Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pacifica, CA

San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica accommodates pets with designated walking areas along the Pacific Ocean. Spots are closely configured in a parking-lot style arrangement with ocean views from select sites. Pet owners bringing dogs to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground must keep them on-leash and outside the beach area. Anthony Chabot Regional Park permits pets at both tent and RV sites while Pantoll Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park allows dogs at their walk-in tent sites. Several campgrounds have convenient access to dog-friendly coastal trails. Sites are typically tight with limited space between neighboring RVs, especially at San Francisco RV Resort where neighbors' slide-outs can sometimes block doorways.

The coastal location provides excellent walking opportunities for dogs on nearby trails. Pillar Point RV Park offers beach access within walking distance, allowing dogs to enjoy the shoreline. Most campgrounds enforce leash requirements throughout their facilities. The Pacifica area experiences frequent fog and cool temperatures year-round, requiring pet owners to pack accordingly for changing weather conditions. Local veterinary services can be found within driving distance of most campgrounds. Pillar Point RV Park provides convenient access to shops and restaurants while walking pets along beach paths and trails. Highway noise affects some campsites, particularly at Pillar Point where road sounds can be disruptive to pets sensitive to noise. Treasure Island MH and RV Park offers limited amenities for pets but provides proximity to San Francisco attractions, though the concrete environment offers little natural space for pet exercise.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pacifica, California (76)

    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."

    "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."

    2. San Francisco RV Resort

    16 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!"

    "Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."

    3. Pillar Point RV Park

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

    $95 / night

    "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"

    "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!"

    4. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Castro Valley, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 327-2757

    $25 - $200 / night

    "Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty."

    "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"

    5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    11 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. Candlestick RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Brisbane, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 822-2299

    "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."

    7. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    31 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Scenic, quiet, dog friendly and close to awesome swimming holes. We booked the MG2 group site and worth the $. It was tucked away and heaven."

    8. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

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

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais.  You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground.  "

    "This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."

    9. Treasure Island MH and RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Daly City, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 994-3266

    10. Pelican Point RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    13 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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pacifica, CA

710 Reviews of 76 Pacifica Campgrounds


  • N
    Sep. 26, 2021

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great camp for the kids

    This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options for RV sites. Wide variety of full hook-ups or partial hook-ups. Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos. For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life! Close to downtown Petaluma with plenty of premium shops and restaurants.

  • Eric  D.
    Jul. 2, 2019

    Olema Campground

    Private Family Oriented Campground

    Pros: Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale. Cons: expensive, sites are close and poorly defined and the after hours check in procedure doesn’t prevent overlapping.

  • Andrea A.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

    Great if you know what to expect

    We had a very nice stay for a long weekend. 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. But, if you expect that, it’s a great place to stay. Very clean, well maintained, and about a 20 minute walk to the ocean. Decent takeout from the restaurant and great cocktails! Very convenient dog park. We had almost the entire row to ourselves after checkout on Sunday. We will definitely return for the full experience when all restrictions are lifted, but will leave our two big dogs at home as there wasn’t much space for them.

  • BRIAN O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Pillar Point RV Park

    Pricey, but worth it

    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

  • Cristina A.
    Aug. 11, 2019

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

    Amazing camp sites

    No matter what site you reserve, all the site are amazing! We had #108. Near the bathroom, wash room, garbage dumpsters. The only con was the windy road! I eat sour patch kids to help with getting car sick. Easy to find. The site is pet friendly. You can only walk the dogs at paved areas, no trails. Our dogs still had fun. The redwood trees were amazing! Definitely an experience you will never forget!

  • Kristi D.
    Oct. 24, 2023

    Skyline Wilderness Park

    Great Napa Valley views

    Great place to hit Napa Valley. Staff was super friendly. Spots were pretty level, but close together. They gave free wifi but it was not consistent. It constantly dropped.

    They had a great little fenced in dog park which was great for our dog. The bathrooms were pretty clean with nice hot water. Codes needed for showers.

