Tent camping near Muir Woods offers access to both coastal and mountain environments, with elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,500 feet on Mount Tamalpais. Most campgrounds in the area experience summer fog patterns and strong coastal breezes, particularly at exposed sites along ridgelines. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-60°F while summer brings 60-75°F days with significant temperature drops at night.
What to do
Trail connections to Muir Woods: Bootjack Campground provides tent campers direct access to trails leading to Muir Woods without shuttle reservations. A camper noted, "Quick access to some solid trails, beautiful views, and close proximity to a park and San Francisco." Located approximately 2.5 miles from Muir Woods via connecting trails.
Beach hiking from campsites: From Wildcat Campground, tent campers can walk directly to Alamere Falls along the beach. "A very cool spot for backpacking in with 6-8 miles to hike in, depending on the trails you take. The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites," according to a recent visitor. Waterfall access is approximately 3.2 km (2 miles) round-trip from camp.
Urban escape options: Angel Island State Park tent sites provide unique city views while camping. A camper reported, "There's no better place to get views of the Bay! Angel Island is a unique backpacking experience, one I'd gladly do again." Sites require ferry transport from Tiburon and offer unobstructed Golden Gate Bridge visibility.
What campers like
Secluded coastal sites: Tent campers at Steep Ravine Campground appreciate the oceanfront positioning. One reviewer mentioned, "Lots of space between you and other campers. Wear layers of clothing. Can't beat the view!" Sites sit on ocean cliffs with spacing that creates more privacy than typical tent camping areas.
Wilderness camping close to SF: Haypress Campground provides a wilderness feel despite proximity to San Francisco. A camper explained, "These are limited (5) hike in tent sites. Not far in - less than a mile. You are on your own here. Bring your own water. No fires." Sites are approximately 0.75 mile from Tennessee Valