Tent campsites near Marshall, California offer opportunities to experience the diverse microclimates of Point Reyes National Seashore, where morning fog and afternoon winds are common features of the coastal environment. Temperatures vary significantly between inland and coastal sites, with morning fog often burning off by mid-day at higher elevation campsites while coastal sites remain cooler throughout the day. Winter camping brings increased rainfall with December and January averaging 5-7 inches of precipitation monthly.
What to do
Explore tidepools and marine life: At Coast Campground, a short 1.8-mile hike brings you to sandy beaches perfect for wildlife watching. "The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around. Hardly any bugs and thankfully wasn't windy when we went," notes one camper who visited in late February.
Hike to Alamere Falls: The waterfall is accessible via a beach walk from Wildcat Campground, making early morning visits possible before day hikers arrive. "Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night," explains one visitor about the waterfall-adjacent camping experience.
Paddle across Tomales Bay: Overnight kayaking trips to Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping provide a unique perspective of the coastline. "This was the perfect three day weekend. We took Kayak's across the bay and camped on Marshall Beach. The stars are beautiful and it was such a great experience beach camping," shares a camper who combined paddling with camping.
What campers like
Protection from coastal winds: Sky Campground sites offer shelter during windy conditions while maintaining ocean views. "I stayed at site #12 and felt that it and #11 were the best ones there because they are surrounded by lush vegetation and have trees that provide shade and protection against the wind," recommends a camper who appreciated the natural windbreaks.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights at higher elevation sites provide excellent astronomy viewing with minimal light pollution. "The only sounds I heard as I fell asleep were distant, crashing waves and calm winds rushing through the trees," mentions a Sky Camp visitor describing the nighttime experience.
Bioluminescent water experiences: Paddling in Tomales Bay on moonless nights reveals glowing plankton. One kayaker advises, "Hope for no full moon because running your hands through that water at night with no light is a trip!!! Also you can get a free beach fire permit even in the summer!!!"
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Most tent campsites near Marshall require advance planning. For Steep Ravine Campground, "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 when I reserved."
Wildlife management: Small rodents frequently enter camps seeking food. "Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," advises a Wildcat Camp visitor who encountered persistent field mice.
Water conditions: Campgrounds may have temporary water quality notices. At Glen Camp, "When we visited, there was a notice that tap water had to be filtered" despite the campground having potable water sources.
Tips for camping with families
First backpacking trip: Glen Camp offers an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. "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," shares a family who tested their gear at this location.
Protected beach areas: Pantoll Campground provides access to beaches with calmer waters for children. "From Pantoll you have very easy access to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, easy access Stinson Beach and the coast, plus you can even skip the long lines and shuttles to get into Muir Woods."
Group sites for reunions: Some campgrounds offer designated group areas. "This site has a fully covered dining area, fully plumbed sinks and bathrooms, and a plethora of hiking options in the Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpais," notes a visitor who held a gathering at Alice Eastwood Group Camp.
Tips from RVers
Smaller trailers only: Most tent campsites near Marshall don't accommodate large RVs, though some accept pop-up trailers. At Schoolhouse Canyon Campground, "It is primarily designed for tent camping, but I did see several pop-up trailers" according to a visitor who noted the limited RV facilities.
Private river access: Campgrounds near the Russian River offer alternatives to coastal camping with swimming opportunities. "The Russian River is conveniently across the street, and the gravel beach area is great for little waders... River shoes are a must though," advises a camper who enjoyed the water access at Schoolhouse Canyon.
Quiet requirements: Some campgrounds enforce strict noise policies. "Just a heads up, it's a quiet campsite. Radios aren't allowed, so if you are looking to party late into the night this isn't the spot for you," explains a camper noting Schoolhouse Canyon's atmosphere rules.
