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PRESS RELEASE. GREAT NEWS.
Memorial County Park – the oldest in the County Parks system – has reopened (May 28th, 2021) for camping following extensive renovations.
Updated restrooms and showers and a new water treatment facility are among the improvements.
Ranger Rob Cala produced a video on how to check in quickly and remain COVID-19-safe while visiting the park.
Learn more on the County Parks website.
See our Letter to Campers, attached below, for more information.
Reservations
Memorial Park will reopen its family campsites for overnight camping on May 28, 2021. Beginning November 29, 2020 reservations can be made online or by calling the reservation number at (650) 363-4021.
Memorial Park camp grounds are very popular and available campsites fill fast. Each subsequent day, additional campsites will open for reservation, although there may be fewer sites available because visitors must book three nights on holiday weekends and many visitors reserve for a multi-night stay even on non-holiday dates.
Use these tips to make reservations:
- Reservations can be made as early as 6 months prior to your arrival date online. For example:
Desired arrival date: Friday, 6/4/21 —Open for reservation 12/4/20.
- Note that holiday weekends require a longer stay of at least three nights. For example:
Desired arrival date: Friday, 7/2/21 —Open for reservation 1/2/21 and you must reserve for July 2, 3 and 4.
- Campsites fill fast so plan ahead and mark your calendar. Middle of the week and non-holiday times of year can be easier to reserve.
- If you have questions, call the reservations staff at (650) 363-4021, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone assistance is not available on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
Please note that reservable facilities may now be reserved six months in advance and they often fill up early. It is recommended that you make your reservation as soon as possible.
Renovation
San Mateo County Parks is embarking on the first comprehensive facility improvement project in the 95-year history of Memorial County Park.
In order to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner while also limiting the length of time campgrounds are unavailable, Sequoia, Azalea, Redwood and Wurr flats will close October 20, 2019 and will remain closed during the entire 2020 camping season. Camping is expected to resume in the spring of 2021. All day use areas, including hiking trails, picnic areas and the visitor center will remain open during this period.
Youth camp areas at Sam McDonald, San Pedro Valley, San Bruno Mountain, Huddart and Junipero Serra parks will be open and available for reservation by calling: (650) 363-4021, Monday through Thursdays.
Memorial Park was dedicated on July 4,1924 and all 300 campsites were full that evening. Each summer during peak camping season, more than 1,500 people fill the campgrounds each day. For some campers the retreat is part of an annual tradition and often multiple generations of families and friends reconnect at Memorial Park each summer.
During the past 95 years, periodic renovations have been made to water and sewer systems, and to facilities, including bathroom and shower buildings. In preparation for the next generation of campers and for the celebration of the Park’s 100-year anniversary in 2024, the County is embarking on this two-year-long infrastructure and building replacement effort.
When the campgrounds reopen in 2021, park visitors will experience new restroom and shower buildings, resurfaced park roads, improved paths of travel, and accessible features that are ADA compliant.
Letter to Campers
May 13, 2021
Dear Memorial Park Campers, W
e’re excited to welcome you back to San Mateo County’s historic Memorial County Park campgrounds.
A lot has happened in the park since the park closed in 2019 for renovations. Upon your arrival you’ll experience repaved roads, refurbished picnic tables and fire rings throughout the day use and camping areas. In addition, new accessible restroom and shower buildings with water fountains have been constructed in Sequoia, Redwood, Tanoak and Wurr areas.
What hasn’t changed? The towering old-growth redwoods, miles of hiking trails, the beauty of Pescadero Creek, the camp store and staff-led activities.
Watch our “Welcome Back to Memorial” video before your visit:
Checking In
The easiest and quickest way to settle into your campsite is to be prepare beforehand for the check-in process. Please have the following items with you when you arrive:
• The name on the campsite reservation and the campsite number
• Your vehicle license plate number
You are allowed to have a total of two cars per campsite. If you plan to have a second car, we ask you to pay the additional $10 fee in advance by calling (650) 363-4021, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. This will speed up your check-in.
Only cash payments are accepted at the park.
Members of your party who check-in separately at the park gate house must provide a copy of the reservation and their vehicle license plate number. A vehicle fee of $10 (cash only) is required at check-in unless a receipt showing payment is provided.
Be COVID-19 Safe
When visiting San Mateo County Parks, please follow California State COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Unvaccinated: Face coverings required outdoors when 6-feet of distance can’t be maintained.
Vaccinated: Face coverings not required outdoors unless attending a crowded outdoor event.
• Masks are required at check-in.
• Maintain social distancing when around those not part of your group.
• Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
• Properly dispose of face masks in garbage receptacles.
• Any member of your group who does not feel well should not come to the park. If someone becomes ill while camping, they should return home immediately.
• Please clean the BBQ area before you depart.
Rules and Regulations
Please review all rules and regulations and be aware before you arrive that:
• Dogs or any pets are not allowed in the park or campgrounds.
• Smoking is prohibited as are portable BBQs.
• Amplified music or sounds are not allowed.
• Firearms of any kind are prohibited.
Pescadero Creek Park Update
WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021
In August 2020, lighting on Butano Ridge began the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which grew to burn over 86,000 acres, including over 2,800 acres in Pescadero Creek County Park. In this video, San Mateo County Parks Natural Resource Manager, Hannah Ormshaw, explains the effects of the fire on Pescadero Creek Park, how the forest will recover, and the ecological case for active fire management.
Due to the CZU Lightning Complex fires that occurred in Pescadero Creek Park last fall, the park remains closed as are trails that connect from Memorial and Sam McDonald parks. Barricades with signs advising of closures are posted. Our staff continue to monitor conditions and still observe unstable ground and falling trees in the park. Hot spots in neighboring areas continue to flare up.
For your safety and that of park staff please adhere to trail closures. Thank you for your cooperation.
Watch this video to learn how the fire impacted Pescadero Creek Park and how the forest will recover:
Author: Coastside Buzz
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