Point Reyes National Seashore and Mount Tamalpais State Park form the backbone of tent camping options near Lagunitas, California. This coastal region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,500 feet, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions. Winter temperatures can drop to the 40s overnight while summer daytime temperatures typically reach the 60s and 70s with persistent coastal fog.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: Campers at Coast Campground can visit nearby tide pools. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," notes MarinMaverick.
Star gazing opportunities: The night skies provide excellent viewing at several campgrounds. At Steep Ravine Campground, one camper reported, "No artificial light. No road noise," making it ideal for astronomical observation.
Hiking varied terrain: The region offers trails through diverse ecosystems. "The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," writes Michaela C. about the trail to Wildcat Camp.
Beach fire permits: At several coastal sites, beach fires are allowed with proper permits. At Coast Camp, a reviewer mentioned you can "have fun making a fire on the beach at night," though they cautioned "it's pretty windy, so be prepared."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Wildcat Campground, Taylor A. appreciated that "the tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites," which helps create a sense of seclusion despite the campground's popularity.
Early morning access: Camping near popular attractions provides early access before day hikers arrive. "After setting up our camp we aimed to do a short hike up to the top of Mt. Wittenberg, 'the highest point in Pt. Reyes,'" reported one camper at Sky Camp.
Convenient water sources: Multiple campgrounds feature potable water. "Nice to have a water spigot on-site. Vault toilets with paper towel, no soap," noted a Wildcat Campground visitor, highlighting the practical amenities.
Protection from elements: Sites with natural windbreaks are highly valued. At Sky Campground, Kim C. found that sites #11 and #12 were "surrounded by lush vegetation and have trees that provide shade and protection against the wind."
What you should know
Mouse issues: Rodents can be problematic at some sites. At Steep Ravine, a camper warned: "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."
Seasonal wildlife: Different times of year bring different wildlife encounters. According to MarinMaverick, "The raccoons are everywhere at night! They can unzip coolers those little zippable coolers. They can pretty much open anything with their little human-like hands."
Fog and wind conditions: Coastal camping means dealing with marine weather patterns. At Pantoll Campground, a recent camper warned: "Currently no fires or stoves allowed so it's rough without any source of warmth. The wind chill is real at night!"
Reservation difficulties: Many sites require booking well in advance. For Steep Ravine cabins, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Easier hike-in options: For families new to backcountry camping, select sites with shorter approaches. At Glen Campground, one parent mentioned: "This was our first backpacking trip and we mostly wanted to test our gear. This was perfect for that. 5-mile hike in with some uphill in the last 1.5 miles that was challenging but not too hard."
Kid-friendly beaches: Protected beaches work best for children. "Great beach for kids as there is sand bar so there is shallow area that warms the water for them to play," says MarinMaverick about Heart's Desire Beach near Tomales Bay.
Educational opportunities: The area provides natural learning experiences. At Alice Eastwood group camp, families can easily access "Miwok village" which is "lovely for kids," according to one reviewer familiar with the cultural sites in the region.
Site selection for privacy: When tent camping with children at Lagunitas area campgrounds, site selection matters. At Glen Camp, "Site 3 was relatively private, shady in the morning and evening. Site 2 was very pretty but shady. Site 10 is exposed to everyone with no privacy."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle access limitations: Nearly all camping near Lagunitas is tent-only, with difficult road access. At Bootjack Campground, Michael W. advises: "Just be ready for a winding drive with some sharp turns and sheer cliffs."
Carry-in camping reality: Many sites require carrying gear some distance. Rylee at Bootjack noted: "We originally arrived at bootjack thinking we could drive directly to our campsite and car camp... unfortunately you cannot."
Parking challenges: Parking can be limited at trailheads. 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)."
