OK, I have to admit, I absolutely love camping and hiking in the redwoods. There’s something about those trees… so huge, ancient, beautiful, peaceful. I already have a few favorite campgrounds located in the coastal redwoods, but now I have a new one to add to my list… San Mateo Memorial Park, located in the mountains above Pescadero, between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. With less than an hour and a half drive, it’s an easy weekend getaway from our home in the San Francisco East Bay.
Family Camping: The park offers 158 family campsites, located in three campgrounds (Azalea Flat, Bay Tree Flat, and Sequoia Flat). We didn’t stay in this area during our trip, but I did drive through. The sites are beautiful, and the campground has water. Showers are available for a small fee. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit this site… Family Camping at Memorial Park.
Group Camping: We camped here as part of a school field trip. The park has two group campgrounds available for reservation: Wurr Flat 1 and Wurr Flat 2. Both sites can accommodate up to seventy-five people. I was impressed. The sites were large, and the bathrooms were clean and had showers. I’d recommend this to any large group looking for a fun place to camp.
Youth Groups: I didn’t see these facilities, so I cannot attest to them, but the park also offers two sites for groups with “Youth Group Status”.
Reservations: From the website… “To reserve a picnic site or a group or family camp site at Memorial Park please visit our on line reservations system or call the San Mateo County Parks Department reservations desk at (650) 363-4021. Reservations for day camp sites or the amphitheater must be made by phoning the reservations desk.”
Nearby Things to Do:
- Hike in the redwoods: For a list of trails within San Mateo Memorial Park and a map, click here… Memorial Park Trails.
- Go berry picking: We love the Swanton Berry Farms U-Pick! For current hours and field locations, visit www.swantonberryfarm.com.
- Visit a lighthouse: Pigeon Point Light Station is located on the coast, not far from Pescadero. Visit the California State Park website for more information… Pigeon Point Light Station SHP.
- Head to the beach: The nearest beach is Pescadero State Beach. Again, visit the California State Park website for details… Pescadero State Beach.
***
You may also enjoy:
hike.wander.wonder 
I’m a 50 year old lady now, my name is Laura Key and currently reside in Georgia near Chattanooga Tennessee. There are beautiful places out here, however there is nothing even close to the beautiful San Mateo Memorial Park . I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and spent many summers camping in Memorial Park. If you have never been, you must go before your time is up. The redwoods and scenery are the most beautiful for camping I’ve ever seen. I’m the oldest of 8 and we all enjoyed playing, fishing, swimming, amphitheater movies, walking trails and bridges and even the friendliest of Park Ranges (Mr. Woodams). I have the fondest memories of my childhood that were spent right at this awesome park. I hope they still keep it clean and well preserved like they used to. If I had money (which I don’t, hubby disabled) I’d take my husband and grandchildren across the United States just to visit Memorial Park and than see Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. Oh but it’s just a dream! Someday maybe the good Lord above will bless me with this last wish to see one of the prettiest places I’ve ever seen once again. It would also be nice to see my brothers and sisters too. Perfect place for a family reunion. Anybody out there that cares to help me get there email me at Keyben@comcast.net. Might never happen but thought I’d try…LOL! Go see this place!
LikeLike
I hope your dreams come true.
LikeLike