Best Tent Camping near Corte Madera, CA
Tent campsites scattered throughout Mount Tamalpais State Park and the Marin Headlands provide secluded outdoor experiences near Corte Madera, California. Notable walk-in tent campgrounds include Pantoll Campground and Bootjack Campground on Mount Tamalpais, both offering primitive tent setups within a short distance from parking areas. Haypress Campground in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area provides backcountry-style tent camping with minimal amenities just minutes from San Francisco.
Most tent-only sites require a short hike from designated parking areas, with distances ranging from 0.25 to 0.75 miles. Campgrounds like Pantoll feature flat, compact dirt tent pads with fire rings and food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. According to one visitor, "It was really windy but up above in the trees so our tent wasn't blowing away." Toilets are available at most locations, though campers should bring their own water as many sites lack potable water sources. During fire season (typically summer through fall), fire and camp stove restrictions may be implemented, significantly impacting the camping experience.
Backcountry tent camping experiences in this region offer surprising solitude despite proximity to urban areas. The limited number of tent campsites at each location (typically 5-13) prevents overcrowding, though reservations are essential for most locations during peak season. A camper noted that while Haypress Campground has "very little privacy between sites," it was "not full" during their visit, providing adequate space. Trail networks connect directly to many tent campgrounds, allowing for day hikes to destinations like Tennessee Beach, Muir Woods, and Stinson Beach. Tent campers should prepare for variable coastal weather conditions, as fog and wind are common year-round, particularly at higher-elevation sites on Mount Tamalpais where overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months.
