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.
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You may also enjoy:
- Camping in the Redwoods, Butano State Park
- Strawberry Picking Fun! Swanton Berry Farm U-Pik
- Silent Saturday: Pescadero State Beach
The Tangled Trail 
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