Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground rests in a redwood grove with sites spread along a running creek in West Marin County. The area sits approximately 15 miles inland from Bolinas at 300 feet elevation, creating a microclimate distinct from the immediate coast. Temperatures range 10-15°F warmer than coastal zones during summer months, while winter brings cooler, moister conditions with average rainfall of 30-40 inches concentrated between November and March.
What to do
Tide pool exploration at low tide: Visit beaches near Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore where a short hike leads to protected marine areas. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in. I prefer the longer Coast Trail (about half a mile longer) rather than the fireroad for it's scenic beauty," explains a regular visitor.
Astronomy programs: Drive approximately 40 miles to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground for stargazing at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time! You can walk to a trail to check out a waterfall from there (pretty darn steep!) and you can walk to the Robert Ferguson Observatory as well," shares one camper who visited with family.
Horseback riding: Explore trails from nearby campgrounds on horseback. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station," suggests a camper who used Samuel P. Taylor State Park as a base camp for exploring West Marin.
What campers like
Privacy amid redwoods: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers shaded sites with varying levels of seclusion. "Had to check out this spot. I pass it all the time and have been dying to check it out. Glad I did. Level pad for camp trailers. Fire pits updated and bbq on every site. Site 49 is a nice site," notes one visitor who appreciated the woodland setting.
Meadow camping with wildlife viewing: Sites at Olema Campground provide open spaces for wildlife watching. "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... would be back again," reports one camping enthusiast about the location's convenience.
Beach access for families: Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground offers sites with direct beach access for water activities. "This has it all. Beautiful beach walking distance from campground. Bike or walking trails to wonderful beaches and places to eat. Short drive to many other areas. Small but good size sites for where it is," says a satisfied camper about the oceanfront location.
What you should know
Seasonal access challenges: Winter rains can affect road conditions and campsite quality between November and March. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces). Also, if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper," warns a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Advance planning required: Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park requires booking months ahead. "Hard to get but worth it. We've been lucky enough to score one of these cabins twice by checking in every so often to see if someone cancelled a reservation," advises a fortunate visitor who managed to secure a spot.
Water considerations: Many campgrounds have limited or seasonal water availability. "When we tried to sit they would swarm. But it was a nice short easy walk, where we saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails! Seems they have lots of hikes available. The flying bugs / mosquitoes were out so come prepared," reports a camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park regarding spring camping conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers dedicated family facilities. "Great place for families and groups, but not for just one night. Great things for kids to be entertained by and enjoy for sure," notes a traveler who found the amenities worth the cost despite having just passed through.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites: Campgrounds closer to towns can be louder, especially on weekends. "However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life. I put up with it, for kids— and now I have great stories— but I'd never go back as an experienced camper," cautions a family who visited Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Pack for variable temperatures: Coastal glamping near Bolinas, California requires layered clothing for children. "It was cool and breezy, but still enjoyable on the beach. We were there Thurs through Tues. Most nights were very quiet with people retiring by dark. Fr & Sat there were a few more folks up a little later, but by 8p, the campground was dark & quiet," shares a visitor to Olema Campground.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions apply: Most roads leading to glamping sites near Bolinas are narrow and winding. "The campsites are close to each other, your not going to get a 'secluded' camping experience here. The facilities were kinda dirty, probably because they are overused by day trippers to the beach and not just campers," shares an RV camper who stayed at Francis Beach Campground.
Limited hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer full hookups. "The RV sites have electric hook-ups and there are shared water spigots (not hook-ups). All of these are reservable by phone at 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online," mentions a camper who found the convenience worth noting at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground.
Consider leveling needs: Skyline Wilderness Park offers RV sites with varied terrain. "RV location is basically a gravel parking area pretty close to one another. Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly," reports an RVer who stayed at the park while exploring the northern Bay Area.
