Best Campgrounds near Pescadero, CA

California's coastal town of Pescadero has camping choices ranging from forest to beach settings. Taylor State Park Campground sits among tall redwoods, with sites spaced for good privacy. Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground can sleep in the quiet forest and walk straight to hiking trails from their sites. New Brighton State Beach Campground puts you close to the ocean, with campsites that make beach access simple. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground has good basic facilities including clean restrooms and tables for meals. Most Pescadero area campgrounds need reservations ahead of time, particularly from May through September. Current fire rules should be checked before lighting any campfires, as restrictions change with conditions. The standard maximum stay is 14 days at these campgrounds. Summer weekends fill up months in advance, so plan accordingly. Amenities differ between locations - some have hot showers and drinking water taps while others have minimal services. Both Taylor State Park and New Brighton State Beach have better facilities for those wanting more comfort. The surrounding state parks also contain some more basic camping spots for those who prefer fewer neighbors. Remember to pack out all trash and follow other Leave No Trace guidelines while camping around Pescadero. You can find spots under giant trees or within walking distance of the Pacific depending on what you prefer.

Best Camping Sites Near Pescadero, California (115)

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

    34 Reviews
    Boulder Creek, CA
    10 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."

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

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

    $35 / night

    "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."

    "This campground is a hidden gem. 20 car camping spots and 17 walk-in spots. Everything here is very shaded with tons of trees. The walk-in spots are easy to manage if you don't have a huge tent."

    3. San Mateo Memorial Park

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

    $35 - $50 / night

    "About 20 mins from small town, about 1/2 hr from Pescadero State Beach, about 45 mins from Half Moon Bay, about an hour from San Francisco…all estimates without traffic, of course."

    "There is a little creek that's only about a quarter mile hike down a trail. The campground is only a 10 minute drive down to Pescadero State Beach so we went there after we broke camp."

    4. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA

    16 Reviews
    Pescadero, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (650) 879-7302

    $100 - $200 / night

    "But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat."

    "There is a nice playground next to an equally nice café called the pinecone. The weather here is cold just a heads up be prepared for wind and overcast weather."

    5. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

    27 Reviews
    Half Moon Bay, CA
    16 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."

    6. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Mount Hermon, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 438-2396

    $7 - $35 / night

    "This is a nice campground in a great part of California with lots of hiking and beaches nearby. The bathrooms were clean and well kept."

    "There were bigger sites that would've suited us better but it was a nice little tucked in site. The poison oak is prolific. Our site was literally surrounded by it."

    7. Sanborn County Park

    19 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-9959

    $33 / night

    "This is a nice camping away from the car experience. It's a short walk up a paved path from the parking to the campsites."

    "Great walk-in campground so close to home in the South Bay Area (albeit walk is slightly uphill)."

    8. Castle Rock Trail Camp — Castle Rock State Park

    8 Reviews
    Saratoga, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 867-2952

    $8 / night

    "The parking lot for the trail head is just a bit further down Hwy 35. "

    "There is a nearby shooting range and you can hear the gunshots during the daylight hours."

    9. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    19 Reviews
    Felton, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 335-8312

    "Do not take highway 9 from Santa Cruz as the RV park will tell you. Our car navigation changed our route even after we were approaching 17 north. Keep your eyes out for the highway signs."

    "Sites surrounded by redwoods, friendly helpful staff, close to attractions."

    10. New Brighton State Beach Campground

    43 Reviews
    Capitola, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 464-6330

    $35 - $185 / night

    "Camped with electricity and water, situated on a bluff near the ocean. Easy walking distance to the water, nice roomy campsites with fire rings and tables. Not too close to other campers."

    "New Brighton is a jewel on the California coast. Camping is on a bluff above beach and you must walk down stairs to get to the beach. Camping in the woods with the beach below is perfect."

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Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pescadero, CA

708 Reviews of 115 Pescadero Campgrounds



Guide to Pescadero

Camping near Pescadero, 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 stunning trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a great spot for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Beach Activities: Head to New Brighton State Beach Campground for some fun in the sun. A reviewer said, "Great views and easy access to the beach," perfect for swimming or beachcombing.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground, keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper noted, "We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds," adding a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Mount Madonna County Park said, "What a gem of a campground!" highlighting the park's natural beauty.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds such as Francis Beach Campground are great for families. One camper shared, "Lots of families but again, super safe and beautiful," making it a welcoming spot for kids.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Saddle Mountain Ranch noted, "The sites are very close to each other," which might not be ideal for those seeking solitude.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, at New Brighton State Beach Campground, a camper mentioned, "There is NO dump station or water for RVs anywhere at this campground."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park shared, "We had two new types of visitors... a couple of wild turkeys," which can be fun but also a reminder to secure your food.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground that offer playgrounds and safe environments. One reviewer said, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "I have great stories," which shows how memorable experiences can be created.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A visitor at New Brighton State Beach Campground noted, "The camp site had a fire pit, paved parking for a larger vehicle," making it easy to enjoy meals together.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mount Madonna County Park mentioned, "The RV sites have both water and electric hookups which was great!"
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have tricky access. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground said, "Getting into our spot was a bit tricky," so be cautious.
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the nearest dump station is. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park mentioned, "The dump station was in good working order," which can save you time on your trip.

Camping near Pescadero, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Pescadero, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pescadero, CA is Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.

What parks are near Pescadero, CA?

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