Montara, California sits 22 miles south of San Francisco, with coastal terrain characterized by steep cliffs descending to small pocket beaches at approximately 200 feet above sea level. The Mediterranean climate brings foggy summers with temperatures typically ranging 55-65°F, while winter months often deliver clearer views across the Pacific. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round despite seasonal weather fluctuations.
What to do
Horseback riding from Half Moon Bay: Access multiple beach trail networks from Five Brooks Ranch in Olema, offering guided coastal rides as noted by a camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground: "There is horseback riding available and coin operated hot showers. Great campgrounds."
Beach hiking along coastal bluffs: Explore extensive trail networks with ocean views as mentioned by a visitor at Francis Beach Campground: "You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!"
Night sky observation: Clear nights offer stargazing opportunities when coastal fog retreats. A camper at Bicentennial Campground noted: "Gorgeous sunset and sunrise from camp or even better up the closest hill which is a 6 minute walk tops."
Tide pool exploration: Low tides reveal marine life at beaches throughout the region. One visitor to Steep Ravine Campground observed: "The wildlife is off the hook..I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day."
What campers like
Natural soundscape: Many campers appreciate the ambient sounds at coastal sites. A visitor to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned: "The atmosphere here is wonderful. It's quiet and right on the beach. Some RV spaces with hookups back right up to the sand/vegetation."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Midweek stays offer more solitude than weekends. A camper noted: "We went in January and walked in and got a space. Be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise."
Redwood forest immersion: Sites nestled among redwoods provide distinct experiences from beachfront camping. A visitor to Lower Blooms Creek shared: "This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day. The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us."
Walk-in site privacy: Several campgrounds offer walk-in sites with better separation from neighbors. A camper at Steep Ravine noted: "Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs. Unique and wonderful place to camp. Lots of space between you and other campers."
What you should know
Reservation timing: High demand necessitates advance planning. A camper at Steep Ravine Campground warned: "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Wear layers of clothing."
Wildlife precautions: Take measures to prevent animal encounters. A Samuel P. Taylor camper advised: "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue."
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for rapid weather changes regardless of season. A visitor cautioned: "Even during the summer it gets enough of a sea breeze and has enough shade to stay cool."
Campsite selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Francis Beach: "If you can get sites 36-38 go for it! tent only for these sites."
Weekend noise levels: Expect more activity on weekends. One camper reported: "Unfortunately, the site across from mine was the epicenter of all things July 4th and the aforementioned multivariate families."
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with children's activities: Some sites offer organized programs. A visitor to Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA shared: "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 glamping options for reluctant campers: Tent cabins provide comfort for those new to outdoor stays. One camper noted: "The tent cabins are super convenient. We camp here every year in May or June."
Select creek-adjacent sites: Water features entertain children. A visitor observed: "The creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July."
Pack for varied weather conditions: Coastal temperature swings require preparation. A camper advised: "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."
Monitor campground bathrooms: Facilities vary in maintenance. A visitor reported: "Considering the $35 price tag to pitch a tent, we were a bit disappointed. The campground is likely much nicer in the middle of the week when there aren't so many people."
Tips from RVers
Measure site dimensions before booking: RV spaces vary significantly in size. A visitor to Pelican Point RV Park warned: "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."
Plan for hookup limitations: Not all sites offer full services. A camper at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA noted: "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension."
Consider boondocking capabilities: Limited cell service affects some areas. One RVer reported: "Wifi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30."
Research road access: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. A visitor cautioned: "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though."
