RV parks near Woodside, California sit in San Mateo County between the Pacific coastline and San Francisco Bay, positioned along the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most facilities maintain year-round operations with overnight temperatures ranging from 40°F in winter to 60°F in summer. Cell reception varies dramatically between coastal and inland RV parks due to the region's mountainous terrain.
What to do
Explore redwood trails: Several RV parks provide convenient access to old-growth redwood forests. At Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort, campers can explore nearby nature areas. One visitor noted, "The campground is covered entirely by redwoods with plenty of shade for a cool vacation" while another mentioned "A short distance drive to Santa Cruz wharf and boardwalk."
Visit coastal towns: The Half Moon Bay area offers shopping and dining within walking distance of RV accommodations. A camper at Pillar Point RV Park shared, "Walking distance to shops and restaurants, walking and bike trails, beach access, and friendly staff!" The location provides easy access to local attractions.
Enjoy water recreation: The San Lorenzo River runs behind several campgrounds in the region, offering fishing and swimming opportunities. As one camper at Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort observed, "Viewing areas that allow all to enjoy the stream, at the back of the resort, and paths to take a closer look."
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Many coastal RV parks offer direct beach access or ocean views. A camper at San Francisco RV Resort remarked, "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... Saw a couple whales too."
Urban accessibility: Several parks serve as convenient basebamps for city exploration. A visitor to Marin RV Park shared, "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 settings: The natural environment draws many campers to the region. One camper at Cotillion Gardens RV Park noted, "Sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods. Close to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which is definitely worth checking out."
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Many RV parks in the region have compact spaces. At San Francisco RV Resort, a camper warned, "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."
Reservations essential: Booking ahead is necessary, especially at coastal locations. Most parks require advance reservations through online systems or phone calls.
Pricing expectations: RV parks in the region charge premium rates compared to other areas. One camper at Half Moon Bay RV Park noted, "We enjoyed our 4 week stay... 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."
Concrete pads common: Many parks feature concrete or paved pads rather than natural sites. A visitor to Trailer Villa RV Park observed, "The grounds are clean; parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Several parks offer swimming pools for children. A visitor to Cotillion Gardens RV Park shared, "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."
Recreation facilities: Many parks provide play areas and activities. One camper noted, "This R.V. Park is rustic, but has a lot of amenities and is very close to Santa Cruz... There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm."
Safe biking environments: Several parks offer areas for children to ride bikes. A visitor to Smithwoods RV Park observed, "Kids could ride bikes freely, heated pool (90 degrees), clean shower and restroom, plus laundry room."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most parks provide level sites with concrete pads. A camper at Trailer Villa RV Park commented, "Easy-Peazy... parking pads are concrete and flat; and drive lanes AND parking spots are wide and spacious for maneuvering large RVs."
Utility hookups: Hookup placement varies by park. One camper at San Francisco RV Resort mentioned, "The water hookup wasn't threading properly and leaked, and so did the one beside us."
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tight entrance roads that require careful maneuvering. A visitor to Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort advised, "Getting there takes some attention... Roads to the sites are narrow, so again, keep your eyes pealed."
