateo Memorial Park

    15 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."

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    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

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "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"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

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Showing results 1-10 of 121 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Half Moon Bay, CA

691 Reviews of 121 Half Moon Bay Campgrounds



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

Which is the most popular campground near Half Moon Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Half Moon Bay, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Half Moon Bay, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Half Moon Bay, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.