The best camping near Half Moon Bay State Beach

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Half Moon Bay State Beach adventure.

92% (49 reviews)

You can feel the serenity calming your soul—Or walk north to the biggest waves this side of Hawaii.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Half Moon Bay State Beach

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Half Moon Bay State Beach

92%

(49)

Francis Beach Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Half Moon Bay State Beach

Sweetwood Group Camping

1 site In Half Moon Bay State Beach

Top-rated campgrounds near Half Moon Bay State Beach

97%

(516)

The Ranch at Cross Road

12 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

93%

(14)

May's Luxury Farmstays

5 sites · Lodging20 acres · Los Gatos, CA

Relax and recharge at our retreat in Los Gatos. Whether you’re here to reconnect with nature, hike the trails, camp under the stars, or explore the Bay Area, Harlan’s Retreat, has everything for a worry-free stay! With nature trails on-site and the Saratoga Gap down the road, you won’t have to go far, For fun drive into the city. Come home and admire the amazing views from your secluded glamp-site with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Silicon Valley 2,800 feet below. This very private site offers breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay and the south bay. The views at night are transcendent. The Apple building and Moffet field are clearly visible. you look down from above the clouds to the valley floor 2,800 feet below.

98%

(401)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA

Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.

97%

(74)

Charcoal Springs Camp & Cabin

4 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Watsonville, CA

Welcome to our serene retreat at Charcoal Springs, overlooking the Monterey Bay! Nestled amidst the picturesque Santa Cruz mountains of California, our property offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life, with beautiful views of the ocean, redwood forest, and stunning sunrise/sunsets. Our property is above the redwoods, and more often than not, above the fog line! Our spacious camping area provides ample room for you to set up your tent or camper van (no RVs, trailers or 5th wheels) ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. Outdoor activities: leisurely stroll along our scenic little trail + surrounding wilderness: we are right next to the north entrance of the Soquel Demonstration Forest for world class mountain biking. If you are interested in hosting a larger group, in organizing a retreat, and in booking out all our sites, please get in touch! ATTENTION: MAY-DECEMBER - FIRE BAN PENDING WEATHER/WIND DAY-OF KITCHEN/BBQ AT PANORAMA CONTAINER CAMP: Propane is $25/tank, WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLATES, CUPS, UTENSILS, OR COOKING SUPPLIES AT CONTAINER CAMP! Container Camp Kitchen has a BBQ, tongs and brush for the BBQ, a 3 burner camp stove, sink, covered trash/recycling cans, miscellaneous pots/pans (see picture with utensils on site). There is NO REFRIGERATOR at Container Camp, so bring your coolers! KITCHEN AT THE COOP (NO BBQ): The Coop is equipped with most kitchenware that one would need (4 cu ft refrigerator, pots, pans, 4 x plates, bowls, and cups, mugs, knives, silverware, salad bowl, french-press coffee pot, kettle…) with a two burner electric hot plate and the woodstove with a cooktop on it. The Coop does NOT have a BBQ. PLEASE KEEP FOOD IN SEALED CONTAINERS OR COOLERS! Also, remember to keep the volume down, as most people come here precisely for the piece and quiet:) Grocery shopping: We are 25 minutes from the Summit store, and Corralitos meat market down Eureka Canyon. All sites have access to: -electricity, -hot showers, -composting toilet (Sun-Mar Excel), -industrial sink (also with hot water), -partially equipped kitchen (with mini fridge and electric hot plates in 'The Coop' / propane stove/BBQ at the container camp in covered kitchen area), -Fire places: wood stove in The Coop, and seasonal fire-pits (bring your own wood - or buy a bundle from us) (Please bring your own SHEETS, TOWELS and BIODEGRADABLE soap - Dr. Bronner's. If you're camping, for an extra comfy night's sleep, we can provide 2 custom double bed sized camping mattresses - for $25 a mattress per night). After a day of exploration, you can use our designated fire pits (seasonally/weather permitting) and share stories under the stars with your fellow travelers. At Charcoal Springs, you can expect a peaceful retreat far from the city, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you traverse the rugged terrain and enjoy the view. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply craving a moment of calm, our property offers the perfect escape for your next outdoor getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to our slice of paradise! Johnny and Jeanne (Profile pic from artist Pedro Gomes: https://pedrogo.com/)

94%

(426)

Felton Open Space Camp Sites

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Felton, CA

Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to two adults only. Children are welcome.

