Visitors choose to camp in Half Moon Bay to observe wild elephant seals, watch the pummeling big wave surf action at Mavericks, explore tide pools, watch whales or just wander the wild, picturesque beaches. Kayaking, surfing, hiking redwood forests or visiting organic farmer's markets are all popular activities for campers.
What to Expect
Half Moon Bay is a beautiful, historic region of California lying on the north coast of the state not far from popular tourist destinations including San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma. Half Moon Bay enjoys a year-round temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cloudy days are not uncommon, and Half Moon Bay does frequently experience cool offshore breezes.
Francis Beach Campground
Campers visiting Half Moon Bay State Beach can camp at Francis Beach, one of the bay's four beaches. The campgrounds offers 52 individual sites, appropriate for RV or tent camping. RV campers may use the dump station, but there are no hookups. As of 2010, sites can range from $25 to $50.
Hot coin-operated showers are available to campers at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Visitors can also check out the visitor's center, explore the 3-mile coastal trail for jogging, walking or bike riding, or ride along the nearby horse trail.
Although the campground offers free Wi-Fi Internet service, beach fires and dogs are forbidden. Campers should beware of the ocean's cool temperatures, which can cause hypothermia, and strong currents.
Francis Beach Campground
95 Kelly Ave.
Half Moon Bay, Calif. 94019
650-726-8819
parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531
Pillar Point RV Park
Pillar Point RV Park in Half Moon Bay offers both partial ocean view and full ocean view camping sites. Partial ocean view camping sites run $55 per night, or $385 per week. Rates exclude tax. Full ocean view camping sites cost $65 per night, or $455 per week, excluding tax. Overnight parking in an overflow area costs $30 per night. All of these prices are as of 2010.
Campers often explore nearby historic lighthouses, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the Año Nuevo State Reserve.
Tents are not allowed, and campers must sleep inside their vehicles. Guests may build fires within provided metal fire pits. Dogs are allowed, except for pit bulls, Doberman Pinschers and Rottweillers.
Campsites offer full-hookups including water, electricity and cable. Guests can also purchase wireless Internet capability.
Pillar Point RV Park
4000 Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, Calif. 94019
650-712-9277
pillarpointrvpark.com
Pelican Point RV Park
Pelican Point RV Park offers 75 sites for campers, with 2010 rates around $40. Hookups include electricity, water, sewer and cable, but there is no wireless Internet. Tents are pets are permitted. The campground is open year-round.
Pelican Point RV Park
1001 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019
650-726-9100
Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Camp
Guests can rent the lodge's "canvas cabin" tents, or bring their own. Wooden platforms come equipped with water and electricity, and guests share bathrooms with other campers. There are fireplaces and picnic areas, but open campfires are not permitted.
The lodge also permits RV campers, and water, electricity and dumping hookups are provided. Rates start at $45 per night as of 2010.
Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Camp
2001 Rossi Road
Pescadero, Calif. 94060
650-879-2136
costanoa.com
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