Best Campgrounds near Moss Beach, CA

Moss Beach on the California coast has several good camping options nearby. New Brighton State Beach Campground lets you camp with ocean views and beach access just a short walk away. The sites here fit both tents and RVs with plenty of space between them. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits among redwoods and gives you more privacy with lots of shade. You'll need to book ahead for both places since they fill up fast, especially in summer. Check for fire rules before you go as bans are common in this area. Keep your food secured since deer and many birds live around here. The weather near Moss Beach works for camping all year, but bring warm clothes for the cool mornings and foggy evenings. El Granada and Half Moon Bay are close by when you need groceries or want to eat out. The area has great hiking on coastal paths and nice spots for evening campfires. Pack layers and rain gear because the weather changes quickly here. Many campers come back to this area because you can find both beach and forest camping nearby. Follow Leave No Trace practices while you're here to keep the area nice. With some planning and following the local rules, camping near Moss Beach can be a great trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Moss Beach, California (119)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-8819

    $35 - $165 / night

    "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."

    2. San Francisco RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Pacifica, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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!"

    "It is essentially a parking lot on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.  The cliff edge here has fallen into the sea so the site must of lost 50 spaces when it happened. "

    3. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 712-9277

    $95 / night

    "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"

    4. Half Moon Bay RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-7275

    "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. San Mateo Memorial Park

    15 Reviews
    Loma Mar, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-0238

    $35 - $50 / night

    "Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."

    "Bathrooms are easily accessible but showers are a bit of a walk maybe 5 mins from your site."

    6. Pelican Point RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 726-9100

    $88 / night

    "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."

    7. Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park - CLOSED INDEFINITELY

    18 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-2040

    $35 / night

    "It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."

    "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees. Great ferny hiking trails for every level of camper/hiker. Very easy access to campsites and near Pescadero and Highway One."

    8. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 338-8860

    $35 / night

    "Not far from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area in California. When you arrive it's like stepping in to a whole other world. Huge redwoods blanket the mountain and line every site."

    "So sad the devastation of last month's fires on the oldest state park in California, home to thr biggest redwoods south of San Francisco."

    9. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "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"

    10. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (510) 690-6676

    "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"

    "Always went here when we don't wanna drive too far. Staff is great and place is clean. Campsite #69 has the best view but is next to trail. Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."

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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Moss Beach, CA

695 Reviews of 119 Moss Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Moss Beach

Camping near Moss Beach, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during weekends. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "While meeting up with some friends... we happened along the campsite and simply enquired if they had an open site for the night."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A visitor noted, "Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys came to pick up the dropped food."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food or check out local restaurants. A camper at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground suggested, "Riding your bike, or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list."
  • Pack Extra Supplies: Be ready for anything. One camper at Lawson's Landing advised, "Bring your own TP!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Use Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "The dump station was in good working order."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get busy. One reviewer at Lawson's Landing said, "Most people have RVs so the generators start early."

Camping near Moss Beach, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Moss Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moss Beach, CA is Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Moss Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Moss Beach, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.