The best camping in Gray Whale Cove State Beach, CA

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

The best camping in Gray Whale Cove State Beach, CA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Moon Crest Valley Ranch

2. Moon Crest Valley Ranch

100%
(21)
11mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Half Moon Bay, CA
Join us to host your next getaway at the beautiful Moon Crest Valley Ranch. A perfect spot for intimate get togethers that immerse you in nature and offer breathtaking views and countless activities on over 45 acres. This is a magical spot for our family and we can’t wait to share it with yours. You will be the exclusive campers on the property after booking and the owners will reside in their house. Potential activities on site include Private Hiking Trails, Breathtaking Ocean Views, Bocce Ball, Wiffle Ball, Golf Chipping, Soccer, and more... Guests are responsible for bringing their own camping gear. Of note, the main campsite is 1/2 mile hike from parking and has a portable camping toilet setup. One of our favorite spaces is the barn area which has a fire pit, multiple seating areas with views, an oversized picnic table, bocce ball, a grill and even a TV. This is a must hangout spot during the evenings for many guests before they hike back up to the campsite to retire for the night. There is also a portable toilet at the barn for guest convenience. Moon Crest Valley Ranch is located less than 10 minutes from the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and 15 minutes from scenic Main Street Half Moon Bay. We are also only 1/2 mile away from the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Trailhead that has an additional 30+ miles of gorgeous trails to explore. Bring your hiking shoes or bike!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$226
 / night
Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

3. Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

99%
(96)
12mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 5 sites · Lodging · Woodside, CA
Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on Kings Mountain, California hillside. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and little touches that will make your stay unique. The property is located 30min from SFO, 40min from San Francisco, 30min from Palo Alto, 20 min from Half Moon Bay. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool days. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your outdoor allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. A sink area is available for dish clean-up, and a bbq/picnic area. KM is famous for its hiking and biking trails nestled amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates 3 people in a queen-size bed and a daybed. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed and an outdoor suspended net Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates 4 people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed and an outdoor propane stove, hangout deck Recently added: an apartment w a hot tub Kids under the age of 8 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$134
 / night
Dispersed tent-only camping in the "dome meadow"

8. Slide Ranch

96%
(156)
22mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 25 sites · Tents, Lodging · Muir Beach, CA
Slide Ranch is a nonprofit organization established in 1970, becoming one of the first Park Partners in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast, on land that has a rich history in connecting people to food. The Coast 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. Slide Ranch camping fees directly fund scholarships for youth programs throughout the year. Slide Ranch is an unpaved ranch environment. Our trails and garden paths all consist of uneven, sloping terrain, often muddy or soft ground during the winter season, and may be challenging to access for visitors with significant mobility restrictions. Minors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed; service animals are permitted. We do not have showering facilities or flush toilets. Water in all Slide Ranch taps is potable for refilling water bottles/jugs. Soap is provided for hand washing. Slide Ranch does not have any concessions on site. Camping is not supported by the on-site staff. Per current GGNRA regulations, campfires and open flames of any kind are not allowed.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$50
 / night
Front view of the cabin

9. Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

99%
(146)
23mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Loma Mar, CA
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).  Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.  Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Potable water
Toilets
Cooking equipment
from 
$100
 / night
Bay View "Tree House"

12. Bay View "Tree House"

100%
(11)
29mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 1 site · Lodging · San Rafael, CA
This is a beautiful, 20-sided shingled cottage set on 2 acres of oak trees, with views of the San Francisco Bay through the trees. The property is gated with off-street parking. This unique guest house offers one bedroom with a queen bed, and a full size sofa bed in the living room. Windows in every room look out into the oaks, where you can see deer, squirrels, hummingbirds, and occasional rabbits. For its location, it feels incredibly private! The cottage is just 2 miles from charming downtown San Rafael, and just 1 mile to mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking at China Camp State Park. San Rafael is the perfect location for day trips to San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais, and all of Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The cottage was built with the finest materials, including slate roof with copper gutters, bamboo and slate floors, granite counter tops, tumbled marble shower, and maple cabinets. A deck with glass railing encircles the entire house. There is a full kitchen, wireless high speed Internet, and cable. The only other other structure on the property is our main home. The hot tub, which hipcampers are welcome to use upon request, is on the deck of the main house.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
$205
 / night
Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net

14. Sleep Up High In A Redwood Tree-net

97%
(89)
32mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV · San Geronimo, CA
A unique experience awaits you. Spend a night sleeping 20 feet up in the air suspended between towering Redwood trees. A custom woven "treenet" by West Marin artist Andrew Castle, provides a firm surface to hang out and sleep up to 5 people on. It's like floating in space. Bring your sleeping bag, this is open air camping at its best - No roof, no floor! Wake up to the sun filtering through your temple made of trees! Rain is nearly non-existent in the Summer and early Fall in beautiful San Geronimo Valley, making this the perfect place and time to sleep out in the glory of the redwoods. Swainson's Thrush will sing at dusk, followed by the owls and coyote's yipping and howling in the middle of the night (don't let it spook you!) There is amazing hiking all around, potable water on site and a public toilet not far away. There's parking for your camper directly next to the site, keeping your amenities close by.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$90
 / night
Golden hour laps

20. The Olive Farm

99%
(366)
38mi from Gray Whale Cove State Beach · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Novato, CA
Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$126
 / night

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The best camping in Gray Whale Cove State Beach, CA 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.
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