Campgrounds and RV parks near El Granada, CA

The paved Coastside Trail runs about six miles along the bluffs and connects RV parks with restaurants, shops, and Pillar Point Harbor, making it easy to leave the rig parked and explore by bike or on foot. Surfers' Beach, just south of Pillar Point Harbor on Highway 1, is a common break for beginner and intermediate surfers and is often protected from northwest winds. Visitors enjoy strolling along miles of sandy beach, and whale watching, fishing, and surfing are popular activities. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents and extremely cold water. Tide pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach and harbor seafood at Pillar Point round out a typical day.

The Coastside has a mild, marine climate, but conditions shift sharply across the year and trip planning should follow the calendar. Summer daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, while winter highs run in the mid-50s, and the area sees rain in winter but essentially no snow. Coastal fog is present most days through late spring and early summer, keeping temperatures cool even in the warmest months, and stiff afternoon winds are common at the bluff-top RV parks. September and October are typically the warmest and clearest months and also the busiest for weekend bookings. Winter is the wet season and also big-wave season. Just off the coast outside Pillar Point Harbor, the Mavericks break produces some of the largest waves in the world when storm swell arrives between November and March. Year-round events in the Half Moon Bay area, including the Art and Pumpkin Festival in October, the Mavericks surf contest window during the winter swell season, and weekly farmers' markets, all tighten campground availability on their weekends.

Expect compact, paved or hard-packed RV sites with ocean or harbor views rather than forested settings. Pillar Point RV Park has 49 RV sites with full hookups and offers a choice of ocean view and standard sites, with a maximum RV length of 40 feet and no on-site showers or laundry. Francis Beach is different in character: the campground has 52 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, and most can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. More than half the sites offer electrical hookups, but there are no water or sewer hookups; a dump station and potable water fill station are available for an extra fee. Wind and evening chill are constant on the bluff, even in summer, so plan for layers, secure awnings, and check site length carefully when booking.