RV parks near San Mateo, California offer convenient access to both urban amenities and coastal attractions along the peninsula. Most facilities throughout the region provide full hookups with either concrete or asphalt pads suitable for larger rigs. The San Mateo area receives mild year-round temperatures with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F, though coastal fog can roll in quickly during summer evenings.
What to do
Beach access: Near Half Moon Bay, enjoy coastal activities with trails directly from your campsite. "Nice bike trail right on the water" at San Francisco RV Resort, where visitors report seeing whales during clear weather conditions.
Urban exploration: Stay at Marin RV Park for easy city access via public transit. "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."
Redwood hikes: Multiple trails accessible from Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort. "There is a little trail that goes down to the River where you can find a neat little beach. It's a goofy little descent/climb to get there and out but worth it."
What campers like
Oceanfront locations: Campers value direct coastal access despite tight spaces. "This is an interesting rv park on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has a ca beach town feel, but is just 20 minutes from San Francisco... Spectacular sunsets over the pacific if the fog permits. Saw a couple whales too."
Convenient urban amenities: Most RV parks in the region provide easy access to shops and services. At Pillar Point RV Park, guests appreciate "lots of activities and places to eat within walking distance. Surfing, walking/bike trails, kayaking."
Clean facilities: Many parks maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. One camper noted at Cotillion Gardens RV Park: "Very quiet and comfortable campground... Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite. Kids liked the pool and clubhouse."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Nearly all San Mateo area RV parks feature minimal separation between units. "The spaces are narrow. The ground is made up of small rocks, but is perfectly level. There are no picnic tables and/or fire pits available."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons, especially summer weekends, advance bookings are essential. Most parks fill completely, particularly those with ocean views.
Cost expectations: RV parks in the region charge premium rates due to location. At Trailer Villa RV Park, visitors note the value despite higher costs: "Price is higher than other places but this close to the city with all of the amenities a pretty good deal."
Highway noise: Several facilities sit near major roadways. "It's surprisingly quiet for being in a semi industrial area right next to the 101, but there is road noise of course."
Tips for camping with families
Redwood camping options: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers family-focused amenities. "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."
Recreation facilities: Several parks include swimming pools and game rooms. "There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm."
Beach activities: Half Moon Bay locations provide direct coastal access. "We really enjoyed our stay. I really liked how our site was level and easy to get to."
Bike-friendly locations: Multiple parks connect to coastal cycling paths. "The campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation."
Tips from RVers
Hookup extensions: Bring extra hoses and cables as many sites require them. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot."
Leveling equipment: While most parks have concrete or asphalt pads, some sites may require additional leveling blocks. "Sites were leveled with dirt."
Cell coverage variations: Signal strength varies significantly between parks. "Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service."
Entrance navigation: Some parks have challenging entry roads. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax."
