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The coastal region surrounding San Gregorio, California features a diverse range of camping options within a short drive of the Pacific Ocean. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground sits approximately 30 vertical feet above the shoreline, offering campers ocean views and the soothing sounds of waves at night. Within a 30-minute radius, San Mateo Memorial Park provides deep shade beneath towering redwoods, while several RV-specific facilities like Pillar Point RV Park and Half Moon Bay RV Park cater to those seeking full hookups. The area represents a microcosm of California camping, with opportunities ranging from beachfront sites to forest settings, and accommodations for tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking walk-in experiences.
California State Parks and county facilities in the region typically require advance reservations, especially during summer months when coastal campgrounds fill quickly. As one camper noted, "California Beach Parks are usually filled up weeks or even months in advance." Coastal sites experience cool, foggy conditions even during summer months, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. Many campgrounds feature electrical and water hookups, with dump stations available at larger facilities. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage at coastal locations and limited or no service in redwood areas. Ticks and poison oak are common in wooded areas, particularly in spring and summer, requiring appropriate precautions for hikers and campers with pets.
Most campgrounds in the San Gregorio vicinity receive high ratings for their proximity to both natural attractions and urban conveniences. Coastal campgrounds provide easy access to beaches, walking paths, and nearby towns. As one visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park observed, "It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes." Site privacy varies considerably, with many campgrounds featuring relatively close spacing between sites. Facilities are generally well-maintained with clean bathrooms and showers, though beach-adjacent facilities may experience heavy use during peak periods. Wildlife sightings are common, with raccoons, deer, and various bird species frequently observed throughout the area.
"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 Availability"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"It's a great place to use as a basecamp for exploring the myriad of hiking trails that exist in the redwoods and nearby coastal hikes. "
"Given all that and its proximity to SF, I’ll be aiming to get reservations here every summer, and some winter seasons too."
from $35 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It is a smaller park than many of the other redwoods parks in Northern California, so it was very nice and peaceful. Butano is a bit off the beaten path to get to, but so worth it."
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $100 - $200 / night
Check Availability"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)."
from $33 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $7 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $8 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
ScoutIt’s quite large compared to to other campsites. It was pleasant and have no complaints. Nothing special but hiking trails are fantastic.
GuideVery well run & clean. Mostly quiet. 20 minute walk to Capitola Village (north) or Seacliff (south). Some shady sites, some are exposed.
LegendLas 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!
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutThis 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
GuideI came into Santa Cruz to visit family and needed a place to park my bus while there- this park was available and fit my needs perfectly. It’s a simple gravel parking lot set up - clean bathrooms / showers, full hookups. Not what I would call camping but a great place to stay with proximity to the things that matter.
ScoutMany 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.
TravelerI liked this Thousand Trails resort because it’s more like camping. The staff is amazing. The facilities are great amazing big pool. The only problem I had is they didn’t have any sewage hook up, but I have a tote so it wasn’t that big of a deal.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites at San Gregorio?
While San Gregorio itself has limited camping options, the surrounding coastal area offers several excellent campgrounds. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is your closest option, offering both tent and RV sites with beautiful ocean views. For a more inland experience in the redwoods, San Mateo Memorial Park provides a wonderful basecamp for exploring hiking trails through the majestic forest. Both locations require reservations, especially during peak season, though Half Moon Bay occasionally has last-minute availability during weekdays.
When is the best time of year to camp at San Gregorio?
Late summer to early fall (August-October) is generally the best time to camp around San Gregorio, offering warmer temperatures and less fog. New Brighton State Beach Campground is particularly pleasant during this period, with roomy campsites on a bluff near the ocean and easy beach access. Spring (April-May) can also be beautiful with wildflowers blooming, though temperatures remain cooler. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground provides a good alternative during cooler seasons, with sites nestled among the redwoods providing natural shelter. Be prepared for evening chill year-round, especially at coastal sites.
What amenities are available at San Gregorio campgrounds?
The campgrounds near San Gregorio offer various amenities depending on your preferences. Half Moon Bay RV Park provides full hookups, pull-through sites, and helpful staff that assist with site assignments and entry instructions. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Sanborn County Park features walk-in sites with provided carts to transport gear, storage boxes near picnic tables, and well-maintained bathroom facilities. Most coastal campgrounds in the area have fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, while amenities like showers and hookups vary by location.
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