It’s not often you get the chance to see a world-class surfing spot with real, honest-to-goodness big waves.

This is one of the best things about RV travel. You can find yourself in the right place at the right time.

We happened onto Mavericks, the famous surfing break near Half Moon Bay, Calif., just as a winter storm hit the coast of California. When surf’s up, a huge crowd shows up to watch the proceedings.

Mavericks is perhaps the most famous surfing spot on the West Coast. When conditions are right, 60-foot waves can form off of Pillar Point thanks to an unusual underwater rock feature that creates the wave.

It was the subject of a popular 2012 film, “Chasing Mavericks,” and is known to be one of the most dangerous breaks in the world, causing the deaths of several big-wave surfers who have come to test it over the years.

When Mavericks is raging, it’s a sight to behold. Thousands of people showed up to check out the surf and watch the action. In fact, the people-watching is the best part of Mavericks: San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies were busy trying handle the hordes climbing onto the bluffs of Pillar Point.

Meanwhile, the nearby Pillar Point RV Park was happening. And a little south, we found a nice spot at Half Moon Bay State Park, an excellent place to RV camp with a four-mile long beach.

Everyone’s attention is focused on the thundering surf. And it’s fun to be part of it.