Campgrounds and RV parks near Half Moon Bay, CA

The paved Coastside Trail runs along the bluffs through the state beach, linking Francis, Venice, and Dunes beaches for easy walks and family rides. Whale watching, fishing, and surfing are popular activities, with gray whales passing offshore through winter and spring. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents and extremely cold water, so plan around tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, harbor walks at Pillar Point, and surf-watching at Mavericks during winter swells. Pillar Point Harbor has sportfishing charters and seafood shacks. Inland, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve offers shaded hiking, and the town of Half Moon Bay has a walkable Main Street, pumpkin farms in October, and easy drives north to Pacifica or south along Highway 1.

Summer through early fall is the busiest stretch. During the peak season from May through October there is a 7-day camping limit at Francis Beach, while at other times campers may stay up to 14 days. Coastal fog is common on summer mornings and often burns off by afternoon, with September producing the warmest, clearest days. Pumpkin season and the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival pull heavy crowds in October, and harbor-side parks book early. Winter brings cool rain, short days, and big swells. November through March is peak season for massive swells at Mavericks, with December through February the prime months for the most consistent big waves. From January through March, thousands of gray whales travel along the California coast on their southbound migration, and from March through May, mothers and calves travel back north. Spring is quieter, greener, and good for wildflowers along the bluffs.

Plan for cool, breezy conditions even in July. It can get really windy during the day, and oceanfront sites at Francis Beach are especially exposed. At Francis Beach, more than half the campground offers electrical hookups, there are no water or sewer hookups at the campsites, but there is a dump and potable water station, with a dump fee paid by card. Restrooms and quarter-operated hot showers are available, along with firewood for purchase, so bring quarters. Dogs are allowed on leash in the campground and on the Coastside Trail, but are not allowed on the beach. Cell coverage is generally good in town and patchy on the bluffs. Bring layers and a windbreak; the afternoon marine push can drop temperatures quickly.