    Very quiet, no issues. We had friendly neighbors. There were people coming in for day use to use the trails for hiking, biking etc. We didn't get to explore as we were strictly in area to wine taste and eat some good food. We enjoyed our time there and would stay there again. $65 a night. Pricey compared to some places in CA, but probably a good price for Napa.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    Nice Respite Along the Beach

    We rarely make reservations to camp in California Beach Parks, as they are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance. While meeting up with some friends in Half Moon Bay we happened along the campsite and simply enquired if they had an open site for the night. They did, and we ended up staying for 2 nights due to a cancellation.  It never hurts to ask!  

    The campsite is a nice quiet stretch of grass, live oak trees, and beach shrubs about 30 vertical feet above the Pacific beach shoreline.  While you get away from the blowing sand, you get to hear the pounding ocean at night. I can’t imagine a more gentle lullaby, frankly. The sites themselves are a little close quarters, but all provide just about enough space for a long camper and a tow/towed vehicle as well.  For a small camper like us, there’s even enough room to have a friend visit. 

    The sites offer electrical and water hookups, additionally there is a dump station just as you exit the camping area. Showers and flush toilets are available, but also used by all the beach goers in the area, so you know what they look like....never clean.

    The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores. 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 while you’re there.  We had brunch at Mavericks Creparie and dinner at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.  Both are absolutely fantastic!

    Beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, horseback riding, and skim boarding during the warmer months also are great ways to fill up the day. The beach path goes for miles in either direction so you can get some exercise off of the main roads.

  • Todd H.
    Feb. 19, 2022

    Marin RV Park

    Great location

    Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view.

  • Ryan W.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    A few weird vibes don't steal the magic of a hot shower near big trees.

    Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty. The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes like not using generators all night or letting their dog wonder through other sites and the bathroom areas off-leash. Still the campsites all have decent views–though best ones abut the lake on the map. They look close to the lake on the map but they are actually way up high above it. There are trails running throughout the park and around the lake that are a mix of wider open trails and narrower, through the woods, but groomed trails with plenty of up and down to make for a good hike.

    Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds. Because the camp was empty, I moved over to site 56 when it was clear my neighbor was a camp d-bag. It was a pull through with a downhill slope in the site but not in the drive. The views and solitude over here were great with the setting sun through the trees, and the knowledge that the Bay in the distance.

    There were a few other weird vibes in the park, namely some e-bikers charging up phones at the bathroom drinking 40s and smoking joints, while watching very loud sitcoms on the charging phones. They seemed mostly harmless, and were gone well before dark.

    The warm waters* of Lake Chabot was beautiful and tempting as a siren, but don't touch it, or let your dog touch it, unless you want to get mutated like the Ninja Turtles...

    Actually, that is a bad example. That would be awesome. The water will make you sick or your (or your pets) skin break out in a real not fun way. It is toxic. It will not make you a Ninja Turtle.

    The showers were great. Hot and FREE!

    Finally, this is a well-kept park with proactive rangers only limited by their working hours, and despite it being quite accessible to Oakland, the park felt like camping in the wilderness, even though I could hear cheers echoing through the canyon from a graduation somewhere below.

    The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road.

    *I don't know if it was warm. I didn't touch it.


Guide to Pacifica

Camping near Pacifica, California offers access to redwood groves and coastal trails within a 30-minute drive of San Francisco. The region experiences heavy marine influence with summer temperatures typically ranging 50-65°F, creating cool camping conditions where morning fog can linger until midday. Many campgrounds sit along the San Andreas Fault, providing unique geological features and varied terrain for hiking.

What to Do

Hike through redwoods: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, trails wind through groves of old-growth redwoods. "There is a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes Joseph F.

Beach exploration: Walk from Pelican Point RV Park to access coastal areas within minutes. "5 minute walk to the beach, grounds are up kept, everyone is pretty laid back," explains Deanna B. This location provides access to Half Moon Bay's shoreline without needing to relocate your vehicle.

