Pacifica State Beach: Pacifica California

THE SECRET OVERNIGHT BEACHFRONT DESTINATION  

An overnight adventure that might not be for everyone. Pacifica State Beach is not a campground. It is not a place to have a fire and sit outside eating on a picnic table. It is definitely not a place with huge majestic trees and soft forest floors. So why did we include Pacifica State Beach on our campground review site? 

Because it is a great overnight option if you are in route to another destination. Although the internet will tell you there is no overnight parking here, it appears to be widely known among van owners and locals that the police allow and actually suggest this location for overnight van/car sleeping. Of course, I’m sure the city could change this at any time, so feel free to ask around for verification. 

No Fee Hours

My experience and that of other van owners is that between the hours of 8pm and 8am you can park your vehicle and stay in it overnight with no fee and no knock on your door from the local police. Make sure you stay on the right side of the lots. Not in the area of the Taco Bell. Now I realize if you are a tent camper this is not for you unless you want to sleep in your car, but for my fellow class B RV owners, this is a free place to “camp” for the night. 

We have done it couple of times just for fun. When we wake up in the morning there are generally six or seven class B RV’s, maybe one trailer or class C and a couple of minivans. Who doesn’t want to go to sleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean. We back up to the sidewalk that runs between the parking lot and the beach. We wake up at 6 or 7, make coffee and take a stroll on the beach as all the surfers are arriving to catch the small waves.

Our Conclusion

While it lacks the huge redwoods and lush forest floors of Fallen Leaf Campground or the sandy campsite at Mattole Campground, it’s a great place to stop for the day and get some rest before you head to your next destination.

Amenities

• Bathroom.
• Outdoor shower.
• Close to town for needed supplies and gas.

Parking

There is a very large parking lot, but it does fill up fast on the weekends. As you face the ocean, on the left is the Taco Ball parking lot. I was told by a local not to park there unless you are eating at the Taco Bell. To the right is the Pacifica State Beach parking lot. If you have questions, you can usually flag down a ranger patrolling the parking lots. The parking lot slopes away from the beach so your parking site will not be flat.

Fees

There is a kiosk near the beach restrooms for day parking permits. You must display a permit on your dash between the hours of 8am and 8pm. They start patrolling the lot at 8am sharp so don’t forget to pay! If you will be there less than four hours, you will pay $7. If you want to stay for more than four hours, it will cost you $9.

Nearby Camping

• San Francisco RV Resort.
• Sweetwood Camp.
• Francis Beach Campground.

Nearby Things To See And Do

At the far right end of the parking lot is a trail that takes you from Pacifica State Beach up and over to Rockaway Beach. The one mile hike rewards you with amazing ocean and cliffside views. On the Rockaway side there are quite a few dining options to choose from should you work up an appetite.

Cell Signal

• T-Mobile – 4 bars.

Location

5000 CA-1, Pacifica, CA 94044

Have Fun, Be Safe and let us know what you think of the beach.

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