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68 campgrounds and RV Parks near Portola Valley, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
68 campgrounds
5617 campsites
225 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
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Best campgrounds near Portola Valley, CA
Main - Portola Redwoods State Park
La Honda, CA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(55 sites)
+4
Trailer Villa RV Park
Redwood City, CA (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(106 sites)
+3
Butano State Park
Pescadero, CA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
Pelican Point RV Park
Half Moon Bay, CA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(76 sites)
+4
Half Moon Bay RV Park
Half Moon Bay, CA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
+7
Huckleberry - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Boulder Creek, CA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
Sempervirens - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Boulder Creek, CA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(31 sites)
Francis Beach and Campground - Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay, CA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+6
Little Basin Cabins and Campground - Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Boulder Creek, CA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
Costanoa Lodge and Camp
Pescadero, CA (16 miles away)
+3
Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, CA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(90 sites)
+4
Pillar Point RV Park
Half Moon Bay, CA (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Tables Toilets Internet Laundry Dump station Grills General store Cable TV
Campgrounds near Portola Valley
Portola Valley sits on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County, with access to redwood-forest campgrounds west of the ridge and full-hookup RV parks down on the Bayshore corridor. The closest forested option, Main - Portola Redwoods State Park, occupies a quiet, shady valley under coast redwoods along Peters and Pescadero creeks, reached by a winding drive over Skyline Boulevard. For RV travelers who need hookups, Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City offers a flat, paved base near Highway 101, useful for trips that mix camping with Bay Area errands or airport pickups.
Further south and west, Butano State Park provides a smaller, deeper-canyon redwood experience inland from Pescadero, though its Ben Ries Campground is currently closed due to fire-related damage to the park's water system. Two longstanding Big Basin Redwoods State Park campgrounds in the area, Huckleberry and Sempervirens, are also not currently bookable as the park recovers from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire; campers should plan around these closures when building an itinerary.
Things to do near Portola Valley
Hiking is the main draw on this side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. From Main - Portola Redwoods State Park, the Peters Creek Old-Growth Loop is a long, strenuous round-trip through one of the most remote ancient groves in the region, and shorter walks lead to Tip Toe Falls along Fall Creek. Butano State Park offers the 1.5-mile Little Butano Creek Trail through ferns and redwoods and the five-mile Jackson Flats Loop for half-day hikers. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is open for day use with advance parking reservations, and trail mileage continues to expand as recovery work progresses. The Pacific coast at Pescadero and Año Nuevo is within a short drive for tide-pooling and beach days.
Camping spots and RV parks near Portola Valley, CA
Portola Valley seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
64° / 48°F 40 mmMild with wildflowers; state-park camping reopens
- summer
June - August
75° / 55°F 2 mmWarm, dry inland; coastal fog cools redwood canyons
- fall
September - November
70° / 52°F 25 mmDriest, clearest stretch; bookings ease after Labor Day
- winter
December - February
57° / 45°F 85 mmWettest season; mountain parks may close for storms
The Santa Cruz Mountains run on a Mediterranean cycle: a wet winter, a dry summer, and shoulder seasons that often deliver the best camping weather. Main - Portola Redwoods State Park typically operates its family campground from spring through fall, with the Slate Creek backpacking camp open on a similar seasonal schedule. Butano State Park's Ben Ries Campground is presently closed due to fire-related damage to the water system, though its backcountry Butano Trail Camp remains open to backpackers by reservation. Inclement winter weather can close mountain parks on short notice.
Summer brings warm, dry days inland and persistent coastal fog that feeds the redwoods, keeping canyon floors cool even during heat waves. Spring is mild with wildflowers and flowing creeks, and fall is typically the driest and clearest stretch. Winter is the wettest period, with mountain drainages receiving substantially more rain than the valley floor below. Trailer Villa RV Park in Redwood City stays open year-round and is a practical fallback when mountain parks close for storms.
Top Hosts near Portola Valley, CA
Ismael51 trips - Joined Nov 2021
Excellent van and communication! Pick up and drop off were a breeze. Highly recommend renting from Izzy!
John F. - Mar 2025
Great experience
Hayden W. - Sep 2024
Farzan25 trips - Joined Feb 2024 - Superhost
They are excellent especially Farzan is very prompt and patiently answering all questions.
Neelima V. - Nov 2025
BEST VACATION WE HAD IN YEARS! THE RV HAS ALL YOU NEED, RIGHT SIZE AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THINGS EASY ON THE ROAD, VERY CLEAN AND WORKS PERFECTLY, FARZAN WAS JUST GREAT EXPLAINING HOW THE RV WORK AND ANSWERING ALL OUR QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME. DEFINITELY WE RECOMEND THIS RV
JOSE L. - Aug 2025
How to book campgrounds near Portola Valley
California State Parks campgrounds in this area, including Main - Portola Redwoods State Park, are reserved through ReserveCalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. The booking window is six months in advance on a rolling daily basis, and weekends and holidays at Portola Redwoods fill quickly through summer. A non-refundable reservation fee applies, and cancellations close to the arrival date incur an additional penalty. Big Basin Redwoods State Park currently requires advance day-use parking reservations through the same system, since overnight camping at Huckleberry and Sempervirens is not available. Butano State Park's Ben Ries Campground is closed and not bookable. Trailer Villa RV Park is booked directly with the operator by phone or through its website.
What to expect at Portola Valley campgrounds
Most state-park campgrounds in this corridor are rustic. Main - Portola Redwoods State Park accommodates RVs up to about 24 feet and trailers up to about 21 feet but has no hookups; it offers flush toilets, drinking water, paid showers, and a campfire center. Butano State Park, when open, has 21 drive-in sites and 18 walk-in sites among the redwoods, with flush toilets and drinking water but no showers. Cell reception inside Portola Redwoods is effectively nonexistent, so offline maps are essential. Roads in to both parks are narrow and winding, with low overhead clearance under redwood limbs. Trailer Villa RV Park, by contrast, is a paved, full-hookup property built for big rigs. Food lockers are standard at state-park sites; raccoons are aggressive.
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Portola Valley, CA
How much does an RV rental in Portola Valley cost?
RV rental in Portola Valley is more affordable than many expect for the Bay Area, with most rigs on RVezy ranging from about $125 to $325 per night depending on size and season. Compact campervans and smaller travel trailers sit at the lower end, while Class C motorhomes that sleep the whole family run higher, and Class A coaches sit at the top of the range. To score a cheap RV rental in Portola Valley, book midweek, target the shoulder months of March, April, October, or November, and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. Pro tip: filtering by Instant Book often surfaces hosts with competitive pricing and flexible pickup windows.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portola%20Valley%2C%20CaliforniaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Portola Valley, CA?
Good news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Portola Valley, California. No commercial driver's license (CDL) or special RV endorsement is required for the motorhomes and trailers you will find on RVezy, including larger Class A and Class C rigs. Approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and you will upload a clear photo of your license during booking so RVezy can verify your ID. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home-country license. Most renters are surprised how quickly the verification clears.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs protection included with my RV rental in Portola Valley?
Yes, every RV rental in Portola Valley booked through RVezy includes a protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Interstate 280 with confidence. During checkout you choose from RVezy renter protection plan tiers, each offering different levels of coverage for damage to the RV. This is not traditional auto insurance, but it gives renters meaningful financial peace of mind if something unexpected happens on the road. Hosts do not pick your coverage, you do, which means you stay in control of how much protection feels right for your trip. Pro tip: if you are driving up to Tahoe or down the coast, the higher-tier plan is popular for longer trips.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change? Can I cancel my Portola Valley RV booking?
Booking your Portola Valley RV trip is low risk because RVezy, not the individual host, sets the cancellation policy, and there is a grace period right after booking where you can get a full refund. After that, your eligibility for a refund depends on factors like how many days before pickup you cancel. Because the details depend on your booking, the RVezy support team is available to walk you through your options if your plans change. Pro tip: lock in your dates early since Bay Area inventory moves fast, and reach out to support if you need to adjust later.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Portola Valley RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Portola Valley is easy to find since the area is famously dog-loving, with trails like Windy Hill Open Space Preserve welcoming leashed pups. On RVezy, simply toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see motorhomes and travel trailers whose hosts welcome animals. Many hosts charge a small pet fee or refundable cleaning deposit, which you'll see clearly on the listing before you book. Once you're set, head to nearby Huddart Park or take a coastal drive to Pillar Point in Half Moon Bay, where Surfer's Beach allows off-leash dogs. Pro tip: message the host before booking to share your pet's size and breed so they can confirm fit.
openspace.org/preserves/windy-hillCan the RV be delivered to me in Portola Valley?
Yes, RV delivery in Portola Valley is one of the most popular options for first-timers, especially if you'd rather skip towing a trailer through winding Alpine Road or Skyline Boulevard. Many RVezy hosts in the greater Peninsula and South Bay area will deliver the motorhome directly to your driveway, a local campground like Memorial Park in San Mateo County, or even Half Moon Bay State Beach. They'll set up the rig, connect hookups if available, and give you a full walkthrough of how everything works. Delivery fees are usually based on distance and clearly listed on each profile. Pro tip: use the Delivery filter to compare radius and pricing instantly.
parks.smcgov.org/memorial-parkHow does mileage work on a Portola Valley RV rental?
Mileage is straightforward and you'll see the policy clearly on every listing before you book your Portola Valley RV trip. Hosts on RVezy set their own mileage allowance, typically offering a generous number of free miles per night plus a small per-mile fee beyond that, and some even offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage which is gold for road trippers. From Portola Valley you're only about 35 miles from San Francisco, 75 miles to Santa Cruz redwoods, and 230 miles to Yosemite National Park, so a quick mileage estimate helps you pick the right plan. Pro tip: if you're planning a longer Highway 1 loop, filter for unlimited-mileage listings to save money.
nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Portola Valley?
You have some of California's most scenic campgrounds within an hour of Portola Valley. Memorial Park in Loma Mar offers redwood-shaded sites about 20 miles west and is run by San Mateo County Parks. Butano State Park near Pescadero is a serene redwood canyon about 30 miles away with sites suitable for smaller RVs and trailers. Half Moon Bay State Beach, about 25 miles northwest, has coastal sites with ocean views and an on-site dump station. For a bigger adventure, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Felton offers towering old-growth groves about 45 miles south. Pro tip: book through ReserveCalifornia up to six months ahead since coastal sites sell out fast, especially for summer weekends.
reservecalifornia.com/When is the best time to visit Portola Valley in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Portola Valley runs from April through October, when daytime highs sit comfortably in the mid-60s to low-70s and rainfall is minimal. Late spring brings green hills and wildflowers across Windy Hill, while September and October offer warm days, cooler evenings, and far fewer crowds at coastal campgrounds. Winters are mild (typical highs around 56 to 58 degrees) but wetter, with February being the rainiest month, perfect for cozy redwood escapes. Summers stay dry and pleasant thanks to the marine layer that cools the Peninsula. Pro tip: shoulder seasons like May and October give you the best mix of weather, availability, and lower nightly rates from hosts.
weather.gov/mtr/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay?
You'll be great, and Portola Valley is actually a nice base for first-time renting an RV because most hosts deliver and provide a thorough walkthrough before you leave. Your RVezy host will show you everything: how to operate the propane, slide-outs, water system, generator, and dump valves, plus give you tips on driving the rig. Many first-timers start with a smaller Class C motorhome or campervan rental in Portola Valley, which drives much like a large SUV. For your first miles, stick to wider routes like Interstate 280 rather than the twisty Skyline Boulevard. Pro tip: do a parking-lot practice loop at the local high school before heading out, and message your host anytime with questions.
dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/recreational-vehicles-and-trailers-handbook/What happens if I have a problem on the road?
You are never on your own. Every motorhome rental in Portola Valley booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 17 or a battery hiccup near Big Basin is just a phone call away. The roadside team can dispatch help for towing, lockouts, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, and tire changes. Your host is also a direct resource for questions about how the specific RV operates, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number to your phone the moment you pick up the RV so you have it ready before you leave the driveway.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat road trips can I take from Portola Valley?
Portola Valley is an unbeatable launchpad for an RV road trip from Portola Valley because you've got coast, mountains, and wine country all within easy reach. Drive 75 miles south to Santa Cruz and the redwoods, 90 miles north to the Napa and Sonoma wine valleys, 165 miles east to Yosemite National Park, or 230 miles north to Lassen Volcanic National Park. The classic Highway 1 coastal run to Big Sur (about 130 miles) is hands-down a bucket-list trip. Cross-border travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals, but you're free to roam across state lines. Pro tip: if you want a one-way trip, message the host directly from the listing page since some are open to creative routes.
visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/highway-1-road-trips/How much should I budget for fuel?
Plan for gas to be one of your bigger trip expenses since California typically has the highest fuel prices in the country, with Bay Area regular often hovering around $4.80 to $5.20 per gallon. Most Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 miles per gallon (MPG), campervans get a more comfortable 16 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. For a 300-mile loop from Portola Valley to Big Sur and back in a Class C, budget around $130 to $170 in fuel. Pro tip: apps like GasBuddy help you find cheaper stations in nearby Redwood City and San Carlos, where prices often beat Portola Valley's small selection of pumps.
energy.ca.gov/data-reports/energy-almanac/transportation-energy/california-retail-fuel-outlet-annual-reportingHow far in advance should I book a campground?
For RV camping near Portola Valley, book your campsites as soon as you book the RV, ideally 3 to 6 months out for summer and holiday weekends. California State Parks like Half Moon Bay, Butano, and Big Basin release reservations on ReserveCalifornia exactly six months ahead, and the popular sites can vanish within minutes of the 8 a.m. release. San Mateo County parks like Memorial and Huddart use a separate San Mateo County Parks reservation system and tend to be a bit easier to grab. For weekday trips or shoulder season, two to four weeks of lead time usually works fine. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for the six-month mark and have your dates ready to book the instant the window opens.
reservecalifornia.com/What are the local driving conditions like around Portola Valley?
Driving an RV around Portola Valley is manageable as long as you choose your routes wisely. Interstate 280 is your friend: it's wide, scenic, and the main artery to San Francisco and San Jose. Avoid taking large rigs up narrow mountain roads like Page Mill, Alpine, or upper Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), which feature sharp switchbacks and limited turnaround spots. Bay Area traffic peaks weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m., so plan pickups and returns outside those windows. Winter rains can cause slick roads and occasional rockslides on coastal Highway 1. Pro tip: leave Portola Valley on a Friday morning or Saturday before 9 a.m. to dodge the worst congestion.
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/What hookups and amenities do campgrounds near Portola Valley offer?
Campground amenities vary, and knowing what is available helps you plan a smooth trip. Half Moon Bay State Beach offers RV sites with no hookups but has potable water and a dump station on-site. Butano State Park has primitive sites without hookups, while private parks along the coast like Pelican Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay offer full hookups including 30/50 amp power, water, and sewer. For dumping and refilling water mid-trip, Trailer Villa in Redwood City is a convenient stop. Pro tip: if you are staying at a state park without hookups, ask your RVezy host whether the rig has a generator or solar setup so you can run essentials comfortably off-grid.
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531What's inside the RVs available in Portola Valley?
RVs available for rent in Portola Valley come fully equipped to feel like a home on wheels. Expect comfortable beds (usually a queen plus convertible dinette or bunk options), a kitchen with a propane stove, fridge, microwave, sink, and cookware, plus a bathroom with shower and toilet in most Class B, Class C, and travel trailer models. Many rigs include air conditioning, heating, a TV, an onboard generator, and some even offer Wi-Fi hotspots, perfect for remote-working road trips out of Silicon Valley. Seat belts are provided for the rig's stated sleeping capacity, so a family RV trip in Portola Valley with kids is safe and comfortable. Pro tip: check each listing's amenity list for solar panels if you want to boondock.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portola%20Valley%2C%20CaliforniaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available?
RVezy hosts in the Portola Valley area offer a range of helpful add-ons to make your trip easier. Popular extras include linen and bedding packages, kitchen kits, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, generators, bike racks, BBQs, and pre-stocked propane. Delivery is the most loved add-on locally, especially for guests staying at parks like Half Moon Bay State Beach, where the host can drop the rig directly at your site. Pickup is typically scheduled in the late morning at the host's location to allow time for the orientation walkthrough. Add-on pricing is listed transparently on each listing. Pro tip: bundle linens and a kitchen kit so you can show up with just a duffel bag.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Portola%20Valley%2C%20CaliforniaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment for your RV rental in Portola Valley is handled securely through the RVezy platform, so you never need to hand cash or a check to a host. When you book, your card is charged the rental total plus any add-ons and the protection plan fee you selected. A refundable security deposit is also placed as a hold before pickup; the amount is shown clearly on the listing during booking and is separate from the booking payment. As long as the RV is returned in the same condition, on time, and within the mileage and generator allowances, the deposit hold is released after the trip. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos of the rig inside and out at pickup and return to keep everything smooth.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksI'm nervous about driving an RV in the Bay Area. Any tips?
Totally understandable, and you've got great options to skip the stress entirely. Many Portola Valley RV hosts offer delivery, meaning the rig comes straight to your campground or driveway so you never drive through downtown traffic. If you do plan to drive, stick to Interstate 280 (the wider, calmer alternative to 101) and avoid low-clearance areas in San Francisco like the Stockton Tunnel (which has a 9-foot 6-inch limit) and any posted parking garages. From Portola Valley, you're only 90 minutes from Pinnacles National Park and under 2 hours to Point Reyes for that quick nature escape. Pro tip: book a campervan rental in Portola Valley if you want easier maneuverability than a full motorhome.
sfmta.com/getting-around/drive-park/oversize-vehicle-restrictionsNearby cities with campgrounds
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