Top 6 Camping Spots In Half Moon Bay, California

camping near half moon bay ca
Ninna
Ninna 
Updated
| 3 min read

With its small-town charm, seaside beauty, and friendly community, Half Moon Bay is the perfect alternative to crowded coastal destinations on the West Coast. The city is home to several state beaches, such as Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, and Surfers Beach. If you are visiting any of these beaches anytime between September and November, you can enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and camping. Fishing is also a popular activity, especially among families. Moreover, you will find one of California’s most scenic trails, Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a 6 km (3.7 mi) trail that’s fit for any skill level. The place offers many accommodation choices, including cozy beachfront cottages, charming bed and breakfasts, and modern beach house rentals, ensuring you’ll find the perfect place to stay in Half Moon Bay, California. This city is definitely a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who love camping. Check out some of the top camping spots in Half Moon Bay, California, below.

Tent-only campgrounds

1. Sweetwood Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sweetwood Campground is a year-round, tent-only campground ideally positioned between Dunes Beach and Venice Beach. It features plenty of cooking tables, picnic tables, barbecue pits, fire rings, and potable water, ensuring that you have all the camping essentials to maximize quality time with your family and friends. For your convenience, this campground also has pit toilets nearby.

Up to 50 people and 12 vehicles are welcome here, so it is possible to hold intimate gatherings and family reunions while enjoying tent camping in Half Moon Bay, California.

Sweetwood Campground

Address: 2158 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States (map)

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RV campgrounds & RV sites

2. Francis Beach Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Francis Beach Campground, boasting 52 campsites, beckons you with its oceanfront charm. Picture waking up to the soothing sounds of waves just steps away from your tent or RV. Most sites offer those coveted ocean views, making your stay a truly immersive coastal experience. Keep in mind, though, during the peak season from May to October, there’s a 7-day camping limit. But during other times, you’re free to relish this coastal paradise for up to 14 days.

Francis Beach Campground

Address: Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

Website: Francis Beach Campground

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3. Pillar Point RV Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nestled right across the majestic Pacific Ocean, this RV park in Half Moon Bay awaits your arrival. Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The serene campground offers 49 RV sites with full hookups, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet (12.19 meters) in length. Your RV must be equipped with a functional toilet, water storage, and a septic tank.

The ocean views from the site are simply breathtaking, setting the stage for a memorable getaway. Bring your kids and pets along, and enjoy complimentary WiFi and cable TV. Explore the walking and bike trail that stretches right in front of the park, or find tranquility in the ocean-view garden. Keep in mind, that Pillar Point RV Park does not allow advance reservations, so be sure to check availability as RVs come and go.

Pillar Point RV Park

Address: 4000 Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Website: Pillar Point RV Park

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4. Francis Beach Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have you ever wanted to camp at the beach? Francis State Beach, part of Half Moon Bay State Beach, has a campground with...

Posted by Half Moon Bay State Beach on Saturday, March 27, 2021

Offering 52 individual campsites near the beach, Francis Beach Campground is open to RVs, trailers, and tents, with three campsites exclusively for tents. Moreover, there is one site dedicated to cyclists and hikers. Some of these campsites have electrical hookups, but no sewer and water hookups are available. Alternatively, there is a dump station with a 10 USD fee and a water refilling station. Coin-operated showers are provided, too.

During the peak season between May and October, this campground on a state beach in Half Moon Bay imposes a seven-day limit. Outside the peak season, you can stay for a maximum of 14 days. Reservations are accepted up to six months prior to your intended camping dates. Nonetheless, some campsites are available on a first-come first-serve and day-by-day basis.

Francis Beach Campground

Address: Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States (map)

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5. Pelican Point RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Pelican Point RV Park on Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Pelican Point RV Park welcomes camping enthusiasts year-round. Conveniently, it is only a five-minute walk from the nearest beach. This park has all the amenities you need for a worry-free camping experience, such as electricity, and sewer and water systems at all campsites. Furthermore, there are restrooms, showers, and a laundry room with three washers and three dryers within the premises. Barbecue grills and fire pits are also available for rent, while there are wood bundles for sale. There is also a dog area, so you are more than welcome to bring your beloved dogs.

If you plan to camp here, note that reservations are typically made months in advance. Check-in is at 1pm and check-out is at 12pm.

Pelican Point RV Park

Address: 1001 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States (map)

Website: Pelican Point RV Park

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6. Half Moon Bay RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground on Monday, February 24, 2014

Centrally located, Half Moon Bay RV Park is only a short walk from several beaches and coastal trails, and about a one-hour drive from San Francisco. Ideally, it sits right next to Cameron’s Restaurant & Pub, which offers good food and recreation. This campground also ensures quick access to many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as horseback riding, kayaking, and surfing. Pets are welcome here, so you can take yours along on your camping trip.

On-site amenities include laundry facilities, and private bathrooms and showers. When you stay here, you are expected to observe quiet hours between 10pm and 8am daily. Extended stays are welcome, as long as a campsite has been reserved accordingly. However, note that only RVs below 10 years old are allowed to stay for a month or longer.

Half Moon Bay RV Park

Address: 460 Wavecrest Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States (map)

Website: Half Moon Bay RV Park

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Enjoy a scenic camping experience in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay State Beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Seano1~commonswiki used under CC BY 2.5

There are numerous camping spots in Half Moon Bay, California, most of which are beautifully set against the backdrop of sparkling ocean waters. Do not forget to check them out as you plan your next camping trip.

Frequently asked questions about camping spots in Half Moon Bay, California


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Ninna, a writer and traveler, encourages everyone to explore the world one city at a time, unveiling its myriad surprises.

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