Tent campsites near Kentfield, California feature diverse terrain from coastal bluffs to forested valleys, with elevations ranging from sea level to 2,571 feet at Mount Tamalpais. Summer fog commonly rolls in during late afternoon, especially at coastal sites, while inland locations can be 10-15 degrees warmer. Most campgrounds prohibit wood collection, requiring campers to purchase firewood or bring charcoal for designated grills.
What to do
Beach exploration: 2-mile walk from Wildcat Camp to Alamere Falls, where water cascades directly onto the beach. According to one camper, "If you head in the opposite direction of the Falls, you'll have miles and miles of no one around…" The beach access provides a perfect escape from crowded trails.
Hiking at Mount Tam: Multiple trail networks connect Bootjack Campground to Pantoll Ranger Station (0.4 miles away) and numerous hiking options. A visitor notes, "Pantoll Ranger Station is only .4 miles away and there are endless hiking opportunities from there."
Historical exploration: Visit immigration sites on Angel Island State Park, accessible by ferry from Tiburon. "There is ample room here and there is direct access to the water. It is on Racoon Straits side of the Island... You can hike throughout the island with great bay views and bridge views on all sides. Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites," reports one camper.
Stargazing: Best at remote inland sites away from coastal fog. Glen Campground offers exceptional night skies: "We saw lots of wildlife and the stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate sites with natural separation. At Glen Campground, "Most individual sites are well-screened by shrubs and trees... Site 8 was a little bit secluded and away from other sites."
Stone fire grills: The historic stone grills at some Mount Tamalpais sites are highly rated. According to a review, "Many of the sites feature beautiful historic stone grills. Some of the sites are two levels. Many are next to the creek."
City and bridge views: The ridge sites at Steep Ravine Campground offer exceptional scenery. "The three 'Ridge' sites giving campers views that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge with the city and Alcatraz in between!"
Unique accommodations: Steep Ravine cabins offer a distinct experience. "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."
What you should know
Parking challenges: Several campgrounds have limited parking that fills quickly. At Pantoll Campground, "If you choose to drive, just know that it can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends (you'll need to drop your stuff off, find a place to park along the road, then come back to park in the evening when the parking lot clears)."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme between day and night. "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go."
Reservation systems: Many sites require advance planning. At Steep Ravine, "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time when I reserved."
Wildlife precautions: Pests can be problematic at certain sites. "Mice. There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them... In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For families new to backpacking, try Sky Campground with its shorter access trail. "It's only a 1.5 mile hike in from the parking lots so it's great for beginners or kids."
Group camping options: Family reunions work well at designated group sites. At Alice Eastwood Group Camp, "There are two group spots. 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."
Water activities: Some beach-adjacent sites offer swimming opportunities. "Bass lake off to the left is a great swimming hole. Nice lunch stop," reports a visitor to the Palomarin area near Wildcat Camp.
Best season: Consider spring visits for wildflowers and greener landscapes. "I'd maybe try coming in spring (May) as the wildflowers in the area are amazing!!"
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Most camping near Kentfield is designed for tent camping with no RV hookups. At Bicentennial Campground, "3 sites, very close to each other/nothing separating them. Sites were clean... Short hike down service road from car to sites (~200')."
Alternative camping styles: Consider boat-in camping as an alternative to traditional RV camping. "Tomales Bay is a boat in only campground on Indian Beach, a unique experience if you have access to a boat."
Campground size: Many campgrounds have limited sites. At Haypress Campground, "These are limited (5) hike in tent sites. Not far in - less than a mile. You are on your own here. Bring your own water. No fires."
