Camp at Francis

Camp at Francis Beach in Half Moon Bay

05.11.2015

Bluff-top camping with easy beach access? You're not in SoCal. You're in Half Moon Bay's newly reopened Francis Beach Campground. The campground powered up last month, with electric hookups added to 40 of its 52 sites. Tents can be pitched at all the sites. Among the most popular: Sites 36, 37, and 38 are set atop a dazzling—but exposed—seaside bluff carpeted in fuchsia ice plant. You'll get panoramic ocean views and lovely sunsets, but you'll also get seaside wind on occasion, which can be chilling—so bring warm layers and a windbreaker. Ten sites offer ocean views and electric hook-ups. For an option that doesn't require a reservation, the campground also has a hike- and bike-in area, set in a large grassy communal area with picnic tables and nearby showers. You can pitch a tent for one night only, for just $7. The caveat: Instead of being able to park in the lot for the campground, you'll have to park in surrounding neighborhoods and then walk (or bike) in.

BONUS HIKES: Spend the day strolling through Bluff Top Coastal Park and along the Bluff Top Trail, heading south on a 0.75-mile multi-use path that connects the campground to dog-friendly Poplar Beach, with views of the towering Mavericks surf to the north. For some of the best bird watching in the county, continue south from Poplar onto the Bird Trail at Wavecrest—a 0.33-mile extension through the most important site on the San Mateo Coast for wintering raptors, along with white-tailed kites, purple finches, barn owls, and Savannah sparrows. Watch your head: Blue herons and red-tailed hawks are known to swoop down onto fences and benches!

The campground is located at the end of Kelly Ave. off Hwy. 1 in Half Moon Bay. Tent sites can be reserved  and start at $35/night. Hike- and bike-in camping is $7, however you cannot park in lot for the campground. Day parking is also available for $10 at any of the beach trailheads. Francis Beach Campground and trails are dog-friendly, but no dogs allowed on beaches, with the exception of Poplar Beach, which is dog-friendly! 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View

  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View

  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View