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San Mateo County Memorial Park
Overview
San Mateo County Memorial Park offers a historic and serene camping experience set within a magnificent old-growth redwood forest in Loma Mar, California. Dedicated nearly a century ago to honor the county's veterans, this park serves as a tranquil sanctuary where visitors can disconnect from the digital world. The towering trees create a natural cathedral effect, providing deep shade and a unique microclimate that remains cool and refreshing even during the peak of summer.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park is situated along the banks of Pescadero Creek. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep, lush canyons and diverse flora ranging from delicate ferns to massive Douglas firs. Its position in Loma Mar offers a secluded mountain feel, yet it remains conveniently accessible for travelers exploring the San Francisco Bay Area or the scenic stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional, rustic camping destination specifically designed for those who enjoy dry camping. While there are no individual hookups, the park provides essential facilities including a centralized sanitary dump station and multiple potable water spigots throughout the campgrounds. Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings. Restrooms with coin-operated showers are well-maintained, blending basic modern comfort with the rugged outdoor atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over eight miles of internal trails, such as the popular Mt. Ellen Summit Trail, which offers localized views of the forest canopy. For a change of scenery, the charming town of Pescadero is a short drive away, famous for its local bakeries and artisan shops. Additionally, the rugged cliffs and tide pools of the Pacific Ocean are easily reached, providing a perfect day trip for coastal exploration before returning to the quiet of the redwoods.
Who This Park Is Best For
Because of its winding roads and specific site dimensions, this park is best suited for small to mid-sized RVs and camper vans. It is the ideal choice for nature lovers and families who prioritize a deep connection with the environment over resort-style luxuries. If you are looking for a quiet, shaded retreat where the sound of the wind through the redwoods and the gentle flow of the creek are your primary soundtracks, this park will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rafael O. Morales
Great campground, with family sites nestled in the San Mateo County redwoods. Some have fire rings, some have BBQs. Clean restrooms, showers. Def recommend.
Ronald Lopez
Great lttle park, day use and camping, will be back.
Tanya Puente
Campsites clean with shower. Close to the beach- 20 minute drive. Looking forward to another visit.
Brian Au
Great redwood Park and close to home. Great ranger staff and clean new bathrooms except the bathrooms near Azalea site 27 and the back of the day use area. Those bathrooms are horrendous and dark at night. Other than that this place is one of our favorites for a quick camping getaway.
Nikki Stetler
I wish I had known about this location when I was a camping enthusiast. It's absolutely perfect. Lush and green. 10 miles from the ocean. It's like two different worlds. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Water is warm, and I even saw banana slugs.
Krissa Corbett Cavouras
Such an amazing family campground! Every time we go, we find new fun paths to explore. Bathrooms are clean and modern, some campsite areas also have outdoor sinks for dishes at the bathrooms — some don’t, but still have accessible water spigots for rinsing and filling up. Love love love our annual trips here.
Jeffrey Garcia
San Mateo Memorial Park has always been a foundation of positive great memories for me and my family. It is mandatory that we go at least once a year for our gathering. Beautiful Sequoia trees. The sounds of birds chirping in the morning..especially the Blue Jay's. Bring your friends and family so you can make good healthy memories too.
G B
A little gem tucked away from the crowded Bay Area. A bit of a drive. Redwoods are always majestic. Pescadero creek is nicely tucked in and looks beautiful here too. A lot of trails and a lot of them are social trails. Many benches to take a seat and enjoy nature. There is the tallest tree, not super impressive but noticeable. Day use and overnight camping areas have all the facilities you would expect. Looks a little underfunded, it's a county park after all. Please support your local parks!
Global Nomad
The campground is huge with lots of campsites and easy access to bathrooms with coin operated showers. There were plenty of bathrooms nearby (more than what is shown in Google Maps) and it seemed most if not all had a shower. The water temperature was adjustable and the pressure and flow rate was enough for a decent shower. The facilities look new and were well maintained. A great place to visit for a weekend escape into the wilderness.