The coastal region of Bolinas, California features a mix of camping options within Marin County and the surrounding areas. Campers can choose between established sites at Samuel P. Taylor State Park with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations or explore more remote locations at Point Reyes National Seashore where several walk-in and hike-in campgrounds provide ocean views and wilderness experiences. Mount Tamalpais State Park's Steep Ravine Campground offers both tent sites and rustic cabins perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific, while Olema Campground provides more developed facilities with electric and water hookups for RVs.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Bolinas area, with many sites booking up to six months in advance. The terrain varies from coastal bluffs to forested valleys, requiring different preparation depending on location. A visitor commented that "the hike to Wildcat Campground is stunning, changing drastically over six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views." Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, with fog, wind, and temperature fluctuations common throughout the year. Summer typically offers milder conditions, though fog is prevalent. Most campgrounds provide vault toilets and potable water, but amenities vary significantly between primitive sites and more developed facilities.
Point Reyes National Seashore campgrounds consistently receive high ratings for their beach access and solitude. Campers note the blend of coastal proximity and hiking opportunities as key attractions, with Alamere Falls being a popular destination from Wildcat Campground. Several visitors mentioned that advance planning is crucial for securing campsites, particularly at Steep Ravine, described as "the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California." The cabin camping experience at Steep Ravine provides a unique overnight option with oceanfront views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Primitive campgrounds typically require hiking in with gear, while established campgrounds like Samuel P. Taylor and Olema offer more amenities and easier access but less seclusion. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with raccoons frequently mentioned in campground reviews.
$35 - $225 / night
"This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
"Nice place to eat within walking distance but make reservations on a weekend. WiFi. Showers. Spots are close together but the drive here is amazing. Openings on a Saturday night."
"Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore. One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow. Very loud."
$25 - $100 / night
"1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."
"The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
"I used to live in the area and wish I had spent more time camping in and around the Point Reyes National Seashore."
$7 - $25 / night
"Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais. You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground. "
"This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."
"Point Reyes in California has to be my all time favorite camping site. There are miles and miles of beaches surrounded by dunes, hills, and cliffs."
"Hike in (and around!) this gorgeous area. We chose to stay two nights and had a great time exploring the surrounding hiking trails - a personal favourite was Alamere Falls."
$30 / night
"California, Washington and Oregon have lovely coast but this location is truly unique!"
"Tomales Bay is a boat in only campground on Indian Beach a unique experience if you have access to a boat. There are plenty of drive or walk in sites if you don't have a boat."
$40 - $75 / night
"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
$99 - $115 / night
"30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."
"Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."
$30 - $90 / night
"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
TravelerExceptional campground, clean, well kept, and very clean bathrooms/showers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Grounds green, mowed lawns and nicely trimmer hedges. Campsites have ample room between neighbors. Well done Travis outdoor recreation team.
ScoutNot much camping in the but Skyline fit the bill. Typically RV style campsites but showers were good, and the grounds were beautiful. Good hiking trails as well.
RangerWe had hoped to stay at another campgrpund about an hour west of here, but it was closed. Being from Connecticut, I knew nothing about this place, but I called the campground and was able to make a same-day reservation. We absolutely loved it here. Wish we could have stayed longer. It had all the amenities of most state campgrounds. No cell service at the campsites, but wifi was available at the camp office/store.
TravelerI stayed here for one night on a week day. One of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Lots of tall trees that offer shade and privacy. Restrooms and shower facilities are clean, although a bit old.
GuideI'm not a big fan of campgrounds because I usually want peace and quiet, but I really enjoyed my one night here. I was surrounded by huge rigs that dwarfed by truck camper, but everyone was quiet and respectful, leaving me to enjoy the sounds of the wind, rain, and seagulls that I came to enjoy. If you're sound sensitive, you might not enjoy the foghorn that goes off 24/7, but I loved it. All and all, the campsites are clean but small with not a lot of privacy, but the Cove/Gull/Shell campsites have almost private harborside beaches behind them and a large oceanside beach across the road. All in all, a reasonable tradeoff for me.
TravelerThe least expensive sites are very close to neighboring campers. Although drive through site and premium site have more space as price for site increases. We'll kept and convenient to Bay Area. Very nice and helpful staff.
TravelerThis place only allows a single overnight at a time, but you can come back a week later, I think. There seems to only be a single park ranger and she explained their camping policies and they seemed complicated. Or, I was just frustrated because I had just misplaced my wallet after taking it out to see if I had cash for the overnight fee, and I wasn't listening. Anyway, this place is awesome. It's peaceful and there is a sense of stillness despite there being a few dozen people walking throughout at any given time.
GuideThis was an awesome campsite that was right near the lovely town of Bodega Bay. Plenty of amenities and very accessible. Gorgeous views of the waterfronts.
