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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.
"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"
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability"It's a popular campground in the northern california that's relatively easy to book. We book 1-2 weeks before and still got a spot."
"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."
"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."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $99 - $115 / night
Check Availability"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
GuideLeft our van for the day, took an $30 uber into San Fran to visit and came back right before sunset. Busy throughout the day so therefore we felt quite safe. Stayed for the night after, with a couple of vans/car campers around us, all was quiet. No noise apart from the wind. It is a parking lot like others note but perfect for a free night so close to downtown.
TravelerIt's a popular campground in the northern california that's relatively easy to book. We book 1-2 weeks before and still got a spot.
RangerHands down the cleanest and most well-kept campsite I have ever been to. The pride the owners take in the property is clear from the moment you enter the campground.
Bathrooms are immaculate and coin-operated showers are nice. A dedicated dish washing station, complete with soap and sponges when we stayed, was also a nice touch.
As other reviewers have said, privacy is minimal and this isn't the place for you if you don't want to camp around a lot of families.
This campground is perfect for families who want to take a short walk down to the beach (bring a wagon or something to carry your gear/children), and spend the day enjoying the water.
RangerNo tents, no rest room, no dump, must arrive after 4pm and leave by 9 am, MUST have your own bathroom…. But it’s like $12, and if you need to be in Benecia it’s great.
ScoutWe don't have kids, but this is a great place with a petting zoo, pool and hayride.
GuideThis campground is okay (3.5/5 stars) - the sites are close together and it seems to be very popular spot with a lot of families. Our section was fairly quiet but other areas were quite loud.
The campground is dog friendly and dogs are allowed on the paved roads. The bathrooms were pretty nice and the showers had hot water. You need to purchase a token for $1 from the park ranger when checking in and that will get you 5 minutes of hot water.
We stayed at site 49 and couldn't figure out where other folks put their tents. There was a slightly elevated area in the back left site of the campsite but it didn't look used, was on a slight hill, and looked directly into the campsite next to us so we opted to put our tent on the flat area right by the driveway.
ScoutStayed here for 2 nights. Staff was very nice and the restrooms looked great and worked perfectly fine. Very quiet.
ScoutObviously a long term lot with a very “wrong turn” kind of vibe. Website on apple is blocked for deceptive practices . There was but link from here works. Never got confirmation e,ail so I called.. 800 number, no answer.. local number answered said I wouldn’t get confirmation until noon tomorrow. Then told me to come on as a walk in. We pulled up, pulled through, left quickly.. bad decisions unless you are on hard times.
ScoutMy review of this place is it's a very good place to come stay if you need a place to pull your rig.And be overnight.
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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