The best camping near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gray Whale Cove State Beach adventure.

Spot migrating whales or take in epic buff views from this cozy California cove.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Top-rated campgrounds near Gray Whale Cove State Beach

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The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

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(170)

Hidden Spring Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Santa Cruz, CA

Magical 6 acre permaculture ranch just a few minutes to town, beaches and restaurants. Take a bath under a clear night sky, enjoy the morning birdsong and take a stroll on or off the property. We have free ranging chickens, a hidden spring surrounded by two creeks and wild plums. Happy Valley is a secret little gem of Santa Cruz. Plenty of space for relaxing, and amazing location for both convenience and adventures. (2 of the 3 sites have the tubs please read individual descriptions to find out if the one you chose has one)

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Felton Open Space Camp Sites

10 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Felton, CA

Next to Historic Winery in the heart of Santa Cruz Mountains in the quaint town of Felton. Located between two state parks, Henry Cowell and Fall Creek. Just 6 miles, up in the mountains, from the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Bay. Half a mile from the famous Roaring Camp Railway. Wine & Cider tasting next door at Hallcrest Vineyards; Dine in Felton, hiking, biking and local shops to explore. Please note when booking that each of the sites are limited to two adults only. Children are welcome.

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Blackberry Farm

5 sites · Tents7 acres · Bolinas, CA

Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.

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Slide Ranch

17 sites · Tents134 acres · Muir Beach, CA

Discover the magic of Slide Ranch spending the night overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Slide Ranch offers camping so we can offer full scholarships to students for summer camps and other programs throughout the year. We really appreciate your support! Upon your arrival, we will provide roomy wheelbarrows to easily bring your personal items to our Dome Campsite area which overlooks the Pacific Ocean (about 10 minutes, mostly-flat hike). Check in 2pm / Check out 10am Tents and gear are not included; please bring and pitch your own tents. Food is not included in but often there is a nearby dining option. Let us know if you would like more information. Please note that we do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Porta-potties or composting toilets are available around the property. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable. Camp fires and open flames of any kind are not allowed in the Dome Campsite area. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Miwok once fished and foraged for food at this site, and in the late 19th century Portuguese dairy farmers purchased the land and produced milk and butter for residents of San Francisco. In 1969, 134 acres of this fertile coastline were rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The Slide Ranch nonprofit organization was established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

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Up Shit Creek

7 sites · Lodging, Tents12 acres · Boulder Creek, CA

12 Acres in the Redwoods. Creekside. We have a private driveway with lots of secluded Space. lots of chickens usually an endless supply of eggs for breakfast. Small campfires available. Cabin renters have access to Hot showers, wood-burning stove, kitchen amenities and running water. Porta potty only The cabins are located Away from our living area. Main cabin is overlooking the creek and the tent sites, creekside cabin is down near the swimming hole and tent sites. Tent sites are located next to the creek or up near the community fire pit. This is our home, it is private, eclectic and filled with natural beauty. That being said, it is by no means pristine. We have the occasional junk pile like most off grid homesteaders do. We do not throw out some things that others would. We try to find a use for old and weathered equipment and materials. Our cabin is built completely with recycled and reclaimed materials. Like I said, we do not like to waste anything, so you may notice a few parts and pieces laying around.

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HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA

WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. One vehicle only, Car, Pickup Truck, Small Van, Motorcycle are Welcome. Private road and picnic area for One of Two Parking Spots. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes. Potable water. Bathrooms. Fire pit and wood and picnic table (shared area) Tents okay. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries Year round. Observe rare. Species of birds Close walk to town for shopping and festivals. ********************************************* Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. No towable Trailers or RVs over 20 feet. Noise curfew is sundown. No parties in this location. Check in after 2pm Check out is noon.

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Bella Foret (beautiful forest)

8 sites · Tents2 acres · Portola Valley, CA

Bella Foret, “beautiful forest” A Gem Nestled along La Honda creek between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay . Dog and other friendly, attached hiking trails to waterfalls, creek from property. Owner lives on site. some sites allow fires in permitted fire pits. (local wood only!) All inclusive campsites including toilet, outdoor shower and kitchen. Electricity and potable water provided. Sites limited to 2-3 person tent and quiet hours are strictly adhered.

