Best Tent Camping near Mill Valley, CA
Tent campers seeking sites near Mill Valley, California can choose from several established options within Mount Tamalpais State Park, including Pantoll Campground, Bootjack Campground, and Steep Ravine Environmental Campground. These tent-only sites are positioned along scenic ridgelines and forested areas just minutes from town, offering proximity to the Pacific Ocean views and redwood forests. Point Reyes National Seashore, located a short distance north, provides additional tent camping opportunities at Wildcat Camp, Glen Camp, and Sky Camp.
Most tent campgrounds in the Mill Valley area require walk-in access from parking areas, with sites positioned anywhere from 50 feet to a quarter-mile from where vehicles are left. Campers should be prepared to carry all gear to their site. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with Mount Tamalpais State Park sites typically allowing fires in designated pits except during high fire danger periods. Flush toilets are available at Pantoll and Bootjack campgrounds, while many sites have food storage lockers to protect supplies from raccoons and other wildlife. Most tent sites cost between $25-$35 per night, with some locations available by reservation and others operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tent camping areas throughout Mount Tamalpais provide convenient access to extensive trail networks, including paths leading directly to Muir Woods and Stinson Beach. The region's microclimates mean fog often rolls through campsites in mornings and evenings, especially during summer months. Sites positioned higher on slopes typically offer more sun exposure and better views but experience stronger winds. A review mentioned that "Bootjack is a tent only, walk-in campground with beautiful historic stone grills, and many sites are next to the creek." While road noise can be noticeable at Pantoll Campground, sites further from the parking area provide greater seclusion. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "sites up the hill require a bit of a hike-in but are farther from the road noise and busy parking lot."
