C. K.
Scout
ScoutHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Your average camp site
It’s quite large compared to to other campsites. It was pleasant and have no complaints. Nothing special but hiking trails are fantastic.
Camping near Pacifica, CA
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Camping near Pacifica includes a mix of coastal and forest sites, all within a reasonable drive. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits about 31 miles from town, with good trails winding through dense woods. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground puts you right among massive redwood trees with hiking paths for all skill levels. Both places fill up fast, so you'll need to book ahead, especially if you're planning a summer or weekend trip. Check for fire bans before packing your gear - they change based on conditions. Spring and fall tend to be the nicest times to camp here, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer brings the coastal fog that can make evenings chilly, particularly at sites closer to the ocean. Winter camping works if you don't mind some rain and cold nights. Most campground roads are paved and fine for regular cars, though some back roads get muddy after storms. Bring what you need since stores aren't typically close by. The area's great for fishing, watching birds, and taking photos. Try to leave your site as you found it - the local ecosystems are pretty sensitive. Pacifica's nearby campgrounds make for a good getaway whether you camp every weekend or are trying it for the first time.
Best Campgrounds near Pacifica (120)
1. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
"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."
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability2. San Francisco RV Resort
"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!"
"There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high."
3. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
"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."
4. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
"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"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Pillar Point RV Park
"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"
from $95 / night
Check Availability6. Anthony Chabot Regional Park
"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"
"Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability7. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
"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. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
"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."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Candlestick RV Park
"Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station. Great WiFi. It's a parking lot with close neighbors. Nice and clean facilities."
10. Half Moon Bay RV Park
"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."
Drive Time
- 17 min from San Francisco, CA
- 47 min from San Jose, CA
- 47 min from Vallejo, CA
- 1 hr 2 min from Napa, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Pacifica, CA
198 Photos of 120 Pacifica Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation AreaC
Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State ParkR
Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
SkyWanda Sanctuary
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State ParkJ
Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State ParkS
Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Anthony Chabot Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Pacifica, CA
759 Reviews of 120 Pacifica Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendLas Trampas Regional Wilderness
Come for the Solitude & Stay for Those Ridgeline Views
Las Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
Sidney C.
TravelerOlema Campground
Loved it!
Had a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend
Chris C.TravelerH. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound
Overnight Rest Stop
Great place to stop overnight. I spent one night. Great views (obviously). Plenty of parking away from the crowd, quiet and secure.
Clean restrooms and trash cans everywhere.- CChristopher K.Scout
Mineral Springs Trailhead
False advertising
This is not a dispersed campsite , the locals are yuppies that think they run shit, we are supposed to be able to camp here 2 weeks at a time , I’m being ran off after 12 hours . I’m indigenous to north , ga being ran off public land in California
- C. K.Scout
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground
Nice location
Many said this particular location is large and nice. It’s just ok along with many other locations. I guess it comes down to what individual preferences are. I have no negative things to say, the experience here was good to visit.
Kirill B.ScoutMineral Springs Trailhead
Good spot, but I was waken up by a cop in a car at 2am asking me to leave.
Good spot, but I was waken up by a cop in a car at 2am asking me to leave.
- Lauren S.
GuideHalf Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Beachside getaway
We stayed at Francis Beach Campground, we snagged a spot the week of since they release a few throughout the week. I’m so glad they do that for locals!
Campground is well maintained, there was an individual picking through the trash though so we made sure to lock up some stuff.
Sites are easy to get in and out of, pretty spacious. The middle sites aren’t too great, but the ones bordering the beach and the bike trail are very nice. We loved our spot, we had a trail right behind our trailer onto the beach!
Dump station is $10. Fresh water smelled a bit off, but we filled up and just used it for washing up.
- JJack D.Guide
Skyline Wilderness Park
Napa, California
We have stayed here a few times. I have a sister that lives here and this place is only about 3 miles from us! $80 for a back in space.
Guide to Pacifica
Camping options near Pacifica, California range from coastal bluffs to wooded inland sites within a 30-minute drive. Pacifica sits at sea level while nearby camping areas reach elevations of 600-1,200 feet in the coastal hills. Fog often rolls in during summer evenings, creating temperature drops of 15-20 degrees between daytime and nighttime at coastal campsites.
What to do
Beach exploration and tide pools: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers direct beach access for tide pooling. "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," shares Michell C.
Waterfront hiking and biking: Coastal trails extend for miles along the shoreline. "Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas," notes Carina B. about the beach path system.
Urban adventures and city exploration: Candlestick RV Park provides a base for San Francisco trips. "Lyft/Uber 25 minutes to Fishers Wharf ~$25-30. Or Muni which takes about double the time including walk to the station," according to Kirsten, who used it as a city base.
