Best Campgrounds near Marshall, CA
Marshall, California anchors a coastline camping region along Tomales Bay that includes established campgrounds and boat-in sites. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, located inland near Lagunitas, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, and showers. Lawson's Landing at Dillon Beach offers waterfront camping with electric hookups and fishing access. For those seeking a more remote experience, Point Reyes National Seashore maintains several campgrounds including Coast Camp, Sky Camp, and Wildcat Camp, which primarily cater to tent campers and require hiking or boating to access.
The coastal camping environment experiences significant fog and wind patterns throughout the year, particularly in summer afternoons. Many campgrounds require advance reservations through recreation.gov or state park systems, with Point Reyes sites often booking months ahead. Kayak-accessible sites along Tomales Bay require special permits from the National Park Service. Cell service varies widely, with better coverage near towns and limited connectivity in more remote areas. "The wind fights you to the campsite in the afternoon. Seriously. Noon hits and you are in a wave battle for the 5 miles it takes to get there," one camper noted about the boat-in sites along Tomales Bay.
Campers consistently highlight the unique water-based experiences in the area, particularly the bioluminescent waters of Tomales Bay at night. Boat-in camping on the bay's eastern shore provides rare solitude within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Several campgrounds offer beach access, though reaching the water often requires crossing dunes or hiking trails. While some sites like Olema Campground provide cabin options with modern amenities, others are deliberately primitive to preserve the natural character of the region. "There are resident spotted owls to seek out," mentioned one visitor to Tomales Bay. Fishing and crabbing opportunities draw many to Lawson's Landing, though several reviewers note the proximity of sites to each other can impact the experience during busy periods.
