Half Moon Bay Camping

Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA
Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA

Half Moon Bay Camping

Francis Beach Campground


Francis Beach Campground

Half Moon Bay State Beach is along the San Mateo County coast near the town of Half Moon Bay. Visitors to the area enjoy strolling along miles of sandy beach or walking or cycling along the paved Coastside Trail. Whale watching, fishing, and surfing are popular activities. Swimming is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents and extremely cold water.

Francis Beach Campground has 52 campsites, many with ocean views and only steps from the sand. Three campsites on a grassy area are for tents only, but all other sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. One site is available for hikers and bicyclists. During the peak season from May through October there is a 7-day camping limit, while at other times campers may stay up to 14 days. Group campsites are available at nearby Sweetwood Group Campground.

Shop Amazon for:
Camping Essentials


Francis Beach Campground Basics
Francis Beach Campground Location: 95 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA
Elevation: 40 feet
Camping season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 52
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 vehicle, fee for 2nd and 3rd vehicle (only 1 RV per site)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Park Headquarters: (650) 726-8820

Francis Beach Campground Reservations
Reservations Recommended: Half Moon Bay Camping reservations are recommended. First-come, first-served sites may be available, but only on a day-by-day basis.
Booking Window: Reserve campsites up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet
Accessible Sites: #15, 28, 34, and 44; accessible restrooms, Coastside Trail
Fees: Standard campsite $35 per night
Electric hook-ups $50
Premium with electric hook-ups $65
Hike & Bike site: $7 per person per night
Plus an $8 reservation fee
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Half Moon Bay SB Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, check-out: Check-in at 2:00 PM
Check-out at Noon

Francis Beach Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, WiFi, campfire center
Showers: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Francis Beach Campground Map
Attractions near Francis Beach Campground:
  • Walk or cycle along the Coastside Trail.
  • Enjoy strolling on the beach, making sandcastles, and watching for passing whales.
  • Stop by the Visitor Center.
  • Try surf fishing for striped bass.





Sweetwood Group Campground

Half Moon Bay State Beach's Sweetwood Group Campground is designated for tent camping only. The campground is located between Venice and Dunes beaches. Space is available for up to 50 people and 12 vehicles. The site has multiple picnic tables and wind protected cooking tables. Pit toilets are nearby.
Fees: $165 per night
Reservations: Half Moon Bay State Beach Camping Reservations

Sweetwood Group Campground, Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA

Sweetwood Group Campground


General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Francis Beach Campground, Half Moon Bay State Beach, CA

Francis Beach Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2024

  • Close to the beach.
  • Can get really windy during the day.
  • Beautiful bike/hike trail.
  • Camp away from the day-use section.

    Half Moon Bay Attractions

    Half Moon Bay State Park includes 5 sandy beaches. Those camping at Francis Beach Campground have dozens of wonderful coastal adventures close by.

    • Stroll along the Coastside Trail past beaches and all the way north to Pillar Point Harbor.
    • Enjoy picnics with ocean views.
    • Watch for passing whales during their annual migration. Go Gray Whale Watching on a boat tour with the Oceanic Society.
    • Half Moon Bay is well-known for its annual runs of surf smelt. Anglers with throw nets do well. Surf fishing is also popular.
    • Head over to Sea Horse Ranch for guided trail rides.
    • Come for the annual Mavericks Invitational Surfing Contest.
    • Stop in at the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center at Francis Beach.
    • Try surfing at Surfer's Beach, north of the state beaches and south of the harbor.
    • Spend a day in Half Moon Bay visiting shops and restaurants.

    Key Francis Beach Campground Regulations

    1. Beach fires are prohibited.
    2. Campground Gates will be closed at sunset, but campers may leave and return after sunset through the outbound gate. Please close it behind you.
    3. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Elsewhere in the park they must be on leash.
    4. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Generators may not be operated from 8:00 PM until 10:00 AM.
    5. Shells, driftwood and other natural beach features are protected by State law.

        Check Half Moon Bay State Beach for any park and campground updates.