Mount Tamalpais State Park and Marin Headlands provide tent camping options with elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,500 feet. Coastal fog patterns create microclimates where temperatures can drop 10-15 degrees after sunset. These campgrounds offer varying levels of accessibility, from short walk-in sites to locations requiring mile-long hikes with camping gear.
What to do
Hike to secluded beaches: From Haypress Campground, take the Tennessee Valley trail to explore coastal areas. "This campground is about a 0.75 mile hike from the Tennessee Valley trail head... There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach," notes Jill F.
Explore immigration history: Angel Island State Park served as an immigration station for the west coast. "The island itself is about a 5 mile hike from one end to the other with a very modest elevation gain so it's definitely worth doing... They have a Immigration museum (think Ellis Island but for the west coast!)," shares Marion D.
Visit Mount Tamalpais: Trails lead to panoramic viewpoints from 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," reports Michael I.
What campers like
Solitude after ferry departures: On Angel Island State Park, the island becomes yours after day visitors leave. "The upside of being patient with how far out you make your reservation is that once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome," explains Bryan R.
Urban escape with nature access: Rob Hill Campground offers camping within city limits. "The Rob Hill campground claims the title of the only overnight campsite in the city! Stumbled across this campground by accident a few weeks ago as we were hiking around The Presidio. It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove," describes Elliott B.
Rustic cabins with coastal views: Steep Ravine Campground provides unique accommodation. "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light," shares Amber D.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing tent sites requires advance planning. "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. As a first come first serve campground and camping in the middle of a gale storm we had our pic of sites," explains Jay S. about Pantoll Campground.
Weather considerations: Pack for rapidly changing coastal conditions. "It can get windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing," advises Haley C. about Angel Island camping.
Limited facilities: Many sites have minimal amenities. "No fires. Bring your own water and a camp stove," notes Jill F. about Haypress Campground. Similarly, at Bicentennial Campground, "All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation... One porta-potty for toilet," reports August M.
Wildlife awareness: Local animal encounters are common. "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes," warns Jill F. about Haypress, while campers at Steep Ravine mention, "They were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them."
Tips for camping with families
Choose group sites: Alice Eastwood Group Camp accommodates large family gatherings. "This campground is magic! Group A holds 50 people. There is a kitchen area with a huge grill and a large canopy covering a dining area. Group B holds 25 and has more privacy," recommends Nikki T.
Pack for temperature changes: Weather varies dramatically from day to night. "It gets very windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing," reminds Haley C. about coastal camping.
Select weather-protected sites: Some locations offer more shelter than others. "Sites up the hill require a bit of a hike-in but are farther from the road noise and busy parking lot," notes Erin S. about Pantoll Campground.
Plan for water access: Not all campgrounds provide water. "Neither the parking lot nor the campground had running water, so come prepared unless you want to drive into town," advises Erin S. about Haypress Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area doesn't accommodate RVs. "RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available," notes Elliott B. about Rob Hill Campground.
Consider parking limitations: Even tent campsites may have parking challenges. "I don't recall if you get a dedicated parking space with a campsite or not, but parking can be a challenge here due to the popularity of the various trailheads, and the limited parking," warns Michael I. about Pantoll Campground.
Plan for unloading logistics: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "Had to walk all the way down to get to the camp site with all the gear," reports Praveen R. about Bicentennial Campground.
