Half Moon Bay, located just 25 miles south of San Francisco, provides year-round camping for Bay Area city dwellers and tourists and is famous for its stunning Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Half Moon Bay camping with RV is almost as good as living here. Half Moon Bay, named after the nearby crescent-shaped harbor, is a bustling seaside town of just under 13,000 people with a lot to offer.
Half Moon Bay, with its small-town charm, seaside beauty, and welcoming community, is the ideal alternative to crowded West Coast coastal destinations. Several state beaches, including Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, and Surfers Beach, are in the city. Here, you can shop, dine, fish, swim, relax, adventure, and more. Overall, Half Moon Bay camping is an ideal destination.
And it’s all just a short distance from San Francisco. You should arrive in style if you’re visiting the camp.
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is also one of California’s most scenic trails. It’s a 6 km (3.7 mi) trail with a stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop suitable for hikers of all abilities. This city is undoubtedly a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy camping. For more information on hiking trails in Half Moon Bay please read our bog.
And if you’re looking to plan your own Half Moon Bay camping trip, you’ve come to the right place! The best Half Moon Bay campgrounds and RV parks will be found here.
So, continue reading to get started.
History of Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is well-known as a big-wave surf spot. Because of its crescent shape, it is known as Half Moon Bay. Originally an agricultural outpost of Mission San Francisco de Asis, the town was founded in the 1840s as Sand Benito. Afterward renamed Spanishtown as its Anglo fishing community grew.
Spanishtown, or Half Moon Bay as it is now known, is San Mateo County’s oldest settlement, dating back to the 1840s. Ohlone Indians lived on the land for thousands of years. They lived all over San Mateo County, including Pilarcitos Creek in Half Moon Bay. Ad today it is developed into an aspiring Half Moon Bay camping destination!
Why Should You Put Half Moon Bay Camping On Your Bucket List?
Half Moon Bay has several spectacular locations and the potential to create numerous cherishable moments that should be on your bucket list.
You could sip wine in Napa Valley, relax with magnificent ocean views in Sausalito, or start exploring the old trees in Muir Woods. It’s entirely up to you!
It has a modest feel with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while you are in Half Moon Bay camping. It has something for everyone, from thrilling hikes to trails along the beach and numerous exciting places to visit in northern California.
Because it is so close to the city, it’s ideal for a single day or a weekend trip to the Bay area. Half Moon Bay is also an excellent choice for a road trip in California, as you can drive along the highway and enjoy the coastal scenery of the Pacific coastline.
You can stop along the way at Pastorino Farms and walk through some of the stores. There are numerous nurseries where you can find various seasonal plants. It is an ideal example of a beach town with its charming streets, stores, cafes, and beachside restaurants that create a cozy atmosphere while you are at Half Moon Bay camping. Half Moon Bay camping is always fascinating, and it’s a beautiful place to escape the city! Here we will tell you everything you need to know about Half Moon Bay and why you should go.
Beautiful Beaches
A trip to Half Moon Bay isn’t complete unless you visit the scenic beaches along Northern California’s coast. Half Moon Bay has one of San Francisco Bay’s most extensive beaches. The sandy beaches offer a breathtaking rooftop view, incredible tide-pooling, and seaside mountain scenery.
Poplar is only a short drive from Half Moon Bay. The beach is dog-friendly; you can walk along the trails, take in the vast coastal scenery, or hike down to the sandy beach.
Another unique and nostalgic marine reserve is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located just outside Half Moon Bay. This reserve’s rocky shore is home to a diverse array of aquatic life.
Half Moon Bay camping is a great place to take the kids and explore the delicate sea creatures. Review the tide table before calling so you know where to stay during high tides.
Delicious Seafood
The Pillar Harbor is an excellent choice for fresh, local seafood! You can eat at any of the coast’s restaurants or buy fresh fish from the market. During crab season, you can purchase fresh crab from the fisherman.
Half Moon Bay also has Michelin-starred restaurants with breathtaking views of Pillar Point Harbor. The food at the Bay will not let you down. Other activities besides eating seafood include:
- Kayaking.
- Strolling along the beach or the coastal path.
- Renting a boat for fishing.
While there aren’t many options for RV camping in and around Half Moon Bay, these locations provide plenty of amenities. From beach sunsets to Redwood forests to seaside towns, we’ve compiled our favorite campgrounds and RV parks in Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay Camping At State Beach Campground
- The campground is located at Francis State Beach
- Address – 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Phone: (650) 726-8820
This Half Moon Bay State Beach campground has everything you’ll need for a beach vacation, including views and easy access to the Pacific Ocean. This includes four miles of beach within its four beaches, a paved coastal trail, and water activities for people of all ages. The 181-acre (73-hectare) park was founded in 1956.
Reservations are strongly advised at www.reservecalifornia.com or 1 (800) 444-7275.
- There are no sewer or water connections.
- 40-foot maximum RV/Trailer length
- On the beach, dogs are not permitted. Dogs need to be kept on a 6-foot-maximum leash in developed areas and can not be left unattended at any time.
- Rental RVs may not be dropped off or picked up at the park.
- The campground has 52 sites, some designated for tent camping or trailers.
