The west Marin region surrounding Marshall sits along Tomales Bay at approximately 50 feet above sea level, characterized by coastal fog patterns and moderate temperatures ranging from 45-75°F throughout the year. Unlike inland areas, summer evenings here often drop below 50°F, requiring campers to pack additional warm layers even for July and August trips. Wind conditions can change rapidly along this stretch of coastline, particularly during afternoon hours.
What to do
Hiking at Point Reyes: Access trails at varying difficulty levels within Coast Campground, where a 1.8-mile hike from the trailhead leads to stunning coastal views. "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," notes a Coast Campground visitor who appreciated the accessibility.
Kayaking on Tomales Bay: Rent equipment in Marshall or launch your own from Miller Boat Launch ($5 overnight parking). "The pristine shores of the Western beaches of Tomales Bay await you. Primitive sites are unmarked, first come first serve, and accessible only by boating in. If you plan it right, you may catch a bioluminescence show in the water once the sun sets," shares a Coast Campground visitor.
Beach fire experiences: Collect driftwood along Point Reyes shoreline for evening fires with required permits. "Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last. Wonderful campsite though, can't beat our view and sounds of the ocean," explains one camper who visited Coast Camp in February.
Horseback riding: Book sessions at Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for guided trail experiences through coastal meadows. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," says an Olema Campground visitor who discovered this activity during their stay.
What campers like
Privacy options: Sites with varying seclusion levels accommodate different preferences. "Sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind," notes a detailed review of Coast Camp.
Non-traditional accommodations: Yurt camping near Marshall, California offers solid shelter with rustic charm. "Sites include a fire pit, a picnic table and a lockable pantry," explains a Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground visitor describing the available amenities.
Year-round accessibility: Marshall area camping remains open throughout winter months, though with different considerations. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," advises a seasoned Coast Camp visitor who recommends the more sheltered sites (13 and 14) for protection from coastal elements.
Proximity to amenities: Many campgrounds offer convenient access to necessities. "The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," explains an Olema Campground regular who returns annually with grandchildren.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for various animal interactions ranging from beneficial to challenging. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," notes a San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA camper who encountered multiple species during their stay.
Moisture management: Coastal fog creates persistent dampness, requiring waterproofing for gear. "Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs. Unique and wonderful place to camp... Wear layers of clothing," advises a Steep Ravine Campground visitor highlighting the coastal challenges.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, some up to 6 months ahead. "Extremely hard to get a reservation... Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," notes a Steep Ravine camper about the competitive booking process.
Water sources: Availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "There is some great hiking and lots of wineries nearby... In terms of cell service, I had pretty good range," reports a Samuel P. Taylor visitor who found the infrastructure suitable for balancing outdoor experiences with connectivity needs.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Introduce children to camping with accessible sites. "For families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying," explains a Samuel P. Taylor State Park camper.
Kid-specific activities: Seek campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "A nice KOA close to Petaluma with great facilities... This KOA also offered all sorts of amenities for families including a small petting zoo, a pool, playground areas, and more," shares a San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA visitor describing the family-oriented features.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs enhancing children's experiences. "There's great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events throughout the summer (docent led hikes for example). The volunteers who run the place do a fantastic job with everything, from keeping the site clean, to providing tons of info for budding naturalists," explains a Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on rig size and privacy needs. "RV/van spots are arranged in cul de sacs, tent spots on the edges of fields... somewhat noisy - kids, dogs, radios - but settled down by 9," notes an Olema Campground visitor describing the layout and social dynamics.
Utilities availability: Expect varied hookup options between campgrounds. "Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale," explains another Olema Campground reviewer detailing the comprehensive services.
Parking considerations: Some sites present maneuvering challenges for larger vehicles. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns a Samuel P. Taylor visitor about the spatial limitations.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature fluctuations. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a visitor who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor while exploring the diverse microclimates of Marshall's surrounding areas.
