Camping near San Gregorio sits at the intersection of redwood forests and coastal environments, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 feet in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. The region's microclimates can create temperature variations of up to 20 degrees between coastal and inland locations, often within just a 30-minute drive. Summer fog typically burns off by mid-day at coastal campgrounds but can linger at higher elevations.
What to do
Tidepooling at Pescadero State Beach: From Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, take a 15-minute drive south to explore marine ecosystems. "The campground is only a 10 minute drive down to Pescadero State Beach so we went there after we broke camp. The kids all loved it," notes a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park.
Ride the Roaring Camp Railroad: Located 45 minutes south of San Gregorio, this historic railroad offers scenic rides through redwoods. "Go a few miles down the road and take a ride on the Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad," recommends a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground.
Farm and creamery tours: Several agricultural operations near Butano State Park welcome visitors. "PCH is dotted with farms and fruit stands, artisan pies, etc. There are cheese farms/creameries as well surrounding the park," shares a camper who stayed at Ben Ries Campground.
Coastal trail system: Walk or bike on the extensive trail network. "From the park you can head about a quarter of a mile and walk or ride the coastal path all the way to the marina or south to the Ritz Carlton. Great ocean views," notes a visitor to Half Moon Bay RV Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer vegetation buffers. "The sites are spaced apart nicely," reports a camper at Ben Ries Campground, while another mentions "Large, user-friendly campsites surrounded by redwood trees."
Proximity to local towns: Quick access to services and supplies enhances the camping experience. "The closest town is Pescadaro, and has a tiny main street with an excellent coffee shop, and grocery store with fresh baked pies, breads, jams, sauces, and a deli counter as well as sundry items," according to a visitor to Butano State Park.
Diverse hiking options: Trails range from easy to challenging. "Great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes," explains a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park. For more advanced hikers, "If you hike up to the ridge on a clear day you can see the ocean. There is also an old landing strip on the hill you can hike to as well."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater to children. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "This is a great camp ground for families as well as seniors! Observed great activities for kids!" Another visitor notes, "The bike rentals were a hit with the kids."
What you should know
Seasonal campground closures: Several parks undergo maintenance or close seasonally. "Starting October 20, 2019, memorial park will CLOSE UNTIL SPRING 2021. They are updating the bathrooms and showers and roads," reported a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park.
Fire restrictions vary: Rules can change based on conditions. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, "Fires are increasingly banned in the dry months (i.e most of the year) in California now, but in January, when I was there they were allowed."
Water availability challenges: Some campgrounds have water issues. "Although there is a communal water source at the campsite entrance, the water was deemed not safe to drink when I was there, and that had been the case for a while," cautions a visitor to Castle Rock Trail Camp.
Noise considerations: Sound carries between sites in many areas. "It can get very noisy at times, caterwauling drunks, people scream talking late at night etc. Usually its dies down around 11pm," reports a camper at San Mateo Memorial Park.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Kids enjoy wading in seasonal waterways. "There is a little creek that's only about a quarter mile hike down a trail," notes a visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park, while another mentions "There is a small creek running through, kids loved playing in all day."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Slugs are fascinating for children. "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them," reports a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground.
Paved paths for kids' bikes: Some campgrounds offer smooth surfaces. "If you have littles the roads are paved so a scooter or bike could be fun," recommends a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Pack layers for changing conditions: Temperature variations of 15-20 degrees occur within the same day. "Coast was a cool 60's-70's but warm in the sun (the coast/beaches are windy), night time was a lovely 55-59 degrees," reports a visitor to Butano State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Different sites offer varying levels of privacy. At the best places to camp near San Gregorio, California, like 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."
Low clearance awareness: Watch for overhanging branches. "We loved camping here with our 25ft camping trailer. There was plenty of room for it on site 105, however if it was any higher it would be hitting tree limbs," cautions a visitor to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
RV access limitations: Some roads require careful navigation. "To get to Sanborn you will have to drive up a narrow road. We didn't have any issue with a 21' though," reports a visitor to Sanborn County Park.
Coastal site spacing: Oceanside RV sites tend to be closer together. "When the park is full the spaces can get pretty tight," notes a visitor to Pillar Point RV Park.
