RV camping near Montara, California offers oceanside accommodations on the rugged San Mateo County coastline. The stretch between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay provides multiple options for motorhome travelers, with most campgrounds situated on cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Winter camping is available year-round, though coastal fog often reduces visibility during summer mornings and evenings.
What to do
Beach access: Pillar Point RV Park offers direct access to coastal activities. "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff," notes Raven P. The location allows for easy exploration of Half Moon Bay.
Cycling routes: The coastal highway features dedicated bike lanes ideal for day trips. "Nice bike trail right on the water," according to Mike M. who stayed at San Francisco RV Resort. These paths connect to several beaches and vista points between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.
Public transportation: Using ferries provides convenient access to urban attractions without moving your motorhome. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," writes Jeff T. from Marin RV Park.
What campers like
Ocean wildlife sightings: San Francisco RV Resort offers opportunities to spot marine mammals. "Saw a couple whales too. When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore," reports Tom H. The oceanfront location maximizes wildlife viewing potential.
Hiking options: Many RV parks connect to regional trail networks. "Great hiking trails assessable from the campground," Linda S. mentions about Cotillion Gardens RV Park, noting its proximity to Santa Cruz makes it suitable for day trips to the boardwalk.
Pool facilities: Some RV parks maintain swimming pools despite the cool coastal climate. "Bathrooms and showers are clean and the staff is great," says Luke D. who appreciated the amenities at San Francisco RV Resort, adding "Price is higher than other places but this close to the city with all of the amenities a pretty good deal."
What you should know
Compact spacing: Most coastal RV parks maximize capacity through tight site arrangements. "Spots are tight. Staff is great! Laundry hot tub pool are always clean," says Corrie G. about the San Francisco RV Resort.
Variable wifi quality: Internet access varies significantly between parks, with some charging additional fees. "They charge for internet! It's a little deceiving, the package tells you which wifi to choose, you choose it and then prices pop up for plans you can buy," notes a reviewer about connectivity options.
Advance planning required: Half Moon Bay RV Park demonstrates the importance of securing reservations. "Lisa was helpful when making this reservation a few months ago. It went the same way for check in. Prior to check in while enroute we appreciated her call assigning our site and the best way to enter it," Patrick J. explains about the pre-arrival process.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Children have access to recreational facilities at certain parks. "There were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool. There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm," Jessica R. shares about Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Budget considerations: Additional occupant fees may apply for family groups. "There is an additional $3 charge per night for any more than two campers per tent or R.V. site. Because there was me and my two daughters it was $53 per night," notes Jessica R. regarding Cotillion Gardens' pricing structure.
Tent camping limitations: Families without RVs face restricted options. "They had a small plot to the side of the rest of the rv slots with a little grass to pitch a tent. Not secluded at all from the hustle and bustle which to me is a major part of the allure for camping," Mauriel O. explains about Santa Cruz Ranch Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Prepare for variable parking surfaces across different parks. "Sites were leveled with dirt," reports a GotelRV reviewer about Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, noting full hookups at every campsite.
Arrival planning: Some RV parks offer specialized check-in procedures. "After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance. The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs," Tony C. describes about Trailer Villa RV Park.
Extension equipment: Pack additional hose and cable extensions. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," Patrick J. mentions when describing his setup at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