Wildlife viewing: The coastal area supports diverse bird populations and marine mammals. "We even saw whales!!" reports Rosie R. who stayed at San Francisco RV Resort. Bring binoculars for spotting harbor seals, dolphins, and migrating gray whales between December and April.

Mountain biking: Trails at Anthony Chabot Regional Park accommodate riders of various skill levels. "Very nice campground, great for a quick getaway... Nice trails and not super far from town to get food," writes Daniel M. The park maintains over 70 miles of multi-use trails.

What Campers Like

Ocean proximity: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides immediate beach access. "Short walk to the beach. You can walk for miles on the beach or on the bluff trails. Everyone is laidback which makes for a peaceful experience. Great sunsets!!" shares Jill F. The beach offers ample space for walking dogs in designated areas.

Urban accessibility: The H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound serves travelers needing free overnight parking with city views. "Parked here and had friends from the city come pick me up to spend the day together and then dropped me back off at night to sleep. Felt very safe with all the other campers around," says Kathy B. This location provides access to San Francisco attractions while keeping camping costs minimal.

Weather variation: The coastal climate creates unique camping conditions. "When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore," notes Tom H. at San Francisco RV Resort. The fog patterns make each day different, with morning mist typically burning off by afternoon, especially during summer months.

Trail networks: Multiple campgrounds connect directly to hiking paths. "From Pantoll you have very easy access to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, easy access Stinson Beach and the coast, plus you can even skip the long lines and shuttles to get into Muir Woods," explains Michael I., highlighting the extensive trail connections at Pantoll Campground.

What You Should Know

Tight spacing: Most RV parks in the area maximize capacity. "Neighbors' slide was a foot from our door," reports Jan G. about San Francisco RV Resort. Prepare for close quarters, particularly at coastal locations where premium views come with minimal site separation.

Temperature fluctuations: Pack for cold nights year-round. "Karl the fog even likes it!" mentions Kyla M. about Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The marine layer creates significant temperature drops after sunset, often requiring warm sleeping bags even during summer months.

Reservation challenges: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly. "If you choose to drive, just know that it can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends," warns Erin S. about Pantoll Campground. Some sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, requiring mid-week or early morning arrival for best chances.

Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "It was quiet and right on the beach... a short walk away there is a public beach that is dog friendly," shares Michell C. about Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. Sites farther from main roads provide quieter experiences for dogs sensitive to noise.

Tips for Camping with Families

Walk-in site planning: When selecting sites requiring carrying gear from parking areas, pack strategically. "We arrived at about 5PM and found my spot. The ranger booth was closed, but I didn't feel the need to chat with them anyway," shares Twindaddy about Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Bring collapsible wagons for transporting supplies to walk-in campsites with children.

Beach-friendly setup: For coastal camping with children, bring extra towels and layered clothing. "The weather, though hot in the Bay Area at this point, was quite nice. The breeze and shade of the park made for a very comfortable setting," notes a camper at Anthony Chabot, highlighting the cooler coastal temperatures that can surprise unprepared families.

Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local animals and food storage requirements. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," reports Kathleen C. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park, where wildlife sightings enhance the experience when proper precautions are taken.

Tips from RVers

Extended hookups: For sewage connections at certain parks, bring additional hoses. "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension," advises C.W. about Treasure Island MH and RV Park. Standard 10-foot sewer hoses may not reach connections at several area campgrounds.

Navigation challenges: Large RVs face tight turns and limited maneuvering space. "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow," warns Ryan W. about Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Sites at Samuel P. Taylor are described as "a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," according to Tai W.

Strategic positioning: Request specific sites when making reservations. "If I returned I would snag site 44. Just trust me on this," recommends Kathleen C. about Samuel P. Taylor, noting significant differences between seemingly similar sites. Corner locations typically offer slightly more space for extending awnings without encroaching on neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pacifica, CA?

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

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pacifica, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Pacifica, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.