T T.
Guide
GuideH. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
Rest Stop
This is more of a rest, stop in a camp area and there’s signs all over that say do not leave valuables exposed in vehicle. Amazing dude perfect time to be here for a airshow
Camping near Montara, CA
122 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Camping options around Montara, California span a diverse coastal landscape along the San Francisco Peninsula. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground (Francis Beach) serves as a primary developed campground in the area, offering tent and RV sites with direct beach access. San Francisco RV Resort in nearby Pacifica and Pillar Point RV Park provide additional options for motorhome travelers. The region includes both established campgrounds with full hookups and a few walk-in tent sites that provide more secluded experiences within walking distance of the Pacific shoreline.
Most developed campgrounds near Montara require advance reservations, particularly during summer months and weekends. "The campground is full most of the time now. Make reservations," noted one camper about Half Moon Bay State Beach. Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the year, with coastal fog common in summer mornings. Fall often provides clearer, sunnier conditions, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the coastal region, though some campground Wi-Fi networks may be inconsistent.
The coastal setting defines the camping experience around Montara and Half Moon Bay. Campers frequently mention ocean views and beach access as highlights. One visitor described Half Moon Bay State Beach as having "awesome campground right by the beach" where you can "enjoy the sound of the ocean waves all night long." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent sites to RV hookups, though privacy between sites can be limited. Sites closest to the shoreline tend to fill fastest and receive the highest ratings from visitors. The Coastal Trail runs through several campground areas, providing walking and biking access along miles of scenic shoreline. Nearby amenities include restaurants, shops, and grocery stores within short driving distance of most campground options.
Best Campgrounds near Montara (122)
1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
"We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance."
"Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. small but good size sites for where it is."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability2. San Francisco RV Resort
"There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high."
"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!"
3. Pillar Point RV Park
"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 Availability4. Half Moon Bay RV Park
"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."
"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."
5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"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 Availability7. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability8. San Mateo Memorial Park
"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. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Pelican Point RV Park
"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 Availability10. Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
"What they do have are scores of hookup sites for $60 / night and three tent / drive-in no hookup water-only sites for $45 / night."
"Since it's a new campground, the trees are young and don't supply much shade, but since it's close to the SF Bay, the bay breeze helps."
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 25 min from San Francisco, CA
- 53 min from San Jose, CA
- 55 min from Vallejo, CA
- 1 hr 2 min from Santa Cruz, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Montara, CA
214 Photos of 122 Montara Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
SkyWanda Sanctuary
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation AreaC
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Mateo Memorial ParkC
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Montara, CA
759 Reviews of 122 Montara Campgrounds
C. K.
TravelerSan Mateo Memorial Park
Redwood canopy
Around this time of year, park is practically empty during weekdays. Nice and quiet and peaceful place where you can slow things down
- T T.Guide
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Great safe place in sourh east bay
Great location with spaces in safe SE bay area location and reasonable prices New development small young trees limited natural shade
Tom T.
ScoutDumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Open sky great starlink users.
Very quiet campground at night. See stars clearly. Use the fire pit after 730pm when the wind has calmed down.
KrystleScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Overnight stays not allowed
I was woken up by law enforcement and asked to leave on my second night staying here. They will issue a citation (luckily they took mine away and gave me a warning) this needs to be removed as a dispersed site.
Dawn S.GuideSan Francisco RV Resort
Great for visiting the City
There are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
- TTwindaddyGuide
Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
- C. K.Traveler
San Mateo Memorial Park
Under the Redwoods
Nothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
- Dawn S.Guide
Marin RV Park
Great to see the City
We came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
Guide to Montara
Camping near Montara, California offers unique coastal experiences within a microclimate zone that receives approximately 30 inches of annual rainfall, primarily between November and March. The terrain combines forested hills with beach access points along Highway 1, creating distinct camping environments depending on which side of the highway you choose. Sites closer to the ocean generally experience temperature swings of 10-15 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Beach exploration: Visit Pelican Point RV Park, where campers report "a 5 minute walk to the beach" and mention seeing wildlife during coastal walks.
Hiking coastal trails: The Coastal Trail connects multiple camping locations, providing ocean views year-round. As one visitor to Pillar Point RV Park noted, there are "walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff" all within walking distance.
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites provide access to local fishing spots. The marina area near Half Moon Bay RV Park gives campers options "to 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."
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Campers consistently mention the sound of waves as a highlight. At Francis Beach Campground, visitors appreciate that it's "quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation."
Walk-in tent sites: For those seeking more separation from RVs, specialized tent areas receive positive feedback. One camper described Francis Beach Campground's options: "beautiful walk in site (about 200 feet from car). other sites were crowded (more of a parking lot) but amazing location with access to beach."
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. A visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park highlighted that "the staff does an excellent job at keeping the place spotless and cleaning the bathrooms and showers."
What you should know
Campsite density varies significantly: While some locations offer privacy, many coastal sites position campers close together. One camper at San Francisco RV Resort observed, "These spaces were so cramped. Couldn't put our awning out... The neighbours slide was a foot from our door."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly, especially for weekends and summer. Sites with ocean views book fastest, often months in advance. The region follows California's ReserveCalifornia system with its 6-month booking window.
Weather patterns: Coastal fog is common year-round but especially from May to August. A visitor to Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted temperature differences: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer junior ranger programs during summer months. Beaches provide tide pool exploration at low tide.
Consider inland options: When coastal campgrounds are full, drive 20 minutes inland for alternatives. A visitor to Memorial Park found it "Great for camping or just getting out for the day with family and friends" and mentioned it's "a super cool town. The Park was secluded and lots of shade."
Plan for temperature changes: Pack layers for all family members as temperatures fluctuate widely. Morning fog often burns off by midday, requiring both warm clothes and sun protection.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most coastal RV sites accommodate vehicles under 40 feet. Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access. A camper at Half Moon Bay RV Park mentioned, "Our 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."
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections vary by campground, with some offering full hookups while others provide electric only. One RVer at Pillar Point RV Park recommended "hookups are pretty fast away and needed my sewer extention."
Consider wind exposure: Coastal sites experience strong ocean winds, particularly in afternoons. RVers should secure awnings and bring stabilizers, as Pacific winds can gust unexpectedly throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Montara, CA?
What camping is available near Montara, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Montara, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Montara, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Montara, CA?
Which is the most popular campground near Montara, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montara, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montara, CA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montara, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Montara, CA.
What parks are near Montara, CA?
What parks are near Montara, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Montara, CA that allow camping, notably Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Keep Exploring