RV campgrounds near Stanford, California range from coastal settings to redwood forests, with most facilities requiring reservations. Average summer temperatures reach 80°F in inland areas while coastal locations stay cooler, often with morning fog. Cell service varies significantly between coastal sites and mountain locations, with coastal parks generally offering better connectivity.
What to do
Hiking from camp: Joseph D. Grant County Park, located 22 miles east of Stanford, offers immediate trail access from campsites. "We came in November, just in time for a temperature drop and some nice gusts. The hiking is quite beautiful and the woodpeckers were busy storing acorns," notes one visitor about the trails at this 10,000-acre park.
Beach access: Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay provides direct coastal access. "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff," reports one camper. The location sits directly on Highway 1, making it convenient but sometimes noisy.
Redwood exploration: Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort offers access to nearby Henry Cowell State Park. "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," mentions one visitor about the natural features.
What campers like
Heated pool: Smithwoods RV Park maintains a 90-degree heated pool popular with families. "The location is mostly flat and surrounded with Redwoods. Shady and sunny locations; larger and small RV spots. Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room," reports one family who visited with five children.
Oceanfront views: San Francisco RV Resort offers Pacific Ocean vistas despite tight spacing. "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. When it's clear you can see the farralon islands 30 miles offshore," shares one reviewer who stayed at this Pacifica location.
Urban convenience: RVers appreciate the easy Stanford access from Redwood City. "This RV park is great! We did a same day drop-in reservation for an overnight stay over the phone. After-hours check-in was a breeze, as the checkin instructions were taped to the main door of the office at the park entrance," notes one visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park, located 5 miles from Stanford.
What you should know
Cell coverage gaps: Mountain locations have significantly reduced connectivity. "No cell or WiFi. We occasionally got 1 bar of cell service in our site if we stood in a certain spot (AT&T). There was WiFi up at the office but it was inconsistent. Our son did his online school and he kept dropping off," reports a camper at Smithwoods RV Park.
Navigation challenges: Cotillion Gardens RV Park requires careful driving. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once your at your site you can relax," warns one visitor. Many mountain rv campgrounds near Stanford have narrow access roads requiring attention.
Reservation processes: Some parks require advance planning while others accommodate same-day arrivals. "We had an absolutely amazing time during our week-long stay at the RV Park. The place was impeccably clean and secure, and we were pleasantly surprised by how peaceful and quiet it was," mentions a visitor who stayed at Half Moon Bay RV Park after booking ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Facilities with organized play areas provide entertainment options. "The campground is clean; in a nice area. I loved this campsite! Plenty of trees for shade, there's a pool, hiking trails, a little river. So beautiful and peaceful here," notes a camper about Cotillion Gardens RV Park.
Train experiences: Smithwoods RV Park offers proximity to the Roaring Camp Railroad. "It was a short nice hike to the state park and the train through the red woods. Fun experience on a real steam locomotive," shares a family who enjoyed this unique regional attraction.
Swimming options: Seasonal pools provide recreation for children. "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," reports a family visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup extensions: Some sites require additional equipment. "I had to use a 6 foot extension on the sewer hose. Shore chord was fine as was the water spigot," mentions a visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, highlighting the need to come prepared.
Site spacing considerations: Most rv campgrounds near Stanford feature tight spacing between units. "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," notes a visitor to San Francisco RV Resort, reflecting a common situation at many local RV parks.
Premium site options: Select parks offer upgraded sites with more space. "Our 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," explains a visitor about the setup at Half Moon Bay RV Park, demonstrating how strategic site selection can enhance the camping experience.