88%

(4)

Amaya Creek Redwood Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Los Gatos, CA

Welcome to the Amaya Creek Redwood Campground! We are deep in the Santa Cruz mountains and it’s rustic so be prepared! The road is all paved but it can be narrow, bumpy and steep in some areas. Be sure to follow our directions to bypass the road closure! There is no cell phone service in some areas. PLEASE NOTE, we do not have a trash service for the campground, we require all campers to PACK OUT THEIR TRASH with them! We have 40 acres of redwood forest and two creeks running through including the Amaya Creek which serves the boundary of our property at the end of Amayak Creek Trail. There’s also a small waterfall off the Amaya Creek Trail, but it may dry out during the summer. Enjoy hiking, creeks and small waterfall exploration, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, star gazing, relaxation, meditation and more. Our campground has running water from a natural spring, Men and Women's Restrooms each with 2 toilets and 1 FREE hot water shower, utility shed with sink and hot water, and an outdoor amphitheater. The kitchen and washer/dryer is Staff Only not for campers. . Most campsites allow 4-6 guests maximum with 1 car included in the nightly rate. Each additional vehicle is $15 per day and will be added at checkout once you add the correct number of vehicles you will be bringing. Pets are $10 per day, 1 pet per group ONLY. Please add this as an extra at the time of booking, you will see the option to add extras once you begin the checkout process. Dogs must be on leash at all times! Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. No drugs of any kind including marijuana allowed. No loud music allowed. This is a private property so no visitors are allowed, only paid guests. Our onsite staff will go around and enforce the rules. No hookup for RV and trailer, check each site description to see if RV/trailer is ok for that site.

84%

(69)

#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA

WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. Cars, trucks, vans, campers or motorcycles only. No Trailers or RVs Three vehicle parking spots available: Each has outdoor picnic table and tent area. One vehicle only and four persons per reservation. Again A Car, Pickup Truck, Small Van or Motorcycle are Welcome. Private road into grounds, shared fire-pit and play areas. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes. Walk to town 10 minutes. Potable water hose by cottage. Outdoor bathroom. Free fire wood and kindling. Tents area included near each picnic table. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries year round. Observe rare. Species of birds. ********************************************* Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. No towable Trailers or RVs over 20 feet. Noise curfew is sundown. No parties in this location. Check in after 2pm Check out is noon.

97%

(148)

Strawberry Fields Forever

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Watsonville, CA

Welcome to southern Santa Cruz County, home of some of the longest and most beautiful beaches in central California. We are located in La Selva Beach, an eight-minute walk to Manresa State Beach. We are a small, working farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens and bees. There are many excellent places nearby to hike, walk, surf, swim, tide pool or just sit and enjoy the view. We offer three campsites, two have fantastic, unobstructed views of the three hundred acres of strawberry fields that back up to our property. Our campsites provide water and electric hookups and are only appropriate for self-contained recreational vehicles and trailers. One of the sites has no size constraints on RVs or trailers. We have plenty of room for a second vehicle. We do offer a port-a potty, but not sinks or showers. We do not accommodate on the ground tent camping or in your car camping. The Valley View site is very quiet as it is farthest from the road, and is the most private. The Gateway site is near the road and does not have a view of the strawberry fields, but guests who are just looking for a quick stop over or base camp love it. The Strawberry and Surf site has no size restrictions and it backs up to San Andreas Rd. All site are walking distance to Manresa State Beach. We love to host guests and will provide information about things to do and see in our area. We often loan our State Parks pass so that you can venture out to Point Lobos, Wilder Ranch, Sunset Beach, Natural Bridges and more. Each camp site includes a fire pit and a generous wagon of wood. Two camp chairs and a picnic table are included as well. We also offer farm fresh eggs, baked goods and other treats (see our Extras). We are 15 minutes from the village of Capitola, 30 minutes from downtown Santa Cruz and 45 minutes to Monterey. There is a Dump station 5 minutes down the road at the KOA (for a fee).

100%

(10)

Patchen Christmas Tree Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Los Gatos, CA

Patchen Farm is a 6 acre, choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Since the farm is only open during the holiday season, in the off season you'll find a working farm (work being done, cars coming and going, etc.). Patchen is located only 10 mins from downtown Los Gatos in one direction and the Santa Cruz beach in the other direction. Perched at the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Patchen offers the scenic beauty of lush redwood forests and views of the surrounding area. There are several wonderful wineries within 5 miles and great hiking and biking trails. NO CHECK IN OR CHECK OUT REQUIRED NO ATTENDANT ON SITE Water can be found near the giant wreath just inside entrance and on either end of the red barn.

