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Best Campgrounds near Muir Beach, CA

804 Reviews

Campgrounds near Muir Beach, California range from scenic state park facilities to coastal environmental campsites with dramatic ocean views. Mount Tamalpais State Park hosts several notable camping areas, including Steep Ravine Campground with its coveted cabins and environmental tent sites perched on coastal bluffs. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provides developed options for tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals approximately 15 miles north of Muir Beach. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area manages several mixed-use campgrounds in the vicinity, including walk-in tent sites at sites like Haypress Campground and Bicentennial Campground within the Marin Headlands.

Reservations are essential for most camping areas, with sites at Steep Ravine being notoriously difficult to secure. The reservation window opens six months in advance, and popular locations fill within minutes of availability. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like picnic tables, vault toilets, and food storage lockers, though water availability varies significantly between sites. Coastal campgrounds experience frequent fog, wind, and temperature fluctuations regardless of season. Morning fog and afternoon winds are common, particularly during summer months along the immediate coastline. A visitor noted, "Mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season. Pack in the water you need."

Campers consistently highlight the dramatic coastal views and relative seclusion as primary draws despite proximity to San Francisco. Tent sites at Steep Ravine receive particular praise for their oceanfront setting and spacing between sites. Several reviews mention wildlife encounters, including seals visible from campsites, owls in nearby trees, and raccoons that will readily raid improperly stored food. Walk-in campgrounds like Haypress offer surprising seclusion for being so close to urban areas. A camper described it as "very quiet and peaceful. The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light. No road noise." Hike-in tent sites at Mount Tamalpais provide access to extensive trail networks, while the few available cabins offer rustic shelter with wood-burning stoves during cooler months.

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Best Camping Sites Near Muir Beach, California (112)

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    53 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
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

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

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

    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

    15 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
    6 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. Olema Campground

    24 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    17 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."

    8. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park

    9 Reviews
    Tiburon, CA
    9 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. "

    9. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    14 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    13 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
    4 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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Recent Camping Photos near Muir Beach, CA

210 Photos of 112 Muir Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Muir Beach, CA

804 Reviews of 112 Muir Beach Campgrounds

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Doran Regional Park

    Doran Jetty Campground

    Cool spot. We stayed in a site on the Jetty. Only this I wish was a little better were the showers… they were in the bathroom even though they have a separate door and are coin operated

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Loved Bodega Dunes

    We spent two nights at Bodega Dunes in the middle of September. The campground was clean with sites that were easy to back into. The sites were separated by trees and shrubbery, give the feeling of a more privacy. We were in site 60 and thought it was very nice.

    The folks manning the checkin hut were friendly and helpful. We had a grand time exploring Bodega Bay and enjoying the seafood available. This is the second campground we’ve visited in Bodega Bay and enjoyed the more private campsite found here.

    We’ll definitely go back!

  • Sary W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    San Francisco RV Resort

    Close to City

    We stayed here as we had baseball game tickets in SF during our RV trip. Close to city and in a safe area. Liked sleeping to the sounds of crashing waves and was able to use full hookups.

    Bathrooms were pretty dirty - not as pictured. Although I liked that the showers locked. Rec area was very run down. Laundry has mobile payment and was clean and accessible.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Pantoll

    Very nice small campground on Mt Tam. All sites are a small walk up on a hill kind of steep. Ranger station at parking lot that sells firewood. Water faucets, bathrooms. No showers. Bear lockers.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    Very quite/ beautiful sites

    We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.