- While there are no water or sewer hookups, there is an on-site dump station and water for an additional fee.
- Some sites have power, but the majority do not.
- There are coin-operated showers for your convenience if you need a hot shower outside your RV
The Sweetwood Group Campground only allows tent camping with a pit toilet. It is located between Dunes and Venice Beach, and the area can accommodate 50 people and 12 vehicles. There are numerous picnic tables on the property, each with its own wind-protected cooking table.
Because you’re in a state park, you’ll appreciate the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center for all your educational and entertainment needs. You’ll also see other outside showers and flush toilets while strolling along Venice Beach.
A short trail leads to the coastal route less than a hundred yards away. The beach is about 4 miles away. You can wander around the beach or take bicycle rides on paved trails along the coastal route.
Swimming in the ocean is not recommended because it is warned that there are dangerous rip currents, and the water will be freezing.
Pricing:
- Standard Campsite: $35 Per night
- Electric Hookup: $50 per night
- Premium with electric hookup: $65 per night
- Hike and bike: $7 per person
- All: $8 reservation fee
Francis Beach Campground
The Francis Beach Campground is located in the heart of Half Moon Bay State Beach and offers the best sunset views over the Bay. This location could be a dream come true for RV campers. A paved trail leads to the beach, which is easily accessible. You can get a separate site for your RV on Francis Beach. The campground has 52 areas with ocean views that are only a few steps from the sand. There are only three campsites with grassy areas for tents. Backpackers and bicyclists can also find accommodations.
The campground is open all year with its spectacular sunset views and stellar stargazing.
Services and Facilities
- The campsites at Francis Beach Campground include a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker
- The campground has flushing toilets, water, WIFI, and a campfire center. There are also quarter-hourly hot showers available
- Some sites have electric hookups but no water or sewer hookups
- There is a water filling station and a dump station for an additional $10
Important Details
Reservations are strongly advised but not required. However, if you are camping in an RV, it is best to make a reservation because spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance.
Pricing:
- Standard Campsite: $35 Per night
- Electric Hookup: $50 per night
- Premium with electric hookup: $65 per night
- Hike and bike: $7 per person
- All: $8 reservation fee
Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort
This resort, nestled in the trees and just minutes from Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, caters to your RV vacation needs. Scotts Valley has been a traditional place to stay since the days of California’s first settlers.
The resort showcases the best of wildlife and nature. The resort is spread over 8 acres and surrounded by leafy green trees. Many of the hiking trails in this area have beautiful scenery.
Watersports such as swimming, sailing, diving, paddling, and surfing are popular in Santa Cruz; get active during your Santa Cruz RV camping vacation!
Have fun at California’s oldest amusement park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, while staying in a Santa Cruz RV. The 1911 Carousel and 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster, National Historic Landmarks, are an easy drive from Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort.
There is no shortage of recreation activities at Santa Cruz Ranch RV Resort, whether you visit with family or friends.
Rate:
- The premium pull-thru sites – $105.00 per night
- The tent sites for dry camping sites cost $58.00 per night
- The standard entire hookup site costs $108.00 per night
Half Moon Bay Camping At RV Park
Another highly rated campsite with stunning Northern California coastal views is Half Moon Bay RV Park, owned and operated by Cameron Palmer and his brother Kevin Palmer.
Half Moon Bay RV Park is a short walk from the beach and coastal towns. Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Montara, and Pescadero are a few of these towns. This park contains some of the most beautiful scenery along the vast ocean coast of the United States.
Because the area is pet-friendly, you can bring your four-legged friend to the restaurants, general stores, and pubs close to the RV parking area. Once you reserve a spot for your RV in the park, the management will provide you with amenities such as,
- Water/sewer/electrical hookup
- Restrooms and complimentary showers are available.
- Station for dumping
- The fire pit
- Trails for hiking
- Tables for picnics
- Electric 50 AMP
- Volleyball court
- Free Wi-Fi
The park has plenty of space for RVs, fire pits, and BBQs. There’s excellent food, fun games, and sports to watch at the pubs.
Half Moon Bay Campground also provides an excellent atmosphere for tent campers. The camping area is clean, remote, and close to the seaside trails, providing plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The best activities are just outside the camping park. Bird watching, hiking, surfing, paddling, fishing, and other activities can be enjoyable. A mile-long bicycle track is just a few steps from the RV park’s entrance. This RV park is ideal if you want to spend the weekend with your family or friends.
Price per night: $80
Pillar Point Harbor RV Park
The Pillar Point Harbor RV Park overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for its breathtaking ocean views and unforgettable sunsets. It’s just four miles from Half Moon Bay and a
Pillar Point RV Park is easily accessible from the east. At San Mateo, Highway 92 crosses both Interstates 280 and 101. To get to Half Moon Bay:
- Take Highway 92 West.
- As you enter Half Moon Bay, look for Highway 1 North signs.
- Turn right, and Pillar Point RV Park will be about 3 miles up on the left.
- On your left, look for three flags.
