Mount Tamalpais State Park elevates to 2,571 feet above sea level, creating diverse microclimates for campers exploring near Muir Woods. The coastal influence creates a temperature gradient from the ridge campgrounds to lower elevation sites with temperatures varying by 10-15°F between locations. Camping options near Muir Woods National Monument range from backcountry sites to developed campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements.
What to do
Hike to Alamere Falls: From Wildcat Campground, take a 2-mile round trip beach walk to see the waterfall. "Just a short beach-walk away... There are some nice day hike options out of Wildcat Camp if you're lucky enough to spend a couple of days there," notes a camper who recommends heading "south on Coast Trail past Wildcat, Ocean, Pelican, and Bass Lakes."
Explore the historic batteries: When staying near Sausalito, visit the old military installations. A camper at Kirby Cove Campground mentions, "Battery Kirby is right there at the campground and interesting to explore. Active from 1898 to 1934 the battery is quite interesting to walk through, despite the vandals that have clearly spent a lot of time there."
Take the ferry to San Francisco: Several campgrounds offer easy access to ferry service. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco. We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Direct trail access to Muir Woods: Camping on Mount Tamalpais provides back-door access to the redwoods. A visitor to Pantoll Campground explains, "I can't think of a better place to camp on or near Mt. Tamalpais than Pantoll in terms of the access to trails and the various parks in the area. 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."
Ocean views and beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer coastal views. At Steep Ravine Campground, one camper describes, "For that, you get your own seaside cabin with million dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sleeping platforms for about 6 people split among 3 semi-private rooms. Flush toilets at the parking lot and an honor system for buying firewood bundles with kindling."
Solitude after ferry departures: Some sites become secluded after day visitors leave. A camper at Angel Island State Park notes, "The upside of being patient with how far out you make your reservation is that once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome."
What you should know
Wildlife interactions: Raccoons are exceptionally active at many sites. A camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground reports, "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue." Another camper at Kirby Cove warns, "I've been camping my whole life and NEVER have I seen raccoons so persistent. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone. From like 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm they will stalk your site looking for ANY unsecured food."
Extreme reservation competition: Booking windows open months in advance for popular sites. "This is the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)?! So the cabins are not only notoriously difficult to reserve -- 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."
Fog horn noise: Coastal sites experience recurring fog horn sounds. At Bicentennial Campground, a camper warns, "Be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly visitor etiquette: First-time campers frequently visit Samuel P. Taylor State Park. One experienced camper suggests: "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... More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here, because peer pressure and good community is the only thing that works."
Playground and activities: Olema Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "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," writes one camper. Another mentions "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard."
Weather preparation: Temperatures can change dramatically. "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a visitor. Another camper notes, "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down."
Tips from RVers
Ferry access for city exploration: Keep your RV parked and use public transportation. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," shares one RV camper at Marin RV Park.
Site space constraints: Many RV sites are compact. "Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level," explains one RVer. Another notes, "Like mentioned in the other reviews, the spots are narrow. The ground is made up of small rocks, but is perfectly level."
Proximity to amenities: Several RV sites provide convenient access to necessities. "There's also a grocery store and a gas station right around the corner, which is convenient," notes a visitor. Another mentions that "Trader Joe's and Chevron [are] a few blocks away."