93%

(233)

Hidden Spring Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA

Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)

92%

(42)

Slide Ranch - Tent Camping

19 sites · Tents134 acres · Muir Beach, CA

Discover the magic of Slide Ranch spending the night overlooking the Pacific Ocean! Slide Ranch offers camping so we can offer full scholarships to students for summer camps and other programs throughout the year. We really appreciate your support! Check in 2pm / Check out 12pm Camping is available to guests 18 and up. Minors aged 17 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult - no drop offs or pick ups. No pets allowed; service animals are permitted. The campsite area is NOT accessible by vehicle. Guests must park in the guest parking lot and hike to the Dome campsite area. We will provide wheelbarrows to help transport your personal items to the campsite area (about 10 minutes, mostly-flat hike). Guests are NOT permitted to sleep in cars/vans/campers in the parking lot. Tents and gear are not included; please bring and pitch your own tents. Bring your own food (there is a cooler and dry food storage container) or plan to enjoy dining in Muir Beach. We do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Porta-potties or composting toilets are available around the property. Soap is provided for hand washing. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable for refilling water bottles/jugs. There is no running water at the Dome but there will be containers of water out there for use in hand washing, dish washing, and limited for drinking. Slide Ranch does not have any concessions on site. Please plan to bring any snacks or picnic items you’d like to enjoy while enjoying the ranch. Per GGNRA regulations, camp fires and open flames of any kind are not allowed out at the campsite meadow or inside the Geodesic Dome as there is no running water. Portable camp stoves and BBQs are strictly prohibited. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The Slide Ranch nonprofit organization was established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

99%

(114)

Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park. Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.

The best camping near Half Moon Bay State Beach guide

Overview

About

Surfers round the world know about Mavericks. It's the notorious big-wave surf break off the point at the north end of this gorgeous California State Beach. Show up for the one-day invitational surf contest to see the pros riding waves from 25 to 60 feet. After the excitement, this state beach near the city of Half Moon Bay is a perfect place to relax. Enjoy 4 beaches along 4 miles of picturesque coastline. Facilities are available at Venice Beach, with 52 individual sites for tent or RV camping at Francis Beach.

Also at Francis Beach: A unique beach wheelchair with giant balloon tires that let the wheelchair-bound access the beach. You can also bring your horses along to ride the Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. Horses are restricted to designated areas and not permitted on state beaches. The beautiful beaches are quiet and serene, ideal when you want a little peace.

Notable campgrounds

Francis Beach Campground - Offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups and convenient access to the beach.
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground - Features a variety of sites for campers, with quarter-operated hot showers and a dump station.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as campsites can be reserved six months in advance and fill up quickly.
Consider visiting during the off-peak season for better availability and a quieter experience.
Have flexible dates ready, in case your preferred dates are already taken.
Explore nearby camping options if Half Moon Bay State Beach is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Half Moon Bay State Beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, the beach's allure is year-round, with each season offering its unique charm. Winter can be less crowded but may bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Know before you go

Check the park hours, which are typically from 8am to sunset, before planning your visit.
Be aware of the no dog policy on the beaches, though they are allowed in certain areas with a leash.
Remember that fires and drones are not permitted to protect the park's natural beauty and wildlife.
For those with mobility issues, beach wheelchairs are available at no cost from Francis Beach Entrance Station.
Always exercise caution near the ocean due to strong rip currents and cold water temperatures.

92%

49 ratings · 11 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Beautiful mountain getaway

Francis Beach Campground

Absolutely breath taking views, and incredible getaway in the mountains! Would absolutely go back and highly recommend this place.

Gaby B.

2 reviews

August 2022

I've camped here with a tent in Site 22 that has direct access to the beach and premium electrical. I've also camped with a travel trailer in Site 47, which has premium electrical hookups and an amazing ocean view. Beyond a few full hookup sites near the camp host, most hookups are just electrical with no water and not sewer. The reservations are hard to come by on the spot due to how amazing the location is. My family loves the beach and we often come for day-use activities. At night it is a quiet place. If you have an RV it is $10 to dump, which is paid by an automated credit card thing. While you feel remote, you area actually only minutes away from stores and restaurants by car.

Aaron A.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2018

Easy, fun weekend camping for those living in San Francisco and want a cheap getaway.

Alicia E.

6 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· April 2017

Nino S.

8 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· February 2017

Not a ton of privacy and you're unlikely to feel like you're out in the wilderness! But there are a few sites that face away from the road and towards the beach that can be nice.

Xanthe &.

27 reviews

December 2016

Great place to camp if you're going to be spending A LOT of time on the beach. Not so great for hanging out / doing any activities in the camp itself as it's essentially just a huge parking lot for RVs...

Julian B.

114 reviews

August 2015

Great site. Literally on the beach. Hot coin operated showers. The one downside is all of the valley is there on the weekends. You might try weekdays its an entirely different experience. Try the three amigos restaurant on the way out A++!

Travis P.

9 years on Hipcamp

June 2015

Great family tent camping: hike/bike campsites are off the parking loop, as are 36-37-38; sites 13-14-15 are more isolated with trees + grassy field for tents; 17-19-22-24-26-28-30-32-34 are on the dune above the beach - nothing but sand btw you and the waves

Kathy A.

10 years on Hipcamp

April 2015

This is a good spot for picnics/bbqs, just make sure you stop by one of the nearby markets to grab supplies.

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

Campsite #38 is ON the beach!

Hipcamper

9 years on Hipcamp

March 2015

If you have a group, we suggest you get sites #36, 37, & 38, they are all together.