Half Moon Bay Camping Reservations

Area State And County Parks

Butano State Park

1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CaFrom the south take Gazos Creek Road off Highway 1 to Cloverdale RoadFrom the north take Pescadero Road off Highway 1 to Cloverdale Road 879-204021 drive-in campsites, 18 walk-in campsitesRestrooms, water, tables, food lockers, fire rings

9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar, CA 879-0238499 acres, old-growth redwoods along Pescadero Creek, open year-round158 campsites, some for RVs up to 35 feet, water and shower facilities.

The Best 10 Campgrounds Near Half Moon Bay Ca 94019

Is Half Moon Bay Beach Park Beach Dog

Half Moon Bay State Beaches are not dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in the campground, picnic areas and parking lots. Pups are also welcome to walk the paved pedway along the bluff. The HMB beaches are key nesting sites for the threatened snowy plover and unfortunately enthusiastic dogs and snowy plovers dont mix well.

However, your dog is welcome at Poplar Beach. This is a city beach park .8 miles south of Francis Beach and is accessed from the same pedway along the coastal bluff. Mavericks Beach in Pillar Point Harbor is also dog-friendly.

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The Best Time For Camping At Half Moon Bay

Camping at Half Moon Bay is available year-round, but each season offers its own perks.

It is often said that the best time to visit the area is in July, August, or September. Thats the areas busy season, but for good reason. The warm weather rarely approaches hot, but instead is a warm 66°F during peak temperatures in August.

The temperature cools until winter arrives in December, but even the winter lows are bearable for many. The coldest season occurs from December until March, and temperatures often reach a maximum of 55°F . The low is 45°F .

The Pacific Ocean is cold even in the warmest summer months, so visiting the area in the winter does not mean you miss out on fun in the water. It isnt common for people to go swimming in the ocean, unless theyre decked out in a wetsuit though.

On top of that, annual events occur throughout the year. You may want to consider when they take place if you wish to tie some local culture into your Half Moon Bay camping trip.

Beginning in April, Half Moon Bay hosts a weekly coastside farmers market that showcases local produce and vendors. This occurs every Saturday until the third week of December, and runs from 9:00am until 1:00pm.

There is a 4th of July parade and block party, and the Kings Mountain Art Fair is held over Labor Day weekend. The area is also famous for its pumpkin festival in October, so that is another reason to visit during the shoulder season!

A list of Half Moon Bays events can be found here.

Half Moon Bay State Beach: Francis Beach Campground

95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 726-8819Facilities: 52 campsites, 3 for tents only, others for RVs up to 40′ or tents, dump station, showers, amphitheater. Many sites now have electric hook-ups.Campsites: Maximum of 8 people per site, picnic tables, fire ringsFor coastal hikers and cyclers, a Hike & Bike area is available for single night stays.

Fees: Standard site $35, or call 444-PARK between 8 AM and 6 PM

Francis Beach Campground

Sweetwood Group Campground

Located at Sweetwood Park between Venice and Dunes beaches. Space for up to 50 people, tent camping only.Fees: $165

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But First: A Littlehistory About Half Moon Bay

Formally called Spanishtown, Half Moon Bay may just be the oldest settlement in San Mateo County.

The towns name changed in 1874 due to its crescent-shaped harbor, and in recent years Half Moon Bay has put an emphasis on preserving its rich history, so tourists can still see farms from the 1800s or even the jail that dates back to 1911!

Half Moon Bay even has a free app available for travelers to download called iCoastside. The app contains information about food, shopping, historical landmarks, and anything else you could want to know about this charming town. Its well worth downloading and checking out.

Where Is Hmb State Beach Park

Half Moon Bay State Beach Park is one large 4 mile beach with bluffs, dunes and a wide sandy beach.

The main entrance is at Francis Beach, which is located at the end of Kelly Ave off Highway One, about a half mile from downtown HMB. This is where you find the Half Moon Bay State beach campground and visitor center.

There are also two additional day use areas north of Francis Beach. You can find Venice Beach off Highway One at the end of Venice Boulevard. And Dunes Beach is at the end of Young Avenue.