Island camping: For a unique experience, take the ferry to Sunrise Campground on Angel Island. "There are only 10 sites on the island and being so accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area (only a ferry ride away from Pier 39), you can see why it is in so high demand," explains Bryan R.
What campers like
Bridge views and city skylines: Kirby Cove Campground offers premium Golden Gate views. "This is an incredible spot, if you can get a reservation. Worth hiking to for the day if you can't. Right at the base of the Golden Gate with an easily accessible beach," reports Ashley S.
Wooded seclusion: For tree cover and forest camping, Anthony Chabot Regional Park delivers. "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area," Amanda P. explains.
Oceanfront proximity: Waterfront sites remain popular among reviewers. "Loved camping here! So peaceful, easily accessible from San Francisco," says Amrita R. about camping at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Free overnight alternatives: Budget travelers appreciate the H. Dana Bower Rest Area. "We arrived around 5:30pm, and were able to park for the night. There are several parking spots. Several other campers soon pulled in around us," notes Reed G. about this unofficial option.
What you should know
Reservation competition: Many sites book quickly, especially during peak season. For Steep Ravine Campground, "you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest," advises Adam.
Noise considerations: Many coastal sites experience fog horn sounds. "BRING EARPLUGS. The fog horn doesn't quite if its foggy. And its LOUD," warns Ashley S. about Kirby Cove.
Wildlife interactions: Several sites report persistent wildlife. "I've been camping my whole life and NEVER have I seen raccoons so persistent. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone," Daniel D. reports about Kirby Cove.
Urban camping realities: Sites closer to the city often reflect urban issues. "The streets are lined with homeless living in RVs etc leading up to the RV park and after," notes Devon M. about Candlestick RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety awareness: Not all beach locations allow swimming. At Half Moon Bay, "No dogs allowed in the beach in the park but a short walk away there is a public beach that is dog friendly, so that was nice for our doggo," Michell C. mentions.
Space between sites: Look for campgrounds with adequate separation. At Bicentennial Campground, "All three sites here are next to each other and have no separation," warns august M.
Transportation planning: Consider ferry schedules when camping on islands. "You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island so you have to drive up to Tiburon and park your car and get onto one of the Ferry Boats," explains Marion D.
Tent versus cabin options: Families might appreciate cabins during winter or foggy periods. For Steep Ravine Cabins, "If you're intent on having the cabin experience, or if you're staying in winter, or staying for more than a couple days, or have kids and really want to set up house, then go for a cabin," recommends Adam.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are limited. At San Francisco RV Resort, "Spots are tight. Staff is great! Laundry hot tub pool are always clean. Right on the ocean (on a cliff)!" says Corrie G.
Proximity limitations: Most RV parks near Pacifica function more like parking lots. "Kind of magical really. But seriously this place is literally falling into the sea. Visit soon!" Kelly humorously warns about San Francisco RV Resort.
Urban accessibility: RVers prioritize proximity to attractions over spaciousness. "The area is a bit industrial but quick access to San Fran and the other sites around town. Nice bike trail right on the water," Mike M. notes about San Francisco RV Resort.
Cost considerations: Expect premium pricing. "Costs a lot but great for a basecamp to explore SF. People were nice amenities are basic, it's a parkinglot," Kelly candidly states about San Francisco RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Pacifica, CA?
Where can I find campgrounds in Pacifica, CA?
While Pacifica itself has limited camping options, the surrounding area offers excellent alternatives. San Francisco RV Resort is located in Pacifica with ocean views, though it primarily serves RVs. For traditional camping near Pacifica, Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is just a short drive south along Highway 1, offering beach access and beautiful coastal views. Other nearby options include Sanborn County Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains and various campgrounds in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the north of Pacifica.
Are there RV parks or RV camping options in Pacifica?
Are there RV parks or RV camping options in Pacifica?
Yes, Pacifica offers RV camping options. Half Moon Bay RV Park is located a short drive south of Pacifica and provides pull-through sites with helpful staff who assist with site assignments and entry directions. For a location in Pacifica itself, San Mateo Memorial Park provides camping facilities that serve as an excellent basecamp for exploring both redwood forests and nearby coastal areas. Both parks offer convenient access to Pacifica's attractions while providing necessary RV amenities, though the San Francisco area generally has limited RV camping options compared to other regions.
Can you camp on Pacifica beaches?
Can you camp on Pacifica beaches?
No, camping directly on Pacifica beaches is not permitted. Beach camping in the area is restricted, with enforcement of no overnight camping regulations. For legal beach-adjacent camping, consider Kirby Cove Campground in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which offers reservable sites near the water. Alternatively, Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park provides walk-in sites with coastal views. Both options require advance reservations as beach-adjacent camping is highly sought after in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
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