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Best Campgrounds near Pacifica, CA

691 Reviews

Camping options near Pacifica in California include several good spots within driving distance. Taylor State Park Campground sits just a short drive away, with basic sites that have drinking water and restrooms. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground lets you camp among the big redwoods and has trails that start right from the camping area. They've got showers and picnic tables too, which works well if you're bringing kids. Both places put you close enough to beaches that you can easily go for the day. You should probably book ahead, especially if you're coming in summer when it gets busy. The roads to get to these campgrounds are in good shape, but sometimes they close sections for repairs or during bad weather. Half Moon Bay and San Francisco aren't far if you want to take day trips for other things to do or places to eat. Keep in mind that Pacifica gets pretty foggy in summer - many locals think spring and fall have better camping weather with less fog and comfortable temperatures. The campgrounds work for both tents and RVs, giving you a good home base while you check out the area. Just make sure to pack out what you pack in to keep these places nice.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pacifica, California (115)

    1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    10 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
    2 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. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    15 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"

    4. Pillar Point RV Park

    6 Reviews
    El Granada, CA
    8 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"

    5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    10 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    25 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    22 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."

    7. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."

    "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."

    8. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    "Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

    We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "

    9. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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

    $25 / night

    "All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"

    "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. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"

    10. Rob Hill Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 561-5083

    $92 - $140 / night

    "Stumbled across this campground by accident a few weeks ago as we were hiking around The Presidio. It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove."

    "Accessible to many trails."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pacifica, CA

236 Photos of 115 Pacifica Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pacifica, CA

691 Reviews of 115 Pacifica Campgrounds

Guide to Pacifica

Camping near Pacifica, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking. Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Beach Access: Visit New Brighton State Beach Campground for a day at the beach. A camper mentioned, "Great views and easy access to the beach."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the lush surroundings. One visitor at Bodega Dunes Campground said, "The campground was quiet and met some lovely people every now and then."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park noted, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One parent said, "This place is busy and expensive... but great for kids."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "Always tough to get a reservation, but it never disappoints if you can get one."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. One camper warned, "We had two new types of visitors... aggressive yellow jackets."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or extensive facilities. A visitor at California Sunset State Beach noted, "There is NO dump station or water for RVs anywhere at this campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA said, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm and mining fun."
  • Plan for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "It rained during our trip which we knew about beforehand."
  • Bring Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A reviewer at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "The site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle, table and decent amount of shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your campsite before booking. A visitor at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground shared, "Keep in mind, not all campsites... are the same size."
  • Bring a Lock for Food Storage: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, a camper advised, "Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door."
  • Be Mindful of Wildlife: Keep food secured to avoid attracting animals. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "We reported the experience to the attendant... the park is looking for a solution."

Camping in Pacifica, CA, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, enjoying the beach, or just relaxing in nature, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Pacifica, CA?

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

What parks are near Pacifica, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Pacifica, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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