The San Mateo Mountains near La Honda contain a diverse network of camping sites with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. The region's coastal influence creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures typically stay below 80°F, while winter nights can drop into the 40s. La Honda's proximity to both redwood forests and coastal access points makes it popular for weekend camping trips from the Bay Area.
What to do
Hike the entire park: Castle Rock State Park offers extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Did a 12 hour hike around the entire park. It was long but gorgeous!" notes one visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Visit local beaches: The coastal access points near camping areas provide excellent day trip opportunities. "Short drive to Pescadero State Beach so we went there after we broke camp. The kids all loved it," shares a camper from San Mateo Memorial Park.
Climb at Castle Rock: The park features natural rock formations popular with climbers of all skill levels. "This is sweet hike in trail camp. We have used it for two purposes. First when were were climbing in Castle Rock State Park and this was our hub," explains a visitor.
Explore local farms: The area surrounding La Honda camping sites features agricultural attractions. "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, and a deli counter," reports a camper at Butano State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds near La Honda offer well-spaced sites. At Butano State Park, "The sites are spaced apart nicely" and "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker."
Access to both forest and coast: The region's geography allows campers to experience multiple environments. "Beach one way, forest the other, and town another," notes a San Mateo Memorial Park visitor, highlighting the strategic location.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent star viewing in certain areas. "Hard to find stars as you are canopied in trees but if you walk a little out, the night sky is dark and stars a plenty," shares a Butano State Park camper.
Mature redwood groves: The ancient trees create a unique camping environment. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, "The beauty of the Redwoods never disappoint! I don't know why people are giving it such bad reviews. It's a great quiet spot."
What you should know
Limited water access: Some campgrounds have water restrictions. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while."
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between campgrounds. At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, "Restrooms/showers were dirty, but that seems to be from the day visitors to the beach."
Weather fluctuations: Coastal influence creates variable conditions. "Great weather, lots of shade at the campsite and on the hikes. Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees," reports a Butano State Park camper.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Sanborn County Park, there is "No cell service" according to multiple reviewers.
Tips for camping with families
Choose wagon-accessible sites: Some parks provide equipment for transporting gear. "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites. The park provides carts to help with hauling gear," notes a Sanborn County Park visitor.
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "The resort also has great activities for kids that they occasionally bring on site, such as a climbing wall and nature talks with live animals."
Consider sites with creek access: Water features provide natural entertainment. "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," shares a San Mateo Memorial Park visitor.
Book early for summer weekends: Popular family-friendly sites fill quickly. "We camp here every year in May or June. It's always fun. The tent cabins are super convenient," explains a Big Basin visitor.
Tips from RVers
Choose sites carefully: RV site quality and spacing varies widely between campgrounds. "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv," notes a Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA visitor.
Check route restrictions: Some roads to camping sites near La Honda have vehicle limitations. "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," explains a camper.
Consider hookup locations: Utility connections may require extensions. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," reports a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Look for level sites: The mountainous terrain means not all sites are naturally level. "Really liked how our site was level and easy to get to," notes a visitor at Trailer Villa RV Park.
