Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options for pet owners in wooded areas roughly 15 miles northwest of Bolinas. The park sits at 300 feet elevation with average summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows dipping to 40°F. Winter camping requires preparation for cold nights with proper gear for both humans and pets.
What to do
Hiking with dogs: Explore Mount Tamalpais State Park trails with pets on leash at Pantoll Campground. "From Pantoll you have very easy access to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, easy access Stinson Beach and the coast, plus you can even skip the long lines and shuttles to get into Muir Woods. There are literally days worth of great hiking accessible from Pantoll!" (Michael I.).
Beach activities: Visit Lawson's Landing for coastal recreation with pets. "The beach is lovely, and not overcrowded. Great for beach combing when the tide is low. We often find sand dollars" (Holland G.). The campground is separated from the ocean by protective dunes that block wind while still allowing ocean sounds.
Crabbing opportunities: Bring fishing gear when camping at Lawson's Landing. "Caught and ate crabs both times I've been here" (Jim N.). The pier offers excellent crabbing opportunities, and the nearby general store sells bait and basic supplies for fishing activities.
What campers like
Creek access: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground features sites along a stream. "We like the sites in the high teens (18 & 19), as they seem a bit larger and are right along the creek" (Joseph F.). The creek access is seasonally restricted for spawning from spring to mid-June or July.
Convenient location: Pet friendly camping near Bolinas benefits from proximity to multiple attractions. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall. 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)" (Kathleen C.).
Weather patterns: Coastal camping offers unique climate patterns. "At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix. We went for two nights on 02/28... Wonderful campsite though, can't beat our view and sounds of the ocean. Hardly any bugs and thankfully wasn't windy when we went" (Char A. at Coast Campground).
What you should know
Food storage: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions at higher elevation sites. "Raccoons are particularly active at night in these campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. I woke to a weird sound, which turned out to be a couple of racoons digging through [trash]" (Erin from H. Dana Bower Rest Area).
Site selection strategy: Choose camping spots based on noise levels and privacy needs. "Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all - sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back" (Kathleen C.). Site 44 at Samuel P. Taylor is recommended for maximum privacy.
First-come sites: Bootjack Campground operates on a first-come basis. "This campground is first come first serve only. Maximum stay 14 nights per year. The only major downside is there is no camp host. Rangers come through once per morning to power wash the restrooms" (R D.). Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
Tips for camping with families
Tent placement: Consider sheltered spots when camping with children. "It was really windy but up above in the trees so our tent wasn't blowing away" (Mylissa M.). Setting up in protected areas helps prevent gear problems during windy conditions.
Noise considerations: First-time campers should prepare for varying noise levels. "Unfortunately, the site across from mine was the epicenter of all things July 4th and the aforementioned multivariate families. Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all" (Kathleen C.).
Kid-friendly activities: Olema Campground offers family amenities. "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" (Outdoordude D.). The campground includes a fenced playground and dog park.
Tips from RVers
Ferry access: RVers can use nearby public transit for San Francisco visits. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco" (Jeff T.).
Site dimensions: RV campers should check space limitations before booking. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)" (Tai W.). Some campgrounds near Bolinas have narrow access roads and limited turning radius.
Hookup options: Pet-friendly sites with full hookups exist but may require advance booking. "This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access. It is mostly used for RV's some appear to be year round residents" (MarinMaverick about Olema Campground).
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