Coastal RV campgrounds near San Gregorio, California provide varying levels of privacy and amenity access. While many parks feature standard hookups, layouts range from spacious redwood-shaded sites inland to compact oceanfront spots with premium rates. Most campgrounds within 20 miles of San Gregorio remain open year-round with higher occupancy during summer months.
What to do
Beach access exploration: San Gregorio State Beach sits just minutes from nearby RV campgrounds, with several parks offering proximity to coastal trails. At Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay, "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!" The location provides quick access to surfing, kayaking and coastal hiking.
Redwood forest hiking: The Santa Cruz mountains offer excellent hiking through ancient redwood groves. Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort provides "A safe and quiet location. I felt safe, with my young kids, that everyone was driving slowly and respecting the rules." The campground includes "Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look."
Train excursions: Visit Roaring Camp Railroad for scenic steam train rides through redwood forests. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," notes one visitor to Smithwoods RV Park, adding that "we could hear the train whistle in the daytime coming from Roaring Camp Railroad."
What campers like
Ocean views and whale watching: Several oceanfront RV parks provide prime coastal viewing. San Francisco RV Resort offers "an absolutely great spot" with spectacular ocean vistas. One camper reports: "When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore. On the downside the 'campsites' are close together… it's more like a parking lot than a campground, but everyone is friendly and the overall vibe is good."
Well-maintained facilities: Many parks prioritize cleanliness. One camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park notes the campground has "Great hiking trails assessable from the campground. There is a nearby store, and you are close enough to Santa Cruz to spend a day on the boardwalk." Another visitor shares: "I loved this campsite! Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here."
Ferry access to San Francisco: For urban exploration, Marin RV Park offers strategic positioning. "This RV Park gets 5 stars purely for it's location. Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco." Most campers acknowledge the tight spacing but appreciate the convenience.
What you should know
Spacing and privacy concerns: Most coastal RV campgrounds prioritize capacity over privacy. At San Francisco RV Resort, "Our group stayed here in early August of 2017. This RV resort gets packed!! RV's were super close together so it's a roll of the dice on what kind of neighbors you're gonna get!" Another camper advises: "These spaces were so cramped. Couldn't put our awning out."
Limited connectivity in redwood areas: Cell service varies significantly based on location. At Half Moon Bay RV Park, campers note the park is "clean and secure" but connectivity can be challenging in wooded sections. Starlink users report "heavily obstructed by trees so worked at 40% speed" at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Reservation challenges: Booking systems vary between parks. One visitor to Treasure Island RV Park notes "Reservation making is a pain since it's all via email/online." At Santa Cruz Ranch Campground, a camper reports: "122 US$ for one night" highlighting the premium rates common throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. "This RV Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz. There are lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool. There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm."
Bicycle-friendly options: Several parks accommodate cycling families. At Smithwoods RV Park, "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room. Staff is very friendly and Sant Cruz beaches are 15min away."
Spacing considerations: Family groups should consider park layouts. "We spent 2 nights here with our 2&3 year olds. Sites are a little tight but worth being nestled in the redwoods. Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite. Kids liked the pool and clubhouse."
Tips from RVers
Hookup extensions needed: Several parks require additional equipment. At Treasure Island RV Park, "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension." Similarly, at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort: "Bring your sewer hose extension. Most other sites had them from what I could see."
Compact site navigation: RV parks throughout San Gregorio and nearby coastal areas typically feature tight spacing. "Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed. Site was nice, partially under a redwood. River runs behind the park." Another RVer adds: "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once you're at your site you can relax."
Level sites with good facilities: Despite space constraints, most parks maintain level sites. At Trailer Villa RV Park, "the park is clean, in a nice area and close to San Jose and San Francisco. We really enjoyed our stay. I really liked how our site was level and easy to get to." Another RVer highlights: "parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