This RV park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The park only allows fully self-contained RVs. The RV must be no longer than 40 feet in length. It has 49 RV sites in total, each with amenities such as,
- Complete hookups (water, electricity, and sewage)
- Cable television
- Free Wi-Fi
The campground includes a 6-mile trail for walking and biking along the beautiful beach, which is only a few steps away. It has a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, surfing, fishing, paddle boarding, and others.
Some shops sell fresh seafood on the beach, and world-class dining is available on the park grounds. The beach provides recreational opportunities such as wine tasting, fishing, and whale watching.
Pricing:
- Ocean View sites cost $110.00 per night (TOT tax inclusive)
- The weekly rent is $770.00. (TOT tax inclusive)
- Standard sites cost $80.00 per night (TOT tax inclusive)
- The weekly rent is $560.00. (TOT tax inclusive)
Pelican Point RV Park
Pelican Point RV Park, located off the main road, is another lovely RV park within walking distance of the beach. Not only will you have easy access to the Pacific, but you may also hear it over the traffic.
The Pillar Point Harbor RV Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It has 49 RV sites with full hookups (water, electricity, and sewer). It provides visitors with free Cable TV and Wi-Fi. It offers a variety of activities, such as surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and more.
A 6-mile bike and walking trail are located just a few steps from the park’s entrance. It also has shops selling fresh fish straight from the boats.
If you don’t want to cook, there are world-class restaurants on the park’s grounds where you can eat.
Amenities
- Each site is back-in only (maximum RV length 40′) and includes cable television, water, sewer, and electricity (Electric vehicles can not be charged on site)
- WIFI is available for a small fee.
- On-site propane sales
- Showers/restrooms, coin-operated washers and dryers, dog area, horseshoe pits, giant Jenga, corn hole
- Rental of a fire pit and a BBQ grill
- Bundles of firewood
- Open all year and only a 5-minute walk from the beach
- convenience store time – From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Pricing
- Rates are $88.00 per day plus tax (maximum of 6 people)
- Pets are $2.00 per night (2 dogs Max)
- WIFI costs $5.00 per week.
Sweetwood Group Campground
This group campsite, located between Venice and Dunes beaches, is only for tent camping. This makes it ideal for campers who want to feel the ocean breeze.
This group campsite has room for 50 people and 12 vehicles. Due to its proximity to famous beaches and hiking trails, pedestrian traffic often walks by and even through it.
Still, you get great sunset views and beach access here. And, with its level ground and ocean views, it’s ideal for large BBQ groups.
Swimming is not advised. Visitors can enjoy a 4-mile multi-use coastal trail along Half Moon Bay.
There is a short access trail to the beach that is less than 100 yards from anywhere in the campground.
Services and Facilities
There are numerous picnic tables on the property and wind-protected cooking tables. There are pit toilets available for use.
Rates $135 per night
What Can You Do in Half Moon Bay Camping For the Day?
You’ll never be able to accomplish Half Moon Bay one day. The Pacific Ocean is an outdoor enthusiast’s best friend. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, beachcombing, surfing, sunbathing, and other activities are available.
When you combine hiking trails in nearby Redwood forests, strolling through working harbor towns, and watching sea animal life, you’ll wonder where the time went.
No worries if you prefer to hike in the city. The many coastal towns in this area provide many places to visit. Fine dining, casual dining, art, history, music, breweries, and even lighthouses are available.
Spend time exploring Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown or exploring the rural town of Pescadero. These charming villages will not let you down. Neither will the oceans or the forests. All of this is sure to make your Half Moon Bay camping experience richer!
What Is The Best Time For Half Moon Bay Camping?
Half Moon Bay Camping is available all year, but each season has benefits.
It is commonly stated that the best months to visit the area are July, August, and September. That is the busy season in the area, but for a good reason. During peak August, the temperature rarely rises above 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius).
The weather cools until winter arrives in December, but even winter lows are tolerable for many. The coldest season lasts from December to March, with temperatures frequently reaching 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). The lower temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit. (7 degrees Celsius).
Even in the hottest summer months, the Pacific Ocean is cold, so coming here in the winter does not rob you of having fun in the water. It is uncommon for people to swim in the ocean unless they are dressed in a wetsuit.
Furthermore, annual events take place throughout the year. If you want to incorporate local culture into your Half Moon Bay camping trip, you should consider when they happen.
Starting in April, Half Moon Bay will host a weekly coast-side farmer’s market featuring local produce and vendors (Every Saturday until the third week of December from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.)
There is a 4th of July parade and block party, and the Kings Mountain Art Fair is held over Labor Day Weekend. Another reason to visit during the shoulder season is the area’s pumpkin festival in October!
Conclusion
While Half Moon Bay is a famous beach for weekend getaways and camping, The surrounding villages are well also worth your time.
So, there you have it. What are your thoughts on Half Moon Bay camping? Is it worthwhile to go? It certainly is!
The area is easily accessible, dog-friendly, and has stunning scenic beaches. There are numerous hiking and walking trails with views of the coast. It’s the ideal location for fresh seafood, natural beauty, and various activities. There’s so much to do here, but there’s also so much time to do nothing. That’s a place worth seeing, especially when you are at Half Moon Bay camping and accessing the ocean. If you agree, make plans to visit Half Moon Bay, California.
