Best Tent Camping near Bolinas, CA
Backcountry tent camping options near Bolinas, California include several walk-in sites within Point Reyes National Seashore and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Wildcat Campground provides tent sites on a bluff overlooking the ocean, with a short walk to the beach and proximity to Alamere Falls. Coast Campground offers tent-only sites with beach access, while Sky Campground sits on a ridge with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Most tent sites in the area require reservations through recreation.gov, with permits that must be picked up at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Walk-in tent sites near Bolinas typically have basic amenities including picnic tables, food storage lockers, and access to potable water. Many locations feature vault toilets or flush toilets at trailheads. The terrain consists primarily of open meadows, forested areas, or bluffs overlooking the ocean, with flat tent pads at most established sites. Campers should be prepared for variable coastal weather conditions including fog, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Mount Tamalpais campgrounds like Pantoll and Bootjack operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Point Reyes campgrounds require advance reservations that can fill months ahead during peak seasons.
Tent camping experiences in the Bolinas area feature distinctive coastal environments with opportunities for solitude and wildlife viewing. The walk-in nature of these sites means fewer RVs and large groups, creating a more peaceful atmosphere. Trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing for day hikes to beaches, forests, and viewpoints. Weather patterns significantly impact the camping experience, with summer fog common at coastal sites. Sites higher on ridges sometimes rise above the fog layer, offering spectacular views. A visitor described Wildcat Campground as "just incredible" noting that "you feel like you are really far away from the hustle and bustle even though the lights of San Francisco are almost visible on the horizon." Campers should be aware of wildlife, particularly raccoons and mice, which necessitate proper food storage even in provided lockers.
