Sweetwood Group Campground

4.64

34 reviews

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Featured in:Group Camping California

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$165/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$165/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Sweetwood Group Campground

$165.00 - $165.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Sweetwood Group Camp costs $165 per night with a reservation fee of $8.25. A $10 cash-only key deposit is required at check-in.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$165.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 34 reviews

32 Google 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Sweetwood Group Campground

95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Driving directionsLocated 2.5 miles north of Francis Beach on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. Accessible via Highway 1.

Access road to the campsite is steep. Cars with low chassis may require extra caution.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Sweetwood Group Campground

Summer mornings at Sweetwood arrive wrapped in a mystical coastal fog that slowly unveils the landscape as temperatures climb to a comfortable mid-60s – perfect for outdoor activities without the sweltering heat. Spring and fall reward visitors with crystalline days where the air seems to sparkle with clarity, ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the campground into a dramatic theater of nature, with powerful winds and rejuvenating rains that remind us of the coast's raw beauty. Seasoned campers know the secret: dress in layers to dance with the ever-changing moods of this coastal paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Oct; comfortable mid-60s temps though mornings often foggy.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in CA

Late Sept–Oct often clears early of marine layer, making sunny beach days ideal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring pleasant for groups; marine layer can persist, but good overall for activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but winter likely foggier and cooler; fewer beach-friendly days.

Planning Tips

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

About Sweetwood Group Campground

Nestled within a sun-dappled meadow and embraced by towering cypress trees, Sweetwood Group Campground creates an intimate outdoor sanctuary designed for memorable group gatherings. This tent-only retreat features thoughtfully placed picnic tables, wind-sheltered cooking stations, and a central fire ring where stories and s'mores are shared beneath starlit skies. The spacious layout allows groups to spread out while still maintaining that special sense of togetherness that makes camping adventures unforgettable.

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 SignificanceThe ground beneath your tent at Sweetwood holds centuries of stories, once home to the Ohlone people who lived in harmony with this coastal landscape. These indigenous communities developed sophisticated ecological practices and cultural traditions deeply connected to the rhythms of land and sea. Today's visitors can glimpse this rich heritage through the lens of the natural world the Ohlone so expertly stewarded, offering a profound connection to the human history woven into this beautiful terrain.

Weather and SeasonsSummer mornings at Sweetwood arrive wrapped in a mystical coastal fog that slowly unveils the landscape as temperatures climb to a comfortable mid-60s – perfect for outdoor activities without the sweltering heat. Spring and fall reward visitors with crystalline days where the air seems to sparkle with clarity, ideal for hiking and exploration. Winter transforms the campground into a dramatic theater of nature, with powerful winds and rejuvenating rains that remind us of the coast's raw beauty. Seasoned campers know the secret: dress in layers to dance with the ever-changing moods of this coastal paradise.

Natural Features and ScenerySweetwood's signature cypress groves stand like ancient sentinels, their gnarled branches creating natural sculptures against the sky while providing welcome shade and windbreak for campers below. The expansive meadow spreads before you like nature's own amphitheater, perfect for group activities or quiet contemplation. Just a short journey away, the thundering waves of Venice Beach and the windswept beauty of Dunes Beach offer endless opportunities for beachcombing, sunset watching, and experiencing the raw magnificence of the Pacific coastline.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 meadow area surrounded by cypress groves. Includes picnic tables and wind-protected cooking tables.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe Coastal Trail, a paved multi-use path, runs nearby and spans 4 miles. It offers moderate terrain and scenic ocean views.

BikingThe Coastal Trail adjacent to the campground is suitable for biking and provides scenic views.

Wildlife viewingBird species such as red-tailed hawks, barn owls, and American kestrels can be observed in the area. Migratory and resident water-associated birds are also common.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsSummer interpretive programs include Junior Rangers, guided hikes, and campfire talks.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no mention of specific trash and recycling facilities at Sweetwood Group Campground.

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.

Weather at Sweetwood Group Campground

Reviews

4.6

34 reviews

Top-Rated

Sweetwood Group Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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