Camping sites near Lagunitas, California are nestled in the coastal hills of Marin County, with elevations ranging from sea level to around a thousand feet at Mount Tamalpais. The region experiences moderate temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F and winter lows typically above 40°F. Fog frequently rolls in during summer evenings, creating temperature drops that require campers to pack extra layers even for summer overnight stays.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, visitors can observe local fauna including raccoons, chipmunks, and various bird species. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," notes one visitor who stayed at the park.
Beach exploration: From Coast Campground, campers can access a secluded stretch of Point Reyes National Seashore within minutes. "The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around," shares a camper who enjoyed the relative solitude of the area in early March.
Horseback riding: Five Brooks Ranch in Olema offers trail rides near camping areas. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," suggests a camper who visited while staying at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Tidepooling: Low tides expose fascinating marine ecosystems. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," mentions a regular visitor to Coast Campground.
Hiking the Matt Davis to Steep Ravine loop: This trail offers ocean views and redwood groves. One hiker describes it as "a strenuous and well worth it" trek that provides "amazing overlooks of the ocean along with beautiful redwoods."
What campers like
Campground privacy: Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes offers sites with some natural separation. "The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites," notes a camper who appreciated the sense of seclusion despite being close to others.
Central location for regional exploration: Olema Campground provides convenient access to multiple destinations. "Great access to multiple beaches," reports one camper who found it ideal for exploring the region with family.
Night sky viewing: The distance from urban light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. "The stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky," reports a camper who stayed at Glen Camp.
Weather variation: Each camping area has its own microclimate. "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water... 2 min walk to beach, with amazing views of the cliffs and seashore," notes a visitor about Coast Campground.
Easy access to dining options: Some campgrounds offer nearby food options. "If you don't want to cook there are 2 restaurants next door," explains a visitor to Olema Campground, appreciating the convenience.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Sky Campground and other Point Reyes sites require advance planning. "Campsites are often booked solid (especially in high season), so réserve well ahead of time," advises a visitor who learned this lesson firsthand.
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds operate year-round but with varying conditions. "At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," reports a Coast Campground visitor who camped in late February.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "It has wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it... if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper," warns a regular visitor to Samuel P. Taylor.
First-time camper etiquette issues: Popular sites attract inexperienced campers. "However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life," cautions a Samuel P. Taylor camper who still rated the experience highly.
Terrain challenges: Some sites require physical effort to access. "The 6 mile hike to reach the campground is stunning. The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," describes a Wildcat Camp visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Pantoll Campground offers accessible facilities. "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," notes a camper who appreciated the convenience.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds have interpretive programs. "There are informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," shares a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Beach accessibility with children: Consider distance and terrain when selecting sites. "Fun baby backpacking trip with my husband. The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either," describes a parent who camped at Coast Campground.
Site selection for family privacy: Choose locations away from high traffic areas. "We chose to stay two nights and had a great time exploring the surrounding hiking trails - a personal favourite was Alamere Falls," shares a camper who visited Sky Campground with family.
Food storage precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," advises an experienced camper.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most Marin County campgrounds have restrictions. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor about the narrow roads and sites.
Hookup availability: Marin RV Park offers full services for larger vehicles. "For what this RV park is designed to be, it is done very well. It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco," explains a practical-minded RVer.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management needs. "The person in the office checking me in was not very friendly, but that might be situational. The location is really convenient given that the ferry and bus stops are within walking distance (10 min walk or 5 min drive)," notes an RVer who stayed at Marin RV Park.
Parking challenges: Some areas have limited space. "There's is also a grocery store and a gas station right around the corner, which is convenient," mentions a visitor who appreciated the practical amenities near Marin RV Park despite its tight spaces.
Water quality considerations: Water sources vary by location. "Tested the water - Water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high," reports an RV camper about water at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
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