TravelerStayed at bodega dunes. Our site was the worst one in the loop, but we had great neighbors who were quiet
Bolinas camping sits on the edge of the Point Reyes Peninsula, 25 miles north of San Francisco at an elevation of 36 feet. The area experiences frequent coastal fog, especially during summer mornings when temperatures typically range from 45-65°F. Campsites near Bolinas, California require advance planning as overnight facilities remain limited and demand peaks from May through September.
Beach exploration: 2-mile hike from Wildcat Campground to Alamere Falls offers unique tidepool access. "The six mile hike to reach the campground is stunning. The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," notes Michaela C. at Wildcat.
Wildlife viewing: Visit Point Reyes headlands for elephant seal watching from December through March. "Riding through the country on this one was half the fun. Lots of rolling hills, herds of cattle, and a really fun windy drive. The seashore was awesome and we saw lots of elephant seals having a noisy morning," reports Cierra A. from Sky Campground.
Mountain biking: Access trails from Samuel P. Taylor State Park with routes connecting to neighboring open space preserves. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall," explains Kathleen C. A 4-mile paved path runs along the creek for easier riding.
Morning mist views: Campsites at Steep Ravine Campground provide distinctive oceanfront perspectives. "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location. The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site," states Patrick O.
Relative seclusion: Glen Camp offers quiet forest sites despite moderate proximity to trailheads. "The campground is quiet, 12 sites arranged in the trees around a small bare field with toilets and a water faucet. Most individual sites are well-screened by shrubs and trees," shares John B. who appreciates the stargazing opportunities.
Coastal proximity: Coast Campground provides immediate beach access. "We went for two nights on 02/28. Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last. Wonderful campsite though, can't beat our view and sounds of the ocean," notes Char A., highlighting the peaceful experience.
Limited facilities: Several campgrounds offer basic amenities with varying seasonal restrictions. "When we visited, there was a notice that tap water had to be filtered. Most individual sites are well-screened by shrubs and trees. There are some nettles and poison oak," cautions John B. about Glen Camp.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons present challenges at many campsites. "The raccoons are vicious and fearless. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone. From like 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm they will stalk your site looking for ANY unsecured food," warns Daniel D. from Kirby Cove Campground.
Microclimate awareness: Pantoll Campground experiences significant temperature shifts. "Currently no fires or stoves allowed so it's rough without any source of warmth. The wind chill is real at night!" advises Samantha T., who visited in October. Temperature drops of 20°F after sunset occur regularly.
Beginner-friendly options: Select introductory backpacking sites for first family adventures. "This was our first backpacking trip and we mostly wanted to test our gear. This was perfect for that. 5-mile hike in with some uphill in the last 1.5 miles that was challenging but not too hard," explains Emily A. about her Glen Camp experience.
Noise considerations: Research campground etiquette expectations before booking with children. "And for families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying," mentions Susie B. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Water access: Sites with reliable water sources simplify family camping logistics. "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available. Sites have picnic tables and bear/critter lockers for food," describes Jason R. about Coast Camp.
Limited RV options: Olema Campground provides one of few RV-friendly facilities. "Very nice campsite, nice small town of Point Reyes but can drive to hwy 1 north to go eat oysters or seafood, very friendly staff and neighbors," explains Filipino Jack T. The campground provides full hookups with 30/50 amp service.
Advance planning: Make reservations early for the limited RV sites in the area. "All exposed, all flat. Easy access. Store has everything you need. Wood is 10 bucks a bundle. It's private owned so fire rings are always ok. If you don't want to cook there are 2 restaurants next door," notes Chris M. about Olema Campground.
Alternative access: Consider using larger RVs as base camps while exploring Bolinas by other means. "Olema is our go to spot. Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," shares Outdoordude D.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping options near Bolinas for visitors?
Visitors to Bolinas have several nearby camping options. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park offers a convenient location adjacent to Mount Tamalpais with first-come, first-served sites. It's accessible by hiking, biking, public transit, or car, though weekend parking can be challenging. For those seeking coastal camping, Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore provides hike-in sites with beach access. Both campgrounds feature basic amenities including water and toilets, making them suitable for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty surrounding Bolinas.
Where can I find camping spots in Bolinas, CA?
While Bolinas itself has limited camping options, nearby Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park offers a stunning coastal experience just south of Bolinas. These cabins and campsites are extremely popular and require booking well in advance. Another excellent option is Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore, which provides walk-in sites with beach access. Both locations offer beautiful coastal views and proximity to Bolinas, though availability is limited and reservations are essential, especially during peak seasons.
Is Point Olema a good location for camping near Bolinas?
The area near Point Olema is an excellent location for camping close to Bolinas. Olema Campground provides convenient drive-in access with amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. It's well-situated for exploring both Bolinas and the surrounding Point Reyes Peninsula. Another nearby option is Westside Regional Park, which serves as a great base camp for exploring the Sonoma Coast. Located by Bodega Bay yacht harbor, this dry camping facility is less crowded than some state parks in the area while still offering proximity to coastal attractions.
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