How much does camping cost at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Camping fees at Sweetwood Group Campground range from $165/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sweetwood Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sweetwood Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sweetwood Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Sweetwood Group Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sweetwood Group Campground?

Sweetwood Group Campground is open May 1 through October 31.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Sweetwood Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Fire policies at Sweetwood Group Campground: Fires are allowed only within designated fire rings. Collecting wood is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sweetwood Group Campground have?

Sweetwood Group Campground has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sweetwood Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Sweetwood Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sweetwood Group Campground?

Popular activities at Sweetwood Group Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sweetwood Group Campground

4.41

34 reviews

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$165/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$165/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Sweetwood Group Campground

$165.00 - $165.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is a $10 fee for dumping. The dump fee is not included in the camping reservation fee.

Group Site Fee$165.00

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Reserve California

Provider

650-726-8820access@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Sweetwood Group Campground

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Nearby places

Half Moon Bay (0 miles), San Francisco (25 miles), Montara (8 miles), San Gregorio (10.5 miles)

Nearby supplies

Francis Beach Entrance Station provides firewood for purchase ($10 per bundle). Additional supplies can be found in Half Moon Bay grocery stores and gas stations.

Weather at Sweetwood Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sweetwood Group Campground

Fall brings the best conditions: clear skies, daytime highs around 65-75°F, and cool nights in the 50s. Coastal fog retreats, making views and group activities more pleasant. Summer starts foggy and reaches the mid-60s by afternoon. Winter delivers wind and rain that can turn dramatic. Spring offers clear days between storms. Evenings get cold enough that campers recommend portable heaters if you're visiting outside peak fall weather. Check fire restrictions before counting on the central fire ring.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is best: clear skies, highs 65–75°F, marine layer retreats for sunny days.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 through October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Sweetwood Group Campground

Sweetwood Group Campground occupies a single large meadow surrounded by cypress trees, designed for groups of up to 50 people and 12 vehicles. The site sits at 36 feet elevation near the Coastal Trail, which means you'll share the space with passing hikers and bikers. Reservations cost $165 per night.

Sweetwood Group Campground is strictly tent-only and caters to larger groups, with accommodations for up to 50 people. RVs, trailers, and car camping are prohibited.

Historical Significance

The Ohlone people lived in this coastal region, though no specific structures or events tied to Sweetwood appear in the available records. The landscape itself carries geological significance from millions of years of fault activity, but the campground's human history remains general rather than site-specific.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: clear skies, daytime highs around 65-75°F, and cool nights in the 50s. Coastal fog retreats, making views and group activities more pleasant. Summer starts foggy and reaches the mid-60s by afternoon. Winter delivers wind and rain that can turn dramatic. Spring offers clear days between storms. Evenings get cold enough that campers recommend portable heaters if you're visiting outside peak fall weather. Check fire restrictions before counting on the central fire ring.

Natural Features and SceneryCypress groves frame the meadow, providing some windbreak and shade across the level ground. The campground sits on elevated marine terraces shaped by the San Andreas and Palo Colorado fault systems, though the immediate views focus on the trees rather than sweeping geological drama. Venice Beach and Dunes Beach are a short distance away, offering access to coastal cliffs and the Pacific. The cypresses show their age in twisted branches, but the campground itself reads more as functional group space than scenic showcase.

Geological RegionPerched atop one of Earth's most dynamic geological stages, Sweetwood sits within the influence of the legendary San Andreas and Palo Colorado fault systems. This powerful tectonic heritage has sculpted a landscape of dramatic contrasts – from rugged coastal cliffs that plunge toward the sea to elevated marine terraces that tell the story of ancient shorelines. Each vista reveals millions of years of geological artistry, where the relentless forces of earth and ocean continue their eternal dance, creating the spectacular scenery that makes this region utterly unforgettable.

Scenic ViewsNo direct ocean view from the campground. Access to nearby beaches for scenic coastal views.

Lodging & AccommodationsSweetwood Group Campground is strictly tent-only camping with no RV or trailer accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesSummer interpretive programs include Junior Rangers, guided hikes, and campfire talks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 pm

Check-out

12:00 pm

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 50 people.

Groups

Sweetwood Group Campground allows up to 50 people and 12 vehicles per reservation. Tent camping only
trailers and RVs are not permitted.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOne large, level meadow surrounded by cypress groves. Picnic tables and wind-protected cooking tables spread across the space, with a central fire ring for group use. The layout accommodates up to 50 people, but the proximity to the Coastal Trail means foot traffic passes through regularly. Privacy suffers as a result.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySweetwood Group Camp requires reservations in advance. Same-day reservations may be available; check with ReserveCalifornia.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules governed by ReserveCalifornia policies. Check ReserveCalifornia for details.

AccessibilityThe campground offers van-accessible parking and an accessible vault-style restroom. One large camping area has been made accessible, including picnic tables, a food preparation area, and fire ring.

Site SizeThe group site is large and level, accommodating up to 50 people and 12 vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy is compromised due to the campground's location near the Coastal Trail, where many hikers and bikers pass by.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesSite is ideal for groups seeking a large tent-only space near the coast.

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Amenities available

Francis Beach is also home to Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground. The campground hosts tent and RV camping with sites offering electric hookup or dry camping. There are no water or sewer hookups, but there is a dump station ($10 fee not included in camping reservation) and a water filling station. Quarter-operated hot showers are available as well.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to the Sweetwood Group Campground can enjoy nearby hiking trails and scenic beach areas. Activities include biking, wildlife viewing along the Coastal Trail, and educational programs during the summer season.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep access roads challenging for low-chassis vehicles. Nearby beaches may have strong rip currents.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; pit toilets are the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only within designated fire rings. Collecting wood is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Half Moon Bay, including hospitals and police stations.

Water FeaturesClose to Venice Beach and Dunes Beach, but no direct access to beach from campground.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available at Francis Beach Entrance Station to provide keys to the Sweetwood Group Camp.

Cell CoverageUser reviews highlight limited cell phone service accuracy. Specific service provider coverage was not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

34 reviews

Recommended

Sweetwood Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Sweetwood Group Campground highlight its suitability for group camping and its proximity to hiking trails and beaches, although they mention challenges such as limited privacy and inconvenient restroom access.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

"An excellent campsite for groups. Lots of space, close enough to the ocean," and "Amazing for sunset view."

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Users frequently noted limited privacy due to its proximity to the Coastal Trail and challenges with restroom maintenance and accessibility. "Restroom is not maintained well" and "No direct access to...

Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not applicable for Sweetwood Group Campground since it is a group site.

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water as the spigot water may appear yellowish. Carry portable heaters for camping in colder seasons, and ensure valuables are stored safely due to visitors walking through the...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In late September and early October, the marine layer burns off early or is nonexistent, making it ideal for sunny beach days.

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great spot, late September, early October. Marine layer burns off early or is non-existent." "It's a campground that looks good on paper but so many people walking by/through the campsite due to it...

Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

The site has accessible parking and vault-style restrooms, though users noted the inconvenience of locking/unlocking the toilets during group use.

Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users should keep dogs leashed and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed directly on the beach.

Based on 34 reviews

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Go if

Groups of 20-plus who want a base near San Francisco beaches, the 4-mile paved Coastal Trail for biking and birding, and don't mind a tent-only setup. Fall weekends hit 65-75°F days and the coastal fog mostly clears.

Skip if

Privacy is a real problem, the Coastal Trail runs right past the site and strangers walk through continuously. Add poorly maintained vault toilets, yellowish spigot water you can't drink, and no beach stairs nearby, and smaller groups will feel the $165 nightly rate.

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