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Half Moon Bay Rv Park And Campground

If you arrive in Half Moon Bay without having made plans, try the Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground , where reservations are not required. The beach is a half-mile walk from the inland facility. The campground is associated with nearby Cameron’s Inn and Restaurant, and you sign in there when you arrive. The campground is user-friendly dogs are allowed and campers can enjoy the volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and a central gathering area with picnic tables and barbecue pits. The facility also provides a laundry and wireless Internet access.

Is Dispersed Camping At Half Moon Bay Allowed

Dispersed camping happens when you camp on land that is outside of a designated campground.

While the only camping allowed on the beaches at Half Moon Bay are at Francis Beach Campground and Sweetwood Group Campground, dispersed camping is allowed in other areas. In particular in areas controlled by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management .

Areas under the control of the USFS and BLM include many state and federal forests along with a range of other areas. So while you cant go dispersed camping on the beaches at Half Moon Bay, away from the coast there are some potential free camping spots. . Just look out for areas under USFS and BLM control.

Most dispersed camping doesnt require camping permits, but there are rules that must be followed, including:

• Dont camp near trailheads, recreational areas, or developed campgrounds
• Keep your campsite as small as possible
• Use existing campfire or fire ring areas
• Build your campsite in an area without vegetation
• Dont camp within 200 feet of a water source
• Dispersed camping in the same area is usually limited to 14 days within 30 days.
• Take away whatever you bring to the campsite

On top of that, if you wish to have a campfire outside of a designated campground then you must have a campfire permit. This is due to the issues California has with wildfires.

You can apply for a permit here Submit your California Campfire Permit Application.

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Vacation Home At Lighthouse Beach

Escape to the breathtakingly beautiful S Oregon Coast at this oceanfront home with furnished patio, yard, private beach access, and jaw-dropping lighthouse & sea views. This two-bedroom rental sits a few miles west of Charleston shops & restaurants.

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Why Youll Love Half Moon Bay

Its possible to get an RV site thats right on the beach. The state beach has biking and hiking trails as well as horseback riding trails and a marina. You can swim, fish, and view nature and wildlife. Its also a great place for windsurfing and general surfing. Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed on the coastal trail but not horses.

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Visiting Half Moon Bay State Beach

Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome visitors to Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking. Half Moon Bay State Beach offers four different beach day-use parking lots to choose from: Francis, Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt, as well as a campground that provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer.

Francis Beach, the main hub of Half Moon Bay State Beach, is located at 95 Kelly Avenue. The beach is easily accessible with a paved ramp leading down the sand. The day-use area features a large picnic area with barbecues and restrooms with running water.Francis Beach is also home to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. The campground hosts tent and RV camping with sites offering electric hookup or dry camping. There are no water or sewer hookups, but there is a dump station and a water filling station. Quarter-operated hot showers are available as well.

Campgrounds In Half Moon Bay California

• Cabins Near Arnold, California

Half Moon Bay is a small coastal town just south of San Francisco and west over the mountains from Silicon Valley. Big-wave surfers come to charge the giant rollers at Mavericks the rest come to enjoy the dramatic beaches along Highway 1.

Camping is an affordable and adventurous option along this stretch of coast the weather can be unpredictable but prepare for fog in the summer and rain in the winter and crisp and windy year round. While only one campground is in the city of Half Moon Bay, three others are within a 45-minute drive south along the coast.

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Other Nearby Rv Camping In Half Moon Bay

• Pillar Point RV also has killer ocean front views. Its near the harbor and right on the surfing beach. Full hookups for $75-100/ni. Its first come first served, but they allow long 28 day stays so call to get a realistic idea about availability.
• Pelican Point RV Park is located near the Ritz Carlton. They have full hook-ups go for $84.
• Half Moon Bay RV Park is located on the bluff, right behind Camerons Pub. Email for rates.

If you dont want to camp out, check out this resource for finding a super cool beach rental for Half Moon Bay on Airbnb.

Pelican Point Rv Park

Pelican Point is located at the southern tip of Half Moon Bay and is special because it grants campers both ocean and golf course views! There are also rolling grass hills surrounding the area for campers viewing pleasure. Youll feel right in nature here, but still close to town.

The beach is just a short walk away, Half Moon Bay is a two minute drive, and theres a few nice coastal walks close by. too This RV parks neighbor is actually the Ritz, so if you fancy a posh dinner one night why not head on over!

Each of its many sites offers full hookup, but the sites may be a little tight for RVs over 35.

If you can squeeze into one of the sites the rewards are worth it though, as this peaceful Half Moon Bay camping option is a fantastic friendly base for exploring the area.

Amenities and Facilities

Pelican Point is located next to the scenic Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, so campers dont need to travel far to start this easy yet scenic trek.

And better yet, it is just a 5 minute walk from the RV park to the beach!

Water, sewer, and electricity is included at all sites, and they also offer cable. There are free showers and restrooms too, and they also have multiple washers and dryers available.

Pelican Point is also dog friendly, and they even have a special dog area for your furry friends!

Fire pits and BBQ grills are available to rent as well, and they sell wood bundles for $10.

Important Information

Rate:

Address: 1001 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

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What Are The Day Use Fees

Day use fees for Half Moon Bay State Park are $10 per car. They accept the annual pass hangtag, which you can purchase on site. Use our guide to figure out which California parks annual pass is right for you. Francis Beach has a manned booth that takes the fees. Venice Beach and Dunes beach have unmanned booths and an honor system for paying day use fees. But the lots are patrolled by police.

All three beaches have fairly large day use parking lots, but they fill up very quickly on sunny weekends and holidays. At Francis Beach, you can find free street parking in the Alsace Lorraine neighborhood. But you cant park there overnight and please be respectful of the local residents.

Fun Activities To Do When Visiting Half Moon Bay

If you arent yet sold on a beach-front camping experience, lets delve into a few more reasons why Half Moon Bay should be your next destination.

Half Moon Bay is famous for its coastal beauty and small-town charm. The area has a beautiful blend of seaside and agriculture that makes it a unique destination when visiting California.

After youve pitched your tent or parked your RV, here are a few of our favorite activities to check out:

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Visiting Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground

Francis Beach Campground has 52 campsites. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The majority of the campsites can accommodate recreational vehicles and trailers at a maximum length of 40 feet. All of our campsites can accommodate tents, with four campsites designated as tent only. More than half the campground offers electrical hookups. There are no water/sewer hookups at the campsites. However, there is a dump and potable water station. The dump fee is $10 and is not included in the reservation fee. Francis Beach Campground has restrooms and quarter-operated hot showers as well as firewood available for purchase. Several campsites are ADA Accessible these sites are designated for campers with disabilities and require campers to provide a disability placard or plate that is issued through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Hiker/Biker Enroute Camping is available for one night only at Francis Beach Campground for individuals who are long-distance hiking or biking the California coast. Campers arriving by vehicle are not eligible for hike and bike camping. The hike and bike area features shared picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings. Hike and bike camping is available on a first come, first served basis in person at Francis Entrance Station beginning at 2 pm.

Half Moon Bay Camping: Free Scavenger Hunt Game

If youre looking to keep kids amused while camping at Half Moon Bay or you fancy having some fun for yourself then weve created a printable scavenger hunt game!

The game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and nature, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Enjoy!

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How Many And What Type Of Camping Spots Are At The Beach Park

The beach park has 52 camp spots. 48 can accommodate tents or RVs . Many, but not all, are electrified and none have water/sewer. But the park does have a dump site. Of the electrified sites, 10 are premium with ocean-front views. 5 spots are tent-only, which also have the premium views.

The beach park can also accommodate a number of campers in their hike & bike area. These are walk-in sites for thru-travelers, such as people doing a multi-day coastal ride. The Half Moon Bay State Beach Park group campsite is located between Dunes Beach and Venice Beach.

Half Moon Bay Campground

Description

Oregon, Half Moon Bay Campground has easy access from Reedsport and Highway-101.

Directions:

From downtown Reedsport on Highway-101 go south on Highway-101. In a few miles you will enter the small town of Winchester Bay. Take Salmon Harbor Drive on the right. Travel approximately one mile on Salmond Harbor Drive and the campground entrance will be on the right side.

Please see the Campbase map tab for the exact location.

Local Recreation:

The campground is located within walking distance from Umpqua Beach. Umpqua Beach is a large wide sand beach, perfect for beachcombing. Driftwood washes up on the sand. Please see our photos tab for pictures.

Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area. The campground has direct access into the Oregon Sand Dunes making it the perfect spot for off-roading. Please see our photos tab for pictures of the sand dunes.

Umpqua River Lighthouse is located near the campground. There is a small museum there with some exhibits to look through.

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