Half Moon Bay State Beach offers 52 RV and tent camping sites at its Francis Beach Campground, located north of the day-use area. A 3-mile section of the Coastside Trail runs the length of Half Moon Bay and offers bikers and hikers the chance to get in some exercise and take advantage of the scenery. Beach lovers will find wide stretches of sand to wander where they can perhaps catch a glimpse of the western snowy plover, a seabird that nests along a more secluded area of Francis Beach. The presence of this endangered bird is one reason why dogs, which are welcome at the campground as long as they are leashed, are not allowed on the beach. The waves offer great surfing opportunities, but make it challenging for swimmers. Campsites are back-in, can handle rigs up to 40 feet and offer fire rings and picnic tables, but no hookups. Spaces suitable for the physically challenged are available, as are water taps, restrooms, hot showers and a dump station. Spaces fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so its best to reserve ahead using the Reserve America website.
Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground is privately owned, seasonal and next door to Cameron’s Restaurant & Inn. Built roughly a century ago, the inn was once a brothel and, during the days of Prohibition, a bootlegger’s hangout. Today it’s a sports bar and eatery, still rowdy but now legal. Check-in for the campground, which offers both RV and tent camping, is at the inn, and you can choose an RV space with or without power and water hookups. On-site amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry room, wireless Internet and, of course, the option to dine out and watch some sports action at the inn. Access to the Coastal Trail and a pathway leading to the beach is about a quarter-mile away. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and picked up after. Reservations are advised at this seasonal park, opening in June and closing at the end of summer. You’ll find the Half Moon Bay RV Park and Campground off the Cabrillo Highway, south of downtown.
The privately owned Pelican Point RV Park puts you in the shadow of the Half Moon Bay Golf Links. For some this means making a difficult choice: head for the beach a few steps away or tee off at a course that offers its own stunning views. Some of the 75 RV-only sites have ocean views of their own. Fifty spaces are in the rental pool, all paved and with full hookups offering either 30- or 20-amp electrical service. Showers and restrooms are available. When you aren’t golfing, beaching or relaxing, the on-site horseshoe pits offer an excuse for some friendly rivalry.
Pillar Point RV Park is on the northern end of Half Moon Bay and adjacent to the Pillar Point Marina. Bring your rod and reel and do some fishing off Johnson Pier, a public venue that requires no fishing license. The beachfront location of the 48-space park also makes it convenient for surfers and beachcombers. The year-round park accommodates RVs up to 41 feet in length on paved sites with full hookups offering 30-amp power. Keep in touch with the outside world with available wireless Internet access.
