Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits along the wooded banks of Lagunitas Creek, approximately 15 miles west of San Rafael in Marin County. The area's climate ranges from foggy mornings to warm afternoons in summer and mild but rainy winters. Sites at this dog friendly campground near Inverness feature ancient redwoods that create natural shade canopies, keeping ground temperatures cooler than exposed areas.
What to do
Hiking through redwoods and history: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers multiple trail options within minutes of your campsite. "There are all kinds of trails available, as well as 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," explains Joseph F.
Beach exploration: Access to coastal areas from Coast Campground is quick and convenient. One camper notes, "The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around," while another mentions it's "a 2 min walk to beach, with amazing views of the cliffs and seashore."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning provides the best opportunities for safe wildlife spotting. At Coast Campground, campers appreciate that "Wildlife encounters are common in the area," though as one visitor observed, you should "expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night."
What campers like
Creek access: Lagunitas Creek runs through Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground and offers cooling relief during summer visits. Campers recommend "sites in the high teens (18 & 19), as they seem a bit larger and are right along the creek," according to Joseph F.
Protected camping areas: Campers appreciate the natural wind barriers at some pet-friendly locations. At Coast Camp, "sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind," explains Michael I.
Stargazing opportunities: The north bay area offers exceptional night sky viewing. One camper at Coast Camp noted that "the sky at night as ideally suited for star gazing since the north bay doesn't get as much fog as the general SF bay area and the city lights don't pollute the night sky too bad!"
What you should know
Weather variations: Coastal fog and wind patterns affect campgrounds differently. At Bodega Dunes Campground, "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C.
Site selection impacts privacy: Campground layouts vary significantly, even within the same facility. At Coast Camp, "Sites 8-13 are in the wide open right along the Coast Trail. They are protected from the wind and ocean by a nice hill, but there is no privacy from the trail or between campsites," notes Michael I.
Road noise considerations: Some campsites are affected by nearby roads. Samuel P. Taylor sites can experience "vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping)," according to Tai W.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Pantoll Campground offers ideal access to multiple trails suitable for different ages and abilities. One camper explains the convenience: "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."
Site selection for kids: When camping with children, consider the terrain and proximity to amenities. At Samuel P. Taylor, "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," shares Susie B.
Wildlife safety: Teach children about wildlife awareness and food storage. Joseph F. notes at Samuel P. Taylor that "There is firewood generally available with the camp host or at the gate" but also warns that there's "lots of poison oak in the unmaintained areas and off the trails, so be aware."
Tips from RVers
RV-friendly options: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers full hookups and pet-friendly amenities close to Inverness. One RVer mentioned, "Paid a premium price for a Saturday one nighter, but it certainly is a great VIP campsite. The host says they will come around in the morning and empty our tanks! No need to hook up our sewer hose!"
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for varied terrain at coastal campgrounds. At Bodega Dunes Campground, "the sites are generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs," according to Shari G.
Cell service and connectivity: Working remotely is possible at some campgrounds. At Samuel P. Taylor, Joseph F. notes "Good cell signal with Verizon" though "Because of the amazing redwood canopy, it might be hard to get good sun for solar in most of the sites."
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