Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers rustic cabin accommodations set among redwoods 30 minutes north of Corte Madera in western Marin County. The park sits at 150 feet elevation with temperatures that can vary dramatically between day and night. Weather systems can change quickly with coastal fog rolling in during afternoons, creating cool evening conditions even during summer months when daytime temperatures reach 70-85°F.
What to do
Creek exploration: Lagunitas Creek runs through Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, offering wading opportunities during summer. Access may be seasonally restricted for salmon spawning from spring until mid-June. "There is a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes Joseph F.
Horseback riding: Five Brooks Ranch in Olema makes a great day trip from nearby campgrounds. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," says Kathleen C., who enjoyed this activity while staying at Samuel P. Taylor.
Kayaking: Tomales Bay provides calm waters for paddling near Olema Campground. Located 35 minutes northwest of Corte Madera, this activity gives visitors views of Point Reyes National Seashore. "Close to multiple beaches," mentions Outdoordude D., making it convenient for water activities.
Wine tasting: Napa Valley vineyards are accessible from Skyline Wilderness Park cabins. "Convenient sites with complete hookup and also restroom/showers handy. Bonus: short drive to Downtown Napa," shares Jamie G., highlighting the camping cabins' proximity to wine country.
What campers like
Proximity to nature preserves: Camping cabins near Corte Madera provide excellent access to Point Reyes National Seashore. At Olema Campground, "If you want to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore you do not have many options. This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access," explains MarinMaverick.
Winter cabin stays: The rainy season offers a different perspective of coastal camping. At Steep Ravine Campground, cabins provide shelter during unpredictable weather. "It's typically windy in this area most afternoons from May to September. Between those months, there's always a chance of rain, so being inside the cabin with the woodburning stove does have a major advantage over the campsites," explains Adam.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds with structured recreation for children are popular. "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. Wood burning fireplace (you can buy wood on site) keeps the cabin warm. Smoke detectors work too!" notes alana C. about Steep Ravine's accommodations.
Local dining options: The area offers excellent food within short drives of campgrounds. "We nestled our Sprinter between to large pine trees and took the dog for a walk. Then headed down the road for our first dinner indoors since February! It was excellent and the cocktails and desserts were excellent too," shares Maureen F. about dining near Olema Campground.
What you should know
Advance planning required: Cabin reservations fill quickly, especially at popular locations. For Spring Lake Regional Park, online reservations are essential. "Made sure you reserve online in advance," advises Toni K.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna interactions at cabin sites. At Samuel P. Taylor, "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," reports Kathleen C.
Seasonal variations: Weather can change dramatically between coastal and inland sites. At Samuel P. Taylor, "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," warns Kathleen C.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Some sites offer electricity while others are rustic. In Skyline Wilderness Park, "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC. But the park is nice with lots of hiking, views and close to Napa," notes Rich J.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Choose sites with designated play areas. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that," says Linda A.
Multi-generational options: Some locations accommodate various comfort levels. "We have previously tent camped and car camped here and we really enjoy it. It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down," Joseph F. shares about Samuel P. Taylor.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs. "They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," Joseph F. notes about Samuel P. Taylor.
Trail selection: Choose appropriate difficulty levels for children. "Easy access to hiking trails. A great place to bring a bike too," Sophie S. mentions about Spring Lake Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Researching specific sites helps avoid disappointment. At Casini Ranch Family Campground, "Casini Ranch is really two campgrounds: the tent campground features charming sites tucked into private groves; the RV sites with electrical and water hookups are crammed together, with little more than a fence post to demarcate them," warns Sarah.
Utility connections: Extension hoses may be necessary at some locations. "Spaces for RVs are unpaved and additional cars are on cement. Hookups are pretty fast away and needed my sewer extention," C.W. notes about camping near San Francisco.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "We picked up a pizza at Urban Pizza on our way. Excellent Pi! There were tons of restaurants though if you need to pick something up," suggests Sophie S. about Spring Lake Regional Park.
Level site availability: Some camping cabins near Corte Madera are situated on uneven terrain. At Skyline Wilderness Park, "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly," reports Adam B.
