Camp at Francis Beach Campground

Half Moon Bay, California

4.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Added by Austin Brizgys

Camp on a bluff right on the beach. Surf and bodysurf right outside the tent. Perfect staging location for hikes and rides in the area.

If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in mind that this is northern California beach camping - this spot is pretty exposed to wind and fog, and can be chilly at times...but the convenience of having surf right out the tent door can't be beat.

There are picnic tables, BBQ grills, fire rings, and hot showers.

Reserve at ReserveAmerica.

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Camping

Bodysurfing

Surfing

Adult Beverages

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Beach

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Camp at Francis Beach Campground Reviews

Dominic Pascucci

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

11/11/22

I’ve camped here a couple times. On a nice weekend the beach can be very busy with lots of people walking around camp. On one trip we were close to the bathrooms right about the beach so lots of people were walking by our site. We didn’t leave any valuables behind to be safe. Another time we camped further down the loop during a weekday. There were some motorhomes, this seems likes a popular spot for rv’ers Outside of the crowds and rv’s this is a great campground. Real close to town if you need last minute supplies or just want to grab a bit to eat. Short drive to lots of hiking trails and beaches.

4.0

Explorer

Josh Currie

Explorer

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

02/15/16

If you're taking a trip up the coast or just wanting to get out for a night, this campground is so easy to access and right on one of the better surf spots in HMB. This place always seems booked but if you show up at 6pm they hand out sites that people have previously canceled.

3.0

Liam McNally

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

09/23/15

If the waves are even decent, this is a pretty unbeatable camp/surfing spot.

5.0

Dianna Branning

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

10/15/14

What a wonderful place to fall asleep listening to the waves! Perfect one night getaway!

M P

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

10/29/13

try to reserve the campsites closest to the ocean if you can - much better if you're right on the edge

Team

Tyler Drake

Team

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

10/29/13

Great spot to camp (right on the beach)! The surf can get pretty blown out, so keep an eye on the wind.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2016 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach.The trail itself is an easy ~5-mile brisk walk along the Pacific Coast with many sights to see. Note t...

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as fully grown goats. You are free to do as much, or as little, yoga as you like. Just enjoy your time...

Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West Shoreline Access. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach

Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something less crowded.

Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with views of the ocean on your right and the Santa Cruz Mountains on your left. You will cross three be...

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

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Camp at Francis Beach Campground Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach

Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

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