Best Campgrounds near Lagunitas, CA
Camping options in the Marin County area surrounding Lagunitas include several established campgrounds in redwood forests and coastal settings. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers sites nestled among tall redwoods along Lagunitas Creek, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Nearby Point Reyes National Seashore features multiple campgrounds including Wildcat, Sky, Glen and Coast, primarily serving tent campers with hike-in or walk-in access. Mount Tamalpais State Park, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Lagunitas, provides additional camping at Steep Ravine and Pantoll campgrounds, with Steep Ravine offering both tent sites and rustic cabins.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations well in advance, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Samuel P. Taylor sites are typically booked 6-9 months ahead for peak season weekends. Winter camping offers more availability but comes with cooler temperatures and increased chance of rain. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and restrooms with flush toilets, though shower availability varies. RV hookup options are limited, with Olema Campground and Marin RV Park offering the most comprehensive services for larger vehicles. As one camper noted, "Samuel P Taylor camp ground is a great spot. The facilities are extremely nice and well kept. During the summer months it is extremely busy though."
Redwood forest settings provide the most distinctive camping experiences in the Lagunitas area, with sites shaded by towering trees creating a cool, peaceful atmosphere. Several visitors highlight the unique character of camping beneath the redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor, with one noting "I loved how the campsites are all nestled in the huge cypress trees." Wildlife encounters are common, with multiple reviews mentioning raccoons and birds that can be quite bold around food. Proximity to both forest recreation and coastal access makes the area appealing for varied outdoor activities. The campgrounds provide good access to hiking trails, with some offering direct trail connections. While most sites are family-friendly and relatively quiet, some campers mention road noise at Samuel P. Taylor from nearby Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and note that sites can feel close together during busy periods.