  • Leafe Z.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Johnson's Beach

    Perfext location for river

    Russian River is right out front of the campground. They offer kayaks canoes, and whatever else you want to rent however, if you have a dog, they don’t allow the dog on the beach or in the boat with you and they’re not allowed to stay behind in the tent, so you’re kind of stuck if you have a dog

  • yThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    Great area, safe, kid friendly

    I planned to stay here just one night and stayed like 4. Great spot, I loved downtown Petaluma and enjoyed the safe feeling and convenience of this location. Great amenities for children too.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground

    Feels much more remote than it is

    Great campsite, awesome staff. Tucked away off highway 12 in wine country it feels much more remote than it actually is. It's a great fast getaway from the northbay, but it can be hard to reserve a site ahead of time but they do have first-come first serve sites too. Excellent hiking with both fairly flat trails, to challenging trails with lots of elevation change. It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks. This is one of my favorite camping spots.

Guide to Muir Beach

Camping near Muir Beach, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're a family looking for a fun getaway or an RV enthusiast seeking a peaceful spot, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. Many campers rave about the breathtaking views. One reviewer from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground said, "Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully."
  • Beach Activities: Spend time at the beach for swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing. A visitor at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground mentioned, "The campsites are right by the beach. Campsite 38 has an extraordinary view of the beach."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Anthony Chabot Regional Park enjoyed spotting wild turkeys during their stay, saying, "They were beautiful birds with big eyes spotting tiny bits of crumbs."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. One camper at Kirby Cove Campground shared, "The views of the Golden Gate and the city are breathtaking."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the sites. A review from Steep Ravine Campground noted, "It is the quintessential California coastal campsite."
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA are great for families, with activities like petting zoos and jumping pillows. One parent said, "The pool was great during the oven-like temperatures, and the staff was very kind."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities. A visitor at Lawson's Landing pointed out, "Porta potties were very dirty and TP less."
  • Crowded During Holidays: Expect busier campgrounds during holiday weekends. A camper at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "It was busy and expensive, but great for kids."
  • Weather Variability: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Mount Diablo State Park noted, "The weather was very mild during the day; not too hot, nor too cold."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Extra Supplies: Make sure to pack enough food and water, especially since some campgrounds lack stores. A camper at Olema Campground said, "Showers are great. Includes a small shop for goodies."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One family at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA enjoyed the playground and jumping pillow, stating, "Great playground, jumping pillow, petting farm, and mining fun."
  • Plan Activities: Keep kids engaged with planned activities. A reviewer at Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground suggested, "Riding your bike or walking along the path toward town for a well-earned brunch should definitely reach the top of your to-do list."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be smaller than expected. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground mentioned, "Not much space to pitch a larger size tent."
  • Bring a Lock for Food Storage: Wildlife can be a concern, so secure your food. A visitor at Kirby Cove Campground advised, "Make sure to bring enough water! The old military ruins were also cool to explore."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Respect your neighbors, especially in crowded campgrounds. A camper at Lawson's Landing noted, "Most people have RVs, so the generators start early."

Camping near Muir Beach, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Muir Beach?

Several excellent camping options exist within a short drive of Muir Beach. Olema Campground offers full-service sites with water and toilets, suitable for RVs and tents. For a more rustic experience, Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore provides hike-in sites with beach access. Other nearby options include Bicentennial Campground in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Angel Island State Park's campsites (accessible by ferry). Most coastal campsites in this region require reservations months in advance, particularly during summer and weekends.

Is H Dana Bower Rest Area suitable for overnight camping near Muir Beach?

No, H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound is not suitable for overnight camping. This is a highway rest area primarily intended for brief stops and does not permit overnight camping or parking. For legitimate overnight options near Muir Beach, consider Anthony Chabot Regional Park which offers proper facilities including restrooms and designated campsites. Rest areas in California typically have strict time limits (usually 8 hours maximum) and explicitly prohibit camping, with regular enforcement by highway patrol.

Can you camp overnight at Muir Beach?

No, you cannot camp overnight directly at Muir Beach itself as it doesn't have designated camping facilities. However, nearby Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park and Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area offer coastal camping experiences. Steep Ravine features rustic cabins and walk-in tent sites with dramatic ocean views, while Kirby Cove provides drive-in and hike-in sites with Golden Gate Bridge views. Both require reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

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