RV sites near Menlo Park, California are available within a 10-20 mile radius, offering proximity to both coastal and inland recreation opportunities. The region experiences Mediterranean climate patterns with mild temperatures year-round, averaging 50-70°F throughout camping seasons. Cell signal strength varies significantly beyond Highway 101 corridors, with mountains and redwood groves creating connectivity dead zones.
What to do
Coastal trail access: At Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay, campers can enjoy walking and biking paths along the water. "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!" notes a reviewer who appreciated the proximity to outdoor activities.
Redwood grove hiking: Located near Felton, Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers nature trails and river access. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it," one camper reports about the short riverside hike.
Local train excursions: The vintage steam train at Roaring Camp is accessible from nearby campgrounds. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the redwoods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," mentions a visitor who stayed at Smithwoods RV Park while exploring the area.
What campers like
Proximity to San Francisco: Treasure Island MH and RV Park in South San Francisco provides urban convenience despite limited amenities. "That's the only reason why we're here," admits one camper about the location being the primary draw for city access, noting "Bathrooms and wifi were okay though."
Weather conditions: The coastal region offers cooler temperatures than inland locations. At San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica, one camper mentioned the "ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco. Walgreens, Safeway, and a couple coffee shops, local bakery and restaurants all walking distance."
Ocean views: Several RV parks offer Pacific Ocean views from elevated positions. "It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco... Spectacular sunsets over the pacific if the fog permits. Saw a couple whales too," notes a visitor about San Francisco RV Resort.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Booking at some parks can be complicated. "Reservation making is a pain since it's all via email/online," notes a camper at Treasure Island MH and RV Park.
Space limitations: Many RV sites have tight spacing between units. "The 'campsites' are close together… it's more like a parking lot than a campground, but everyone is friendly and the overall vibe is good," explains a reviewer at San Francisco RV Resort.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for potential wildlife interaction at Cotillion Gardens RV Park and similar wooded locations. "Our campsite neighbors seemed very squeamish about camping and left out food that a raccoon family got into in the early morning waking them and us up," shares one tent camper who stayed at this redwood location.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several parks maintain heated swimming pools for children. At Smithwoods RV Park, a family noted, "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room. Staff is very friendly and Santa Cruz beaches are 15min away."
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm. My daughters used the clubhouse while I set up camp and after waking up while I stayed in bed for a little while," reports a parent about their stay at Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Campsite layout considerations: For families with tents, options are limited at primarily RV-focused parks. "I am mainly writing this review because it comes up in the dispersed camping filter which it is NOT! It is assigned camping sites that are basically on top of each other... Upon arrival we were really bummed to find out tent camping was in a back corner of the RV park, the websites photos are deceiving," warns a tent camper about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Utility extensions: Bring hose and cord extensions to many sites. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," advises an RVer who stayed at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Site selection strategy: Premium sites offer more space at crowded parks. At Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City, one visitor highlighted, "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
Maneuverability concerns: Some parks have challenging access roads requiring careful navigation. "The park is clean, in a nice area and close to San Jose and San Francisco. We really enjoyed our stay. I really liked how our site was level and easy to get to," notes a visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park.
