Francis Beach Campground at Half Moon Bay State Beach provides excellent options for coastal camping near Moss Beach, California. Just 5 miles south of Moss Beach, this campground offers walk-in tent camping with sites about 200 feet from parking areas. The terrain consists of grassy bluffs approximately 30 feet above the shoreline, creating direct beach access without the inconvenience of blowing sand. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-60°F, while summer brings coastal fog and temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Beach exploration: 4-mile stretch of sandy shoreline. At Francis Beach Campground, campers can spend days exploring the extensive beachfront. "Loved camping here! So peaceful, easily accessible from San Francisco," notes Amrita R. The campground provides direct access to coastal exploration year-round.
Hiking: Connected trail system for all abilities. The coastal bluff trails at Steep Ravine Campground connect to a wider trail network throughout Mount Tamalpais. "The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site," mentions Patrick O. The terrain is challenging with significant elevation changes, requiring proper footwear.
Wildlife viewing: Bird and marine life observation. Winter and spring months bring migrating whales visible from coastal bluffs. One visitor to Steep Ravine noted, "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." Bring binoculars for best viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Protection from weather: Tree coverage and wind buffers. Many campers appreciate the natural wind protection at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, where redwood groves provide shelter from coastal winds. "The cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down," explains Joseph F. The redwood canopy creates a microclimate that moderates temperature extremes.
Accessibility to San Francisco: Quick urban escape. The Bicentennial Campground offers camping just across the Golden Gate Bridge. "This is an excellent primitive campground with 3 sites. It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city," shares Amanda S. Sites must be reserved well in advance due to limited availability.
Seasonal whale watching: Prime viewing from December-April. Coastal sites near Moss Beach provide front-row seating for gray whale migration. One campground offers "incredible views, hiking, and hot springs," notes a visitor to Steep Ravine, who advises "bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round."
What you should know
Weather variability: Significant daily temperature swings. The coastal region experiences rapid weather changes, often with morning fog giving way to afternoon sun, then returning to evening chill. A camper at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA advised, "The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather." Daytime and nighttime temperatures can differ by 20°F or more.
Reservation challenges: High demand for limited sites. Steep Ravine is "extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," reports Kelly S. Many coastal campgrounds require booking 6 months in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely. While some areas have reliable coverage, many campgrounds experience limited service. "There is actually (unsecured) wi-fi provided by the park and adequate cell coverage," reports one camper about Francis Beach, while others note spotty reception at campgrounds tucked into canyons or behind coastal bluffs.
Tips for camping with families
Storage management: Wildlife precautions required. At Sanborn County Park, "The campsites provide a picnic table, a bear box, a grill, and fire pit," according to Derek B. Though not bear country, raccoons, jays, and small mammals will raid unsecured food. Teach children proper food storage habits.
Off-season advantages: Better availability and quieter experience. Winter camping provides more open reservation windows and fewer crowds. "We went in January and walked in and got a space," notes Amanda S. about Bicentennial Campground, though she warns "be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close."
Wagon accessibility: Gear transport assistance. Several campgrounds offer wheeled carts for moving gear. At Sanborn County Park, "The park provides carts to help with hauling gear, and storage boxes are provided at the site, near the picnic table," according to Amanda P. This feature makes walk-in sites more accessible for families with young children.
Tips for RVers
Site selection strategy: Back-in vs. pull-through considerations. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, an RVer advised, "Back in spots have far more space. 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." Sites at the bottom of the first loop offer sunset views over the ocean.
Length restrictions: Most coastal campgrounds limit size. Francis Beach accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though spaces are limited. "This has it all. Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat," reports Carina B., though others note the campground can feel crowded during peak season.
Year-round yurt camping: Moss Beach alternatives nearby. For those seeking yurt camping near Moss Beach, California without bringing an RV, the yurts at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA provide a comfortable alternative. "This place just has everything including always lit fireplaces at the bath houses. Very social camping place. So much to do," shares Corrie G.
