Best Campgrounds near Mill Valley, CA

Several good camping spots surround Mill Valley within a short drive. Taylor State Park Campground has sites set far enough apart for privacy and connects to hiking trails throughout the park. Many campers head to Bodega Dunes Campground for its beach access and large campsites. The tall trees at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park keep camping areas shaded and cool during warmer months. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground stands out because you can visit their observatory for night sky viewing. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather in this area. You'll need to book early for summer visits as sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds include basic picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Bathroom quality varies between parks - some have full showers while others have simpler facilities. Some sites feel more private than others depending on vegetation and spacing. Pack warm clothes for nights since temperatures drop significantly, particularly at higher elevations. Competition for weekend spots can be fierce, so plan ahead. Many parks now use online reservation systems which makes booking easier. Try camping Monday through Thursday if you want to avoid crowds. The Mill Valley area has camping that works well for quiet trips or more active outdoor adventures. Bring your own water and firewood to some sites where these aren't provided. The natural setting around Mill Valley makes camping here worth the effort.

Best Camping Sites Near Mill Valley, California (128)

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    13 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    2. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."

    "1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."

    3. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."

    "If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"

    4. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    14 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais.  You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground.  "

    "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."

    5. H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound

    11 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    6 miles
    Website

    "I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."

    "Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."

    6. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."

    "Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."

    7. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 435-5390

    $30 / night

    "Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island!"

    "Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

    We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site. "

    8. Olema Campground

    23 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8106

    "Nice place to eat within walking distance but make reservations on a weekend. WiFi. Showers. Spots are close together but the drive here is amazing. Openings on a Saturday night."

    "Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore.  One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow.  Very loud."

    9. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    14 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "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. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."

    "I used to live in the area and wish I had spent more time camping in and around the Point Reyes National Seashore."

    10. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $25 / night

    "All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"

    "It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"

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Showing results 1-10 of 128 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mill Valley, CA

811 Reviews of 128 Mill Valley Campgrounds



Guide to Mill Valley

Camping near Mill Valley, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," highlighting the beauty of the Pioneer Tree Trail.
  • Beach Activities: Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground for beachcombing and sunbathing. A camper shared, "Campsites are right by the beach... wonderful trail along the beach line."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Lawson's Landing, you can spot wild turkeys and enjoy the serene environment. One visitor noted, "Quite, grassy site on the dunes. Cool and beautiful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Bodega Dunes Campground. A review states, "Beautiful sunsets just a short walk away in the dunes."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Restrooms are clean. Showers are clean and tidy and warm."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the quiet and peaceful environment at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A reviewer said, "Beautifully maintained campgrounds. Lots of trees for shade from the sun/rain."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. A visitor warned, "Porta pottys were very dirty and TP less."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One camper shared a story about dealing with "cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans."
  • Poison Oak: At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, poison oak is prevalent. A camper advised, "It's full of poison oak!!!! But you can get around it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA. One review highlighted, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children, such as petting zoos, jumping pillows, climbing walls, and pools."
  • Space for Tents: Choose sites that offer enough space for tents. A camper at Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park noted, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds, like Bodega Dunes Campground, lack markets nearby. One camper mentioned, "The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need in terms of restaurants or grocery stores."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "The pool was great during the oven-like temperatures."
  • Space for RVs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs, like Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. One camper said, "Most sites being under tree canopies, with a large meadow in the center."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station available. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "The dump station was in good working order."

Camping near Mill Valley, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families, solo travelers, and RV enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mill Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mill Valley, CA is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 51 reviews.

What parks are near Mill Valley, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Mill Valley, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.