Let me tell you, there are few drives in this country that can simultaneously thrill and terrify an RVer quite like California’s Highway 1. One minute you’re gazing out at dramatic coastal cliffs with the Pacific crashing below, and the next you’re white-knuckling the wheel through a tight turn, praying a sports car doesn’t come flying around the bend. It’s a bucket-list journey for a reason, but finding basic services like a good, clean place to empty the tanks can turn a dream drive into a stressful scavenger hunt. That’s why pulling into a place like the Half Moon Bay RV Park feels like finding an oasis. It’s not just a functional stop; it’s a destination that understands what we actually need when we’re on the road. It’s a place to breathe, reset, and actually enjoy the stunning coastline you came to see.
This isn’t some hastily added dump lane behind a gas station. Tucked away on Wavecrest Road, just a stone's throw from the ocean and conveniently situated behind the quirky Cameron’s Pub, this park is a full-fledged coastal haven. For folks making the trek down from San Francisco, which is less than an hour away, it’s the perfect first major stop to get your bearings before continuing south toward Santa Cruz and the rest of the Central Coast. The journey here is the main event. You’re navigating one of the most famous roads in the world, with pull-offs every few miles that demand you stop and take a picture. The air changes, getting thick with salt and the sound of gulls. By the time you get to Half Moon Bay, you’re fully immersed in that Northern California coastal vibe, and the last thing you want is a complicated, messy chore. The RV park’s location allows you to handle the practical stuff without breaking the spell.
The area itself is a huge part of the appeal. Half Moon Bay is more than just a name on a map; it's a legendary spot. You have the dramatic bluffs that frame the four miles of shoreline at Half Moon Bay State Beach, a place that pulls in surfers, fishermen, and photographers by the dozen. If you’re here in the winter, you’re right near Pillar Point, the hallowed ground for watching the world’s best big-wave surfers take on the monstrous swells at Mavericks. It’s a spectacle you won’t forget. But if the ocean spray isn’t your thing, a short drive inland takes you to a completely different world at the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. We’re talking over 5,000 acres of mossy, magical second-growth redwood forest with trails that offer incredible views back toward the Pacific. It’s the kind of place you can lose yourself in for an afternoon. After a good hike, you can wander the charming Main Street with its unique shops and local farm stands. It’s easy to see why so many of us decide to linger for a day or two instead of just dumping and running.
Using a dump station inside a proper RV park is a world away from a highway truck stop. The pace immediately slows down. You’re not fighting for position with a dozen semi-trucks. Instead, you’ll likely have to check in at the office during their posted hours, where the staff can give you directions. They might even escort you to the dump lane. Because most of the people here are staying overnight, the station is rarely crowded. You won’t find a long line of impatient rigs, which is a blessing. But that also means you need to be a good neighbor. Respect the park’s speed limit, which is usually a crawl, and keep an eye out for kids on bikes or families walking their dogs. The entrance road is paved and level, with plenty of clearance for big rigs, but once you’re inside the park, the lanes can get a bit narrower. Just take it slow, be mindful of your corners, and it’s a completely stress-free experience.
When it comes to amenities, this place truly shines for the weary traveler. Having both potable and rinse water right there is a huge plus. If you’ve been boondocking your way down the coast, the ability to flush your black tank properly and top off your fresh water tank with clean, drinkable water is invaluable. You won’t have to carry extra jugs or worry about finding a separate water source. For those of us who travel with our four-legged companions, the pet-friendly policy and direct access to the coastal trails for a morning walk are fantastic. But the real game-changers are the hot showers and on-site laundry. After a few days of being on the move, a long, hot, coin-operated shower feels like the height of luxury. Being able to wash a load of clothes at the same time makes this more than just a pit stop; it’s a full-on revitalization station. And if you fall in love with the area and decide to stay, they offer 30 and 50-amp full hookup sites. You can plug in, put out your slides, and truly relax. They also have standard trash dumpsters, so you can offload any garbage you’ve accumulated before hitting the scenic but service-light stretches of Highway 1. Just remember to plan ahead for fuel and propane, as there are no filling stations inside the park itself; you’ll have to handle that in town.
The cost is something you’ll need to confirm directly. Private parks like this often adjust their fees based on the season, and they don’t always publish a standalone price for just using the dump station. Give their office a call before you arrive. It’s always a good practice anyway, just to confirm their hours. If the fee is in the typical regional range of ten to fifteen dollars, the value is undeniable. The convenience of the location, combined with the availability of rinse water, trash disposal, and the sheer pleasure of being able to step out of your rig and onto a coastal trail, makes it worth every penny. For a smooth visit, my advice is simple: call ahead. Bring a roll of quarters for the showers and laundry. If you can, try to arrive on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds who are all vying for the same slice of coastal paradise. And when you’re dumping, a clear sewer hose elbow is your best friend, especially in the bright coastal light, as it lets you see exactly when the tank is clean. This stop is a perfect example of pairing a necessary chore with a genuinely pleasant experience. It’s a prime pit stop that lets you leave with empty tanks and a full heart.
460 Wavecrest Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 726-7275
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV park
Has Water
