Best Campgrounds near Pescadero, CA

Pescadero camping includes several state parks within a short drive of this small coastal town. Taylor State Park Campground sits among redwoods with clean restrooms and defined campsites. Campers at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park sleep under ancient trees with good trail access from camp. California Veterans Memorial Park Campground has larger sites that work well for families who want some space between neighbors. New Brighton State Beach Campground puts you right by the ocean with quick trips possible to nearby Capitola. Weather around Pescadero stays mild most of the year, making camping possible even in winter months. The best camping happens in spring and fall when there are fewer people and temperatures stay comfortable. Summer brings more crowds but warmer days that are great for swimming and hiking in the parks. Winter camping is quieter and still doable, though you'll need extra layers at night. Most Pescadero area campgrounds have flush toilets, drinking water taps, and tables at each site. Several campgrounds also include shower buildings and electric hookups for those who want more comfort. Hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife watching are all within reach of the camping areas. The beaches near camp are good for walking and checking out tide pools when the ocean pulls back. You can grab supplies and food in Pescadero itself without driving far from your campsite. Book your spots well ahead of time since these coastal campgrounds fill up fast, especially on weekends. Double-check that your chosen campground is open during your planned visit, as some close seasonally.

Best Camping Sites Near Pescadero, California (116)

    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

    16 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

    44 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

    21 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

    44 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 116 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Pescadero, CA

740 Reviews of 116 Pescadero Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Moss Landing KOA Express

    Beautiful beachside

    Easy access, level paved spots. Restrooms spotless. Check-in friendly and cookies a plus! Walk to the beach, feel the breeze.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Lovely site, really close to San Francisco!

    On visiting San Francisco we were looking for a site that wasn’t a car park. This really met the mark! Beautiful place with great sites. Nice picnic tables & fire pits! Was very quiet

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Nice campground

    It was my first time beach camping so i didnt know what to expect. Was a bit breezier than im use to with the mountains. Not a lot of trees around. It is nice not dealing with a lot of bugs since youre by the beach and all. The bathrooms and showers were well maintained.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Lovely RV site!

    Really lovely RV site. Nice toilets & showers. Lovely shady spots and really close to Santa Cruz

  • jay B.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sunset State Beach Campground

    Not the Best Fit for RV Campers

    We’ve camped all along the coast and had high hopes for this spot, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. The sites feel very close together and are a bit awkwardly arranged, making it a tight fit—especially for anything larger than a small camper. We're in a 22’ van/motorhome crossover and were fortunate to find a level spot, though most sites we saw were not level. The beach trails could use some maintenance as they’re currently in rough shape. This campground might be a better option for tent campers, but for RVs, it’s not ideal.

  • T
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Anthony Chabot Regional Park

    Nice location and activities, but a bit cramped

    I just needed/wanted a short getaway without driving hours from home. Since I'm used to this place for mountain biking, I figured I'd try camping here for a couple nights. 

    I did a recon ride previously on my mountain bike, so knew which spots I'd prefer and booked site 35 for a Thursday and Friday night. 

    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. The place was largely unoccupied at this point. Maybe a dozen or so spots appeared taken. 

    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. I believe it was 88 in Castro Valley, but felt about 78 at the campground. I don't have AC for the van, but didn't feel I needed any. 

    I got setup and then headed out for a short ride, followed by a warm shower, cold beer and dinner. It was quiet that evening and I slept well. 

    I worked through the morning Friday, though the Starlink suffered some interruptions due to the tree cover. Early afternoon more people started to show up, as I expected. I went for a long ride and when I returned the place was much more occupied and people were setting up tents, starting their bbq's, etc. Though a bit close to the neighbors, none of them were obnoxious. 

    My advice would be to know the spot you're selecting and know that in the summer months the grass isn't green :) 

    I'd score the individual aspects as follows (1-5):

    Bathrooms: 4

    Location: 5

    Activities: 5

    Privacy: 3

    Cleanliness: 4

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Uvas Canyon County Park

    A ton of wasps near 25

    Second time at the campground. Love this campground still but im pretty sure there is a wasp next near 25. We were here about 2 weeks ago at a different site and didnt have any wasp issues. It probably didnt help that it looked like previous people left trash and food on the floor. We will be coming back soon to a different site. Campground is gorgeous. Bathrooms are super clean.

  • Brittany F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort

    Redwoods galore

    The camp host went above and beyond! Happily told us things to do with our kids and how close places were. Santa Cruz is only 10 miles away. The campground is all natural! Trees and nature all around. Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look. A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules.


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

Is overnight camping allowed at Pescadero beaches?

Overnight camping is not permitted directly on Pescadero State Beach itself. For legal camping options near the beach, you'll need to use established campgrounds in the area. Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA is one of the closest options to Pescadero beaches, offering various accommodation types including tent sites and RV hookups. Another option for RV travelers is Half Moon Bay RV Park, which provides pull-through sites and helpful staff to assist with reservations and check-in. Beach camping along the California coast is typically restricted to designated campgrounds with proper facilities.

Where can I find camping spots near Pescadero State Beach?

Several campgrounds are available within a short drive of Pescadero State Beach. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is located about 15 miles north along Highway 1, offering beachfront camping with convenient access. The campground has sites that occasionally have same-day availability, though reservations are recommended. For a more forested experience, San Mateo Memorial Park is approximately 30 minutes inland from Pescadero State Beach, featuring spacious sites surrounded by trees with clean facilities, a camp store, and access to hiking trails. Both locations provide good bases for exploring the Pescadero coastal area.

What campgrounds are available in Pescadero, California?

Pescadero offers several camping options in and around the area. Until its indefinite closure, Ben Ries Campground — Butano State Park was a hidden gem near Pescadero with both car camping and walk-in spots surrounded by redwoods and offering hiking trails. For current options, Sanborn County Park provides a pleasant camping experience with a short walk from parking to campsites, storage boxes at each site, and clean bathrooms. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground is another alternative within driving distance of Pescadero, offering clean facilities and access to both hiking trails and nearby beaches.