The Best Half Moon Bay Camping
Half Moon Bay State Beach offers visitors and campers four sandy beaches to explore, along with plenty of opportunities for watersports, swimming, and beachcombing. Wildlife is plentiful in this area, particularly migratory marine animals. Seasonal tours to see grey whales are a must, as is a trip to visit the coastal redwoods.
What You Should Know About Camping Near Half Moon Bay
There is only one campground located within Half Moon Bay State Park; however, there are many RV parks nearby as well. Always make sure your campground and campsite accommodate your camping equipment. Longer RVs or those in search of additional amenities may look outside Half Moon Bay State Beach. Those looking to camp adjacent to Francis Beach or along the Coastal Trail should reserve a site inside the State Beach campground. Regardless of where you camp, any visit to Half Moon Bay should include easy access to the beautiful beaches. Here is a list of campgrounds in Half Moon Bay that will get you within a few minutes walk of the beach.
Best Half Moon Bay Camping
Francis Beach Campground
This campground has 53 sites, of which 40 have electrical hookups available. Picnic tables, fire rings, and bathhouses are available in the campground. Trails lead directly from the campground to all points of access in Half Moon Bay.
What’s Unique About Francis Beach Campground?
This campground provides the best access to all four beaches at Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Frances Beach Campground Details
Price Range: $35 - $65; $7 per person for hike-in/bike-in Types of Camping: Tent, RV/Trailer, Hike/Bike-in Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes, but not on the beach
Other Great Half Moon Bay RV Parks
Half Moon Bay RV Park
Enjoy the British pub and restaurant on-site as well as wifi, bathhouses, and laundry facilities. There are hookups for water and electricity (30 amp) as well as an RV dump station. Long-term stays are available for RVs that are 10 years old or newer.
What’s Unique About Half Moon Bay RV Park?
This campground is within walking distance to the beach- this is a great option to book when Half Moon Bay SB Campground is full!
Half Moon Bay RV Park Details
Price Range: Variable Types of Camping: RV/Trailer Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash
Pelican Point RV Park
All sites have full hookups plus cable TV and can accommodate RVs up to 40’ in length. Wifi, bathhouses, a convenience store, and laundry are available. Guests may enjoy a pet area as well. Propane is sold onsite. The beach is approximately five minutes away by foot.
What’s Unique About Pelican Point RV Park?
Located adjacent to the beach, this RV park provides all the basic amenities with fabulous access to Half Moon Bay.
Pelican Point RV Park Details
Price Range: $88 Types of Camping: RV/Trailer Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes
Pillar Point RV Park
Each of the RV Park’s 49 sites has full hookups as well as wifi and cable. Campers enjoy ocean views and a great location nearby the beach.
What’s Unique About Pillar Point RV Park?
This RV Park is first come, first served. While many of the area campgrounds book up months in advance, this campground is a great option for those last minute getaways!
Pillar Point Details
Price Range: $95 - $140; weekly rates are available Types of Camping: Self-contained RV/Trailers up to 40’ Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes, with breed restrictions
Free Camping Near Half Moon Bay
Need to camp for free? Check with local businesses such as Safeway, Foodco, Denny’s, and Plaza gas in nearby Salinas and Prunedale for permission to camp overnight in the parking lot. Otherwise, campers can travel approximately 50 miles away from the bay to enjoy free, dispersed camping in the Griswold Hills BLM area or the Panoche Hills BLM area.
Common Half Moon Bay Camping Questions
Here are our answers to FAQs to help you plan your trip to Half Moon Bay! Enjoy!
Can you have a bonfire at Half Moon Bay?
No, only portable camp stoves or barbeques are allowed.
How much does it cost to camp at Half Moon Bay?
Camping at Francis Beach Campground in Half Moon Bay State Park ranges from $7 per person for hike-in/bike-in to $35-$65 for regular sites or hook up sites. Local RV parks also provide camping and additional amenities for variable daily rates.
How many beaches are at Half Moon Bay?
Four beaches, including Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach, make up Half Moon Bay.
About the Author
Josh Shogren
Josh Shogren is the owner of Power Camper. He is a lifelong camper and loves finding the hidden gem campgrounds and camping sites!
