Best Campgrounds near Inverness, CA
Point Reyes National Seashore dominates the camping landscape around Inverness, California, with multiple backcountry campgrounds scattered throughout its coastal wilderness. Sky Camp, Coast Camp, and Glen Camp offer tent-only sites accessible primarily by hiking trails, while Tomales Bay features unique boat-in camping opportunities along its protected shoreline. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, located about 15 minutes inland from Inverness, provides developed camping with tent, RV, and cabin options among towering redwoods along Lagunitas Creek. The region balances primitive backcountry experiences with more accessible options like Olema Campground, which offers full hookups for RVs and glamping accommodations just minutes from Point Reyes Station.
Advance reservations are essential for most Point Reyes campsites, particularly during summer and fall weekends when sites often book months ahead. The coastal climate brings cool, foggy mornings year-round, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F even when inland areas experience heat waves. Winter camping requires preparation for rain and wind, especially at exposed coastal sites. As one camper noted, "Point Reyes has miles of beaches surrounded by dunes, hills, and cliffs. You might even notice the water glowing at night due to a special kind of algae." Cell service is limited throughout the peninsula, particularly at backcountry sites. Most campgrounds enforce strict food storage regulations due to wildlife activity, with raccoons and other small mammals known for their resourcefulness.
Coastal views rank consistently high in visitor reviews, with campers praising the dramatic ocean vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities. The contrast between forest and ocean environments creates unique camping experiences, as one visitor described: "Not many areas where you can be deep in a wooded forest, then pop out on cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to beaches, tide pools, and historic sites including two lighthouses. Morning fog typically burns off by midday at most locations, though coastal winds can be persistent year-round. Campgrounds within Point Reyes National Seashore prohibit pets on most trails and at backcountry sites, while Samuel P. Taylor State Park allows leashed dogs in developed areas but not on most trails.
