Half Moon Bay State Park

Welcome to Half Moon Bay State Park, a cherished coastal gem nestled along the stunning shoreline of Half Moon Bay, California. For locals throughout the Golden State, especially those in the bustling Bay Area, finding an accessible yet genuinely beautiful beach camping experience is a true luxury. Half Moon Bay State Park offers just that: a captivating blend of sandy beaches, ocean breezes, and convenient camping facilities, providing a perfect escape from daily life. We understand that Californians value opportunities to connect with the iconic Pacific Coast, and our park provides direct access to four pristine beaches – Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach – each offering its own unique charm. Whether you're planning a family beach day, a surfing adventure, a peaceful stroll along the shore, or a cozy night under the stars with the sound of waves as your lullaby, Half Moon Bay State Park is an ideal destination. Our commitment is to provide a clean, safe, and memorable environment where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the California coast. We invite you to experience the magic of coastal camping, where breathtaking sunsets and refreshing ocean air create unforgettable memories.

Half Moon Bay State Park is ideally situated with its main access point at Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA. This prime location places the park directly on the scenic California coastline, just a short and convenient drive from major Northern California population centers. For Californians, its accessibility is a significant draw; located less than an hour south of San Francisco and just over an hour west of San Jose, it offers a quick and easy escape to the coast. The park is readily reached via scenic Highway 1, providing stunning ocean views on your drive. Whether you're arriving in an RV, towing a trailer, or simply driving a car for tent camping or a day trip, the well-maintained roads lead directly to the park's entrances and camping areas. The city of Half Moon Bay itself is a charming coastal community offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and local attractions, meaning campers have convenient access to amenities and supplies should they need them. This strategic location allows visitors to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Pacific Ocean while remaining close enough to urban conveniences, making Half Moon Bay State Park a highly sought-after destination for Californians seeking a coastal retreat.

At Half Moon Bay State Park, we provide a range of essential services designed to enhance your coastal camping experience and ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Our focus is on maintaining clean facilities and offering practical amenities for all visitors.

• Developed Campsites: The park primarily offers developed campsites suitable for both RVs and tents, with reservations highly recommended due to popularity. Sites can accommodate vehicles up to 27 feet.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets: Clean and well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets are available throughout the camping areas, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all visitors.
• Hot Showers: Hot showers are available, typically coin-operated or requiring tokens, providing a refreshing way to clean up after a day at the beach.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for meals and outdoor gatherings.
• Fire Rings: Metal fire rings are provided at each campsite, allowing for campfires and cooking when conditions permit. Firewood is often available for purchase from the campground host or nearby stores.
• Potable Water: Access to potable drinking water is conveniently located throughout the campground.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is available within the park for the convenience of RV campers, allowing for easy waste disposal.
• Day Use Areas: Beyond camping, the park offers extensive day-use facilities including picnic areas, beach access, and parking for non-campers.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The park strives for accessibility, with some accessible campsites, restrooms, and beach access points (e.g., via beach wheelchairs which may be available for loan).
• Dog-Friendly Areas: While dogs are generally restricted to paved areas, campgrounds, and on-leash trails, they are permitted in specific areas, allowing pet owners to bring their companions (check specific park regulations for beach access).
• Camp Hosts: On-site camp hosts are often available to assist campers with questions and ensure a smooth experience.

These services ensure that campers have the necessary provisions for an enjoyable and comfortable stay right on the beautiful California coast.

Half Moon Bay State Park boasts a remarkable array of features and highlights that truly define the coastal camping experience in California. These aspects make it a highly desirable destination for locals seeking both relaxation and recreation along the Pacific Ocean.

• Direct Beach Access: A paramount highlight is the park's direct access to four stunning sandy beaches: Francis Beach (where the main campground is located), Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. Each offers opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, and simply enjoying the ocean.
• Spectacular Ocean Views: Many areas within the park, particularly along the bluffs and beaches, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making for incredible sunsets and scenic walks.
• Diverse Coastal Ecosystems: The park encompasses a variety of coastal habitats, from expansive sandy beaches and dunes to coastal bluffs and riparian corridors. This provides opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna, including shorebirds and marine life.
• Coastal Trail: The California Coastal Trail runs through the park, offering miles of scenic pathway for walking, jogging, and biking along the bluffs with stunning ocean vistas.
• Surfing Opportunities: The beaches, particularly Francis Beach, are known for their waves, attracting surfers of all skill levels. Mavericks, the famous big-wave surf break, is also located just north of the park.
• Fishing and Crabbing: The pier at Pillar Point Harbor (a short drive north) offers excellent fishing and crabbing opportunities, and surf fishing is popular directly from the park's beaches.
• Whale Watching: During migration seasons (typically December to May), the bluffs offer excellent vantage points for spotting gray whales.
• Horseback Riding: Designated trails and beach access allow for horseback riding, with some local stables offering guided tours.
• Proximity to Half Moon Bay Town: The charming town of Half Moon Bay is just minutes away, offering a variety of shops, art galleries, fresh seafood restaurants, and seasonal events like the famous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival.
• Accessible for Different Camping Styles: With sites for tents and RVs (up to 27 feet), the park caters to various camping preferences, making it an inclusive destination for many Californians.

These features collectively ensure a rich and memorable coastal experience, blending natural beauty with recreational activities and local charm.

For inquiries, reservations, or any specific questions regarding Half Moon Bay State Park, please use the official contact information for California State Parks. It is always advisable to contact the park's main office for the most accurate and up-to-date details, especially given its popularity.

Address: Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA

Phone: (650) 726-8819 (This is often the direct number for the Half Moon Bay State Park Visitor Center or main office)

For camping reservations, it is highly recommended to use the California State Parks online reservation system, typically managed through ReserveCalifornia.com. Reservations for state parks, especially popular coastal locations like Half Moon Bay, can be made up to six months in advance and fill up very quickly, sometimes within minutes of becoming available. It is crucial to plan and book well in advance if you intend to camp.

You may also find general information and alerts on the official California State Parks website.

Half Moon Bay State Park is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals across California, particularly for those in the Bay Area and surrounding regions, offering an unparalleled coastal camping experience right on their doorstep. For Californians, who are deeply connected to their state's iconic coastline, this park provides an accessible and immediate escape to the Pacific Ocean, without the need for extensive travel. Its location less than an hour from San Francisco means that a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned family vacation can be realized with minimal driving, maximizing leisure time by the sea.

The park's most significant draw for locals is its direct and extensive beach access. With four distinct beaches, there are endless opportunities for diverse activities – from surfing and tide pooling to simply relaxing on the sand or enjoying a sunset stroll. This immediate connection to the ocean, complete with the invigorating sea breeze and the soothing sound of waves, offers a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation that is highly sought after by Californians seeking a break from urban environments. The availability of developed campsites, complete with flush toilets, hot showers (coin-operated), and dump stations, ensures a comfortable and convenient stay, blending the rustic charm of camping with essential modern amenities. This balance makes it appealing to a wide range of campers, from seasoned RVers to families with young children.

Furthermore, the presence of the California Coastal Trail offers locals an ideal pathway for exercise and scenic enjoyment, providing miles of stunning oceanfront views for walking, jogging, or biking. The proximity to the charming town of Half Moon Bay also adds significant value, allowing campers easy access to fresh seafood, local shops, and unique community events, enhancing the overall vacation experience. For Californians, Half Moon Bay State Park is more than just a campground; it’s a readily available slice of coastal paradise, offering diverse activities, comfortable amenities, and the quintessential California beach experience, making it a perfect retreat for locals looking to embrace their state's natural treasures.

Half Moon Bay State Park

Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA