Camping in the Park

Discover the perfect campsite: Plan your State Parks adventure


Campsite 5 at Portola Redwoods State Park

Camping at state parks and beaches is a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. This guide provides essential information to ensure a safe, enjoyable and memorable visit.

Nestled in stunning natural landscapes, these campsites offer unique opportunities to connect with the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a summer adventure or a peaceful retreat any time of year, there’s a campsite to suit your needs. State parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and coastal San Mateo counties offer campgrounds that are year-round, seasonal, full-service, tent-only and even a horse camp! 

Let this guide help you make the most of your stay and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

Campground Information:

  • Stretching along four miles of coast, this oceanfront campground is perfect for breezy beach days, bluff-top walks and easy access to the Coastal Trail and downtown Half Moon Bay.
  • The 52-site campground is located at Francis Beach, one of four beaches at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Campsites here are suitable for tent camping, trailers and recreational vehicles, depending on the site.
  • The maximum length for trailers, campers and motorhomes is 40 feet.
  • Walk-in/tent only sites are 36, 36a, 37, and 38 (no RV or sleeping in vehicles allowed at these sites).
  • There’s a maximum occupancy of eight people and three vehicles per campsite. The primary vehicle and a tow vehicle are included in the camping fee. Extra vehicles are $10 per vehicle per day. (A truck with a trailer would count as two vehicles.)
  • Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with a half grill and animal-proof food box.
  • Some sites offer electric hook-ups, but all sites are dry camping. Potable water is available at the dump station and faucets. Attaching hoses is not allowed.
  • Flushing toilets, trash cans and quarter-operated hot showers are available ($0.50 for two minutes, every $0.25 after will add a minute). Please bring quarters.
  • The dump station is $10 for campers. Non-campers are charged a $10 entrance fee in addition to the $10 dump station fee.
  • Sweetwood Group camp is a tent-only site that can accommodate up to 50 people and 12 vehicles maximum. RVs or tow-ins are not allowed. It is separate.
  • Campsite reservations must be made through ReserveCalifornia: 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online.

Directions:

From Santa Cruz, drive north on Highway 1 for 48 miles. In the City of Half Moon Bay, turn left onto Kelly Avenue. Drive approximately .75 miles down Kelly Avenue to Francis Beach at the end of the street.

From the Peninsula, take Highway 280 to Highway 35. Take Highway 35 to Highway 92 West and drive for 14 miles before turning left onto Highway 1. After turning, follow Highway 1 down for approximately .25 miles before turning right onto Kelly Avenue. Drive approximately .75 miles down Kelly Avenue to Francis Beach at the end of the street.

Wilder Ranch State Park (horse camp only)

  • Reservations for most campgrounds can be made by calling (800) 444-7275 or going online to ReserveCalifornia.com. Reservations made on the phone can be paid using a debit/credit card.
  • Reservations can be made up to six months in advance of the arrival date.
  • Once your reservations have been made, your confirmation will be mailed to you.
  • Some campgrounds also have first-come, first-served campsites. Often, these are saved for cyclists. 
  • Reservations for the campground at the Rancho del Oso Unit are made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Park
  • For the horse camp at Wilder Ranch, call 831-423-9703.
  • You may check into your campsite any time after 2 p.m.
  • Campers must check out by noon on the date of departure.
  • Quiet hours for campgrounds are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Do not feed or leave food out for wildlife.
  • Bringing your dog camping with you? Check out these guidelines to make the most of the trip for canine companions.
  • Alcohol is not allowed on beaches or in day-use areas.
  • Campfires are permitted in fire rings only.
  • Respect the quiet hours posted at each campground.
  • Rental RVs are not allowed to be dropped off or picked up.
  • For most parks, there is a 30-night maximum stay limit per customer in a calendar year.
  • Make a reservation before your visit.
  • Check the weather conditions a few days before your trip and bring the appropriate clothing.
  • Bring enough food and water for the trip. While some locations are near grocery stores, some are in remote locations.
  • Make a reservation before your visit.
  • Check the weather conditions a few days before your trip and bring the appropriate clothing.
  • Bring enough food and water for the trip. While some locations are near grocery stores, some are in remote locations.
  • Learn about the park you’re visiting.
  • Please note that some parks and beaches are subject to closures depending on the weather.
  • Consider going to less popular campgrounds where reservations can be more readily available.
  • The months of April, May, September and October are referred to as the shoulder season and are great times to visit state parks.
  • Camping fees vary. 
  • Additional processing fees may apply to reservations. 
  • Extra vehicles incur additional charges that can be paid upon check-in.