Steps From A Beautiful Beach
A Quick Review By Bike
It was an overcast Saturday in Half Moon Bay at our favorite boondocking location. We brought our bikes to ride the trail down the coast. As we were riding the trail it took us through a large parking lot with a ranger kiosk. We rode past and saw trailers and camper vans.
As we kept riding we saw the sign for Francis Beach Campground. Of course we had to check it out. The campground is laid out in a big oval with camping around the perimeter and in the middle. There are sparsely spaced trees that shade a few of the campsites. The parking pads are smooth and level. Brown grass fills in the unpaved surfaces.
The ocean front sites are not right on the beach. Each seems to have a sandy trail they follow through ice plant to get to the beach. The beach is wide and long with the softest sand. The sunsets there are amazing though and if you are in a premium site, you will get quite a treat from your campsite.
I will be sure to update this post as soon as we get back there to camp. If you get there before us, let us know what you thought.
Open Season
- Year round.
Amenities And More
- 52 campsites. 4 are tent only.
- 8 people max per campground.
- Maximum RV/Trailer length 40 feet.
- 1 RV per campsite.
- Picnic table and fire ring.
- Half the campsites offer electrical.
- $10 dump fee.
- Bathrooms with quarter operated hot showers. 50 cents for 2 minutes.
- No sewer or water hookups.
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
- Check in starts at 2pm. Checkout is at 2:00.
- No generators from 8pm to 10am.
- Quiet time 10pm to 6am.
- No camping or fires on the beach.
Fees
- $35 non electric sites.
- $50 electric sites.
- $65 ocean front electric sites.
Reservations
- Francis Beach Campground web page.
- Phone: (650) 726-8820 (general information)
- 1 (800) 444-7275 (reservations)
- www.reservecalifornia.com
- Must be made at least 48 hrs before your arrival date. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance.
Our Thoughts
Well given that it was just a 5 minute ride through review, we think we would like to spend a few days there later in the year. It is hard for us to transition from dense forrest camping to beaches where there really are no significant trees, but this spot would give us the ocean in trade.
If you plan on camping here in the summer, keep in mind that this area of the coast has a lot of foggy days. Bring clothes for sun and fog.