Kirill B.
Scout
ScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Good spot, but I was waken up by a cop in a car at 2am asking me to leave.
Good spot, but I was waken up by a cop in a car at 2am asking me to leave.
Camping near Montara, CA
121 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (121)
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. 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 Availability6. 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 Availability7. 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."
8. 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. Candlestick RV Park
"Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station. Great WiFi. It's a parking lot with close neighbors. Nice and clean facilities."
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
212 Photos of 121 Montara Campgrounds
Alicia F.
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Sky W.
SkyWanda Sanctuary
Cat R.
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Cecil K.
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Mary D.
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Erin S.
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Carl N.
San Mateo Memorial Park
Haley C.
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
Alana S.
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Joanna M.
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Lily H.
Black Mountain Backpacking Camp
Amanda P.
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Montara, CA
743 Reviews of 121 Montara Campgrounds
- Lauren S.
TravelerHalf Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Beachside getaway
We stayed at Francis Beach Campground, we snagged a spot the week of since they release a few throughout the week. I’m so glad they do that for locals!
Campground is well maintained, there was an individual picking through the trash though so we made sure to lock up some stuff.
Sites are easy to get in and out of, pretty spacious. The middle sites aren’t too great, but the ones bordering the beach and the bike trail are very nice. We loved our spot, we had a trail right behind our trailer onto the beach!
Dump station is $10. Fresh water smelled a bit off, but we filled up and just used it for washing up.
- NNameTraveler
San Francisco RV Resort
Beautiful park
Beautiful part, you can see the ocean from your site. 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 don’t have a meter I recommend getting one it was at 80 psi which an older rig was older seals. It could easily blow a seal.
- Patrick W.Traveler
Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
Quiet, cool campsite in the "Sky"
Stayed one night at site 5 over the Fourth of July weekend. Great site at the top of the hill. It's a good distance from the bathroom and water (which is really a good thing). Very private compared to some of the other sites, although it's a little more exposed to cooler breezes than some. I used Sky as the intermediary camp between Glen and Coast. The fog rolled in the morning I packed up, and my tent was soaked. Careful if you have a single wall tent :)
Rabbits, quail, and deer seen around the campsite
Phillip S.ScoutBeach RV Pleasure Point
Very Convenient Spot
A very nice and well kept spot to park and enjoy Santa Cruz. You are close enough to walk to the beach and several restaurants. The sites are very close together. We were pleased on how clean and neat the area is kept. The temperatures were amazing for July.
Lee D.
LegendHalf Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Popular coastal camping
General: 52 RV/tent sites, four walk-in oceanfront tent sites, and a hiker/biker camp. 28 sites have electric hookups. No sewer (there is a dump station) and shared water spigots.
Site Quality: Sites are paved with room for an additional vehicle and are level. Some sites have decent spacing between them, but others have no privacy/separation (the internal sites with electric have less privacy). IMO, sites 48 and 16 are the best sites.
Bath/shower: Two bathhouses each with all-in-one toilet/sink combos. They could use a little TLC. Showers are standard CA state park requiring tokens to use. Did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are three trails for easy ocean access. Beach is long and ok for walking, but in the springtime, the beach is littered with “blue sailfish”. Dogs are not allowed. Walking north is better than south. The 7.5-mile Half Moon Bay Coastal multi-use trail is easily accessible from the campground. Little Free Library. There is a host on site who sells firewood for $15 from 4:30-9:30 pm daily.
There are not many camping options in this area, and the campground was fully booked during the week in mid-May. We had to make reservations several months in advance and could only get two nights, and we had to move sites. Four stars due to the lack of privacy between many of the sites.
- KKimberly W.
GuideCostanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
Outstanding coastal access and amenities!
I loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
Chris C.GuideJoseph D. Grant County Park
Pleasant!
Very nice for a one night stop. Very windy road to get to the park. Sites are well kept and have a solid amount of room. Super clean bathrooms and good free showers. Lots of wildlife to see and hear (coyotes). Didn’t get 5 starts cause it was quite busy with loud neighbors!
- Patrick W.Traveler
Glen Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
In the middle of nowhere
It’s kinda more like a last choice in the area. I’m happy I had the opportunity to stay there (to compare the other campsites) and it is nicely set up with running water, picnic table, and pit toilets. Campsite 10 though is the worst of ‘em. Set directly in the middle with no privacy and no shade.
Whenever someone opened the pit toilet doors, the smell wafted gracefully like a hammer out of nowhere to abuse my olfactory senses! Just trying to be real and give the scoops.
The NPS does a great job with maintaining the campsite BUT I would definitely pick any of the other locations first. Eg Sky, Coast, or Wildcat. That being said, if there was nothing else available, I’d stay there again. Get in late and leave early.
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 121 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.
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