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Half Moon Bay RV camping is almost as good as living here. Named for the nearby crescent-shaped harbor, Half Moon Bay is a bustling seaside town of just under 13,000 people with a lot to offer. Here, you can shop, dine, fish, swim, relax, adventure, and more. And it’s all mere miles from San Francisco. So even if you’re just coming to camp, you should do so in style. These are the best places to camp in Half Moon Bay.
Where Is Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay sits on the coast of California, alongside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Just 30 miles south of San Francisco and 50 miles north of Santa Cruz, it’s quite the popular spot to get away from the larger cities and experience the coast.
Why Is Half Moon Bay Popular?
Along with its prime location, camping near Half Moon Bay is popular for its 25 miles of beaches and Redwood forest access. Combine that with state parks and coastal villages stock full of shopping and dining, and it’s easy to see why Half Moon Bay is so famous to locals and tourists alike.
Where Can You Camp for Free in Half Moon Bay?
Camping in Half Moon Bay, unfortunately, never comes for free. While you may locate a store that will allow you to spend a night in a parking lot without paying, actual free RV camping in Half Moon Bay doesn’t exist. So, if you want to take advantage of the 25 miles of seashore, the plethora of dining and shopping opportunities, and the hiking that makes this place very popular, you’ll have to be willing to pay for your Half Moon Bay camping site.
Pro Tip: If Half Moon Bay isn’t in your budget but you still want to experience RV camping in the Golden State, check out this guide on how to find free camping in California!
The Best Places to Camp in Half Moon Bay
While there aren’t many places to choose from for RV camping in and near Half Moon Bay, these sites offer many amenities. From beach sunsets to Redwood forests to seaside towns, we’ve got the best places to camp in Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Address: 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
About: Located on the beach with views of and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, this Half Moon Bay State Beach campground has everything you’ll need for a beach vacation. That includes four miles of beach within its four beaches, a paved coastal trail, and water activities to suit almost every style.
Amenities: At the campground itself, there are 52 sites, some meant for tent camping or trailers. While water and sewer hookups aren’t available, there’s an onsite dump station for an additional fee, along with water. Some sites have electricity, but most don’t. If you need a hot shower outside of your RV, there are coin-operated showers for your convenience.
Being at a state park, you’ll enjoy the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center for all your educational and entertainment purposes. And when you’re wandering the beach, you’ll even come across other outside showers and flush toilets at Venice Beach.
Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground
Address: 460 Wavecrest Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
About: This Half Moon Bay RV camping site is family-owned. Better yet, it’s within walking distance to the ocean and the coastal towns. A few of those towns are Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Montara, and Pescadero.
Amenities: Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground has free Wi-Fi and is pet-friendly. They offer full hookups, access to private bathrooms and showers, and an on-site laundry facility. There’s even a British pub directly on the premises for those nights when you’d like to stay in.
Pillar Point RV Park
Address: 4000 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
About: Pillar Point RV Park is another Half Moon Bay RV campground walking distance to the ocean. Not only that but directly in front of the park is a six-mile walking and biking trail. This RV park is on a first-come, first-served basis, so get here sooner than later if you want a site. And when you arrive, you can relax at their Ocean View Garden with others who know the beauty of Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Amenities: There are 49 sites to choose from, many offering an ocean view. They’re big rig friendly, offer free cable TV and Wi-Fi, and have full hookups. Your rig will need to be fully self-contained, though, as there are no showers or laundry on site.
Pelican Point RV Park
Address: 1001 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
About: Another beautiful RV park within a short walking distance to the beach, Pelican Point is located off the main road. You‘ll not only get easy access to the Pacific, but you might hear it over the traffic as well.
Amenities: Camping near Half Moon Bay at Pelican Point RV park has its perks, with full hookups and cable TV and Wi-Fi access. But they don’t stop there. Here, you’ll also have on-site propane, showers, restrooms, laundry, and a dog area. And when you’re ready to cozy up for the night, you can even rent fire pits and BBQ grills for your enjoyment.
What Is There to Do in Half Moon Bay for the Day?
Spending a day in Half Moon Bay may be next to impossible. You’ll never experience all there is to do here in one day. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Pacific Ocean is your best friend. From swimming to kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, beachcombing, surfing, sunbathing, and more, you won’t run short on things to do. Add in the hiking trails in the nearby Redwood forests, wandering through working harbor towns, and watching the sea animal life, and you’ll be wondering where the time went.
If you’re more of an urban hiker, no worries. The many coastal towns in this area offer a plentitude of places to explore. You can enjoy fine dining, casual dining, art, history, music, breweries, and even lighthouses. Enjoy time exploring historic downtown in Half Moon Bay or wandering the rural town of Pescadero. These charming villages won’t disappoint. Nor will the oceans and forests.
Is Half Moon Bay Worth Visiting?
While Half Moon Bay is quite the popular getaway beach and camping hangout, it and the surrounding villages are well worth your time. There’s so much to do here and simultaneously so much time to do absolutely nothing. Now that’s a place worth visiting, especially when you can call the ocean home while camping near Half Moon Bay. Have you ever visited the California coast?
