Francis Beach Campground

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

Contact: 8004447275

http://www.parks.ca.gov/HalfMoonBaySB/

$35per night

RV/TrailersThis campground allows RVs or Trailers at some campsites

This campground has Electric hookups

This campground has NO sewer hookups

This campground has NO water hookups

This campground has showers on site

This campground is pet-friendly. Bring your pals!

This campground has accessibility campsites and features

Updated 2024-11-01

Overview

Francis Beach, the largest part of Half Moon Bay State Beach, is close to Highway 1 as well as Venice, Roosevelt, and Dunes beaches. The campground is open all year. The peak season runs from May 1 through October 31.

Campers are welcome to stay at one of Francis Beach Campground’s 48 RV/tent sites or 4 tent-only sites. Electric hookups, a shared water station, and a pay-per-use dump station are available. The Sweetwood tent-only group site can accommodate 50 guests and a maximum of 12 vehicles.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Horses may ride up to Francis Beach on the Coastside Trail, but trailers may only park at nearby Venice Beach.

Best Campsites at Francis Beach Campground

Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Francis Beach Campground.

Best Premium Hookup Sites: 16, 17, 30, 32

Closest to the ocean and beach access points
Next to showers and restrooms
Quick access to the campground trail
Downside: 16 and 17 far from the dump station and water

Best Inland Hookup Sites: 48, 49, 50

Close to dump station, potable water, and camp host
Easy access to the beach
More secluded area at the end of a loop

Best Inland Dry Sites: 41, 43

Closest dry sites to dump station and potable water
Short walk to the beach, showers, or restrooms
Adjoins a large open area for extra privacy

Unique Experiences

Enjoy family-friendly activities such as campfire programs and guided hikes for all the fun without the hassle of planning.
Stop by the visitor center on the weekend for a free educational lesson about the history of the coast and the natural beauty of Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Lounge on the open sands to sunbathe and take in the soothing sounds of the nearby water.
Pack lunch to enjoy a romantic meal while looking out on the open water from one of several day-use picnic areas along the beach.
Hop on the Coastside Trail to visit all four beaches in the area, get some exercise, or take your dog exploring out in nature.

Francis Beach Campground Campground Rules

Max Trailer/RV Length

40 Feet

Max vehicles per site

1 but can pay for 2nd/3rd

Fires allowed?

Only in designated fire rings

Pets allowed?

Yes, but not on beach

Francis Beach Campground Reservation Information

Reservations Allowed?

Reservations Required?

Yes

Reservations for Francis Beach Campground can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. The maximum length for RVs and trailers is 40 feet. Non-hookup sites are $35 per night, and inland sites with electricity are $50 per night. Campers can upgrade to an oceanfront premium site with electricity for $65 per night. The on-site dump station costs $10, payable by credit card only. Additional parking is $10 per vehicle.

Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:

Park selections
Date you wish to start camping
Type and size of camping equipment
Number of people that will occupy the campsite
Number of nights you wish to camp
Alternative park and camping date choices
Your phone number and area code
Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
Mailing address

Group Camping Reservations

Reservations for the Sweetwood tent-only group site can be made online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. The cost is $165 per night for up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles. The on-site dump station fee is $10. A shared camping area is available for $7 per night for hikers and bikers who are staying over for one day while passing through to another location. Reservations must be made in person starting at 2 p.m. at the Francis Entrance Station.

Campsite Reservation Cancellations

Reservations can be canceled on www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. For cancellations after 6 p.m. the day before arrival, guests will forfeit their reservation fee and be charged an additional fee of $7.99 plus the cost of one night.

Canceled sites are offered to potential guests on the waitlist starting at 2 p.m. Although anyone can join the waitlist starting at 8:30 a.m., these reservations must be accepted in person at 2 p.m. at the Francis Entrance Station.

Francis Beach Campground Campground Cost

Non-hookup sites

$35

inland sites with electricity

$50

oceanfront premium site with electricity

$65

Group Campsite

$250-$300

Activities

Fishing

Swimming

Surfing / Windsurfing

Bike Trails

Amenities

RV/Trailers

Hookups

Pull Through Spots

Pet Friendly

ADA Sites

Showers

Visitors/Rec Center

Wifi

Francis Beach Campground Campground Map

VIEW IN FULL SCREEN

Directions

FAQs

Is Francis Beach Dog Friendly?

Can You Swim At Half Moon Bay?

What is the water temperature in Half Moon Bay?

Nearby Campgrounds to Francis Beach Campground

Francis Beach differs significantly from many other state beaches since it can accommodate RVs, tent campers, and even bikers who are just passing through the area. Several nearby beaches don’t allow any camping at all. However, since Francis Beach doesn’t allow dogs on the sand, it’s less friendly to pets than other locations.

Seacliff State Beach

Seacliff has 26 RV sites with full hookups and 37 sites for RV dry camping. No tent camping is allowed at this location. Sites without hookups are more expensive by $20, but full hookups are available for the same price as electric only at Francis Beach. Seacliff is dog friendly and a safe place to swim. There is also a fishing pier and a concrete freighter named the SS Palo Alto.

Monterey State Beach

There aren’t any campgrounds at Monterey State Beach. The beach is open from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes after sunset. Dogs are allowed anywhere south of the Roberts lot as long as they’re properly leashed.

Sunset State Beach

There are no hookups or dump stations at Sunset State Beach Campground. This location features 9 sites for RVs only, 11 tent-only sites, and 65 mixed-use sites. The group campsite can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles for $335 per night, which is nearly double the cost of the tent-only group site at Francis Beach.

Moss Landing State Beach

There aren’t any campgrounds at Moss Landing State Beach. Guests can visit for day use only from 8 a.m. to half an hour after sunset. No dogs are allowed at any time.