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Redwood Paradise Camping

15 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · CA

PLEASE READ Hello all! If you're looking for some glamping with creature comforts, while just being 10 minutes away from restaurants. This is the place for you. We are a 5 acre property and home surrounded by tall redwood and oak trees. Very green and lots of shade. These are the amenities/facilities you will have free access to: Pool, Pool chairs and umbrellas, Deck area with sunset view, Trampolines, and hammocks. There is not cooking allowed by or at any of the common areas, due to flies and critters. Cooking and eating is only allowed by your sites and not in any common areas: Hammocks, Trampolines, Pool Area, tables, sink, and deck please follow this rule because we want to prevent our shared areas to be fly and bug infested. We are still working on ridding the flies and cleaning. (please try to bring prepackaged food or something easy. If anything you can drive 10 minutes to nearby food and grocery). In the past we let people cook and eat around the pool but now our whole property is fly infested and I find scattered leftovers on the ground. Thanks for understanding. THERE IS A 1-2 MINUTE HIKE TO THE CAMPSITES 1-5! Poolside campsites are closer to the parking and are bigger. FOR ALL CAMPSITES Free coffee in the mornings on the deck! If you have pets make sure to include the extra fee per pet please! We are very near the Lost Empire Hiking trail less than a mile away! We ask you to please let us know your ETA 30 minutes before coming as there is spotty connection. FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT POTTY TRAINED POOL DIAPERS ARE REQUIRED. WE DO NOT SHARE ELECTRICITY! CHECK OUT OUR NEW LODGING: This property is my home that I live in with my 2 kids. It is a rustic and homey vibe, definitely not a hotel. We want you to come knowing what to expect. Our property offers a pool, and trampolines for the kids. We have a deck patio area that overlooks an amazing view of the redwood forest. Most of our guests are those that come from foreign countries and they all LOVE the property. I love leaving a great impression of our area. RULES: Pack your trash. Rinse your feet before entering the pool. No floaties and pool toys of any type allowed. Do not leave children unsupervised. Do not sit on the edge of the reclinable chairs. Do not sit along the edge of the pool or on the pool cover box. All tables are solely for drinking, cooking is only available on the stumps or on tables brought by the camper. Be mindful of the area, do not litter or toss food anywhere except your trash bag. No dogs by the pool area. Dogs must be on leash at all times and clean up after them. No eating inside rooms or the cabin. Come to the deck to check-out. No smoking. (With exception of vapes, do not smoke in common areas) No campfires or any grills with a large open flame PROPANE ONLY!:) Thank you!:)

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Lobitos Creek

1 site · RV, Tent24 acres · Half Moon Bay, CA

Beautiful view from the quiet camping spot. Dog friendly. Four miles to hwy. 1 and the beaches. Close to Open Space trails. 20 Minutes to historic little town of Half Moon Bay. 30 Minutes to the harbor. Fresh fish, fresh local vegetables for sale. Moderate temperatures at 700 feet, sunny skies cooled by the marine layer below. But watch the weather report for winter storms.

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BANKS RANCH IN THE REDWOODS

2 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Santa Cruz, CA

Purchased from the original owner in 1998. Doug has been clearing and improving the ranch for over 20 years. After surviving the CZU Fire in the summer of 2020, the clearing is continuing and the green growth is thriving all over the ranch. Come revive and energize your soul as you experience the the magic of this private redwood forest. Feel the soothing sound and atmosphere of the pristine creek and its' endless flow as it meanders through the ranch. The seclusion and calmness of this place is addicting! PITCH YOUR TENT UNDER THE MAJESTIC REDWOODS ON THE OLDTIMERS SKID LANDING AND ENJOY THE PRIVACY, SERENITY AND THE SOUNDS OF NATURE ALL AROUND YOU. EASY WALKING ON OUR PRIVATE LOGGING ROADS. SEE THE RESULTS OF THE CZU FIRE AS YOUR HIKE DOWN TO THE PRISTINE AND BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND CREEK THAT RUNS THOUGH THE RANCH.

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Euphorbia Gardens

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Bolinas, CA

Enjoy this beautiful land and gardens in our new geo dome! This dome is nestled in the lush succulent and cacti gardens and has beautiful sunset views. On the property are two large greenhouses that were originally built by Herman Schwartz in the 70s. The greenhouses were abandon for many years and are undergoing restoration, however, they are still magnificent with some cacti being 40-50 years old! Guests are welcome to tour them and the property where there is also a beautiful pond. This property is the perfect peaceful getaway. In the dome, we have floor pads, a space heater, side tables and a lamp. We advise to bring your own bedding. Temperatures do drop so please plan accordingly. Bathrooms with sinks are near the dome. During the week, we have an outdoor preschool on the property so you might see little tables and play areas around the land.

The best camping near Gray Whale Cove State Beach guide

Overview

About

Situated on the Northern California coast, between Pacifica and Montara, Gray Whale Cove State Beach gets its name from the numerous whales that swim close to the shore during the migration seasons. The beach is hemmed in by a steep cliff known as Devil's Slide and features a compact, sandy expanse with around 800 feet of shoreline. There’s also a small picnic area on the bluffs overlooking the beach. Note that getting to the beach is not for the faint of heart, and involves spiriting across busy Highway 1 from the parking lot and descending a long, steep staircase to the sands below.

When to go

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is open for day use only, officially from 8 am to sunset. The weather here is pleasant year-round, and temperatures rarely drop below the upper 40s, even in the dead of winter. If you want to see the gray whales that give the cove its name, your best bet is to come during one of the two annual migration periods: in December or January and again from March to May.

Know before you go

Gray Whale Cove has been clothing optional for a long time, and while nudity is not technically allowed here, it’s generally accepted.
There’s no restroom at the beach, but there is a porta-potty in the parking area, on the opposite side of Highway 1.
Dogs are not allowed at the beach, even if leashed. The closest dog-friendly beach areas are Esplanade Beach, about a 10-minute drive north of Gray Whale Cove or Half Moon Bay Dog Park, 15 minutes to the north.
Visitors are not allowed to collect rocks, shells, driftwood, or other natural items from the beach.
The beach is not wheelchair accessible, and the stairway that leads down to the beach is steep.