Best Campgrounds near Woodside, CA
Campgrounds near Woodside, California spread across both coastal regions and mountain forests, offering a variety of accommodation styles within a short drive of the San Francisco Peninsula. Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground provides oceanside camping with tent and RV sites approximately 14 miles west of Woodside, while San Mateo Memorial Park nestled among redwoods offers a forested alternative just 8 miles southwest. Most established campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV sites, with several locations like Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA also providing cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
Advance reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months and weekends. The climate varies significantly between coastal and inland sites—coastal campgrounds experience cool, foggy mornings year-round, while inland forest campgrounds like San Mateo Memorial Park offer more consistent temperatures but may have seasonal fire restrictions. Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with amenities like showers, flush toilets, and potable water, though hook-up availability varies considerably between locations. Cell service can be limited in canyon areas and certain forest campgrounds. "Beautiful place with clean renovated restrooms," noted one camper about San Mateo Memorial Park.
The redwood forests near Woodside provide distinctive camping environments that receive consistently high ratings from visitors. San Mateo Memorial Park stands out for its sequoia groves, with multiple visitors highlighting the experience of camping beneath towering redwoods as particularly special. Coastal options like Half Moon Bay offer different advantages with proximity to beaches and coastal trails. Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities as a significant positive factor across many locations. Several visitors noted the family-friendly nature of area campgrounds, with easy access to short hiking trails suitable for children. Traffic noise affects some campgrounds near roads, though most become quiet after dark. "Beautiful giant red woods, clean camp sites, and plenty of amenities has impressed us. Flushing toilets and showers everywhere, water spigots were never too distant, and trails always felt safe and clean," reported one visitor to San Mateo Memorial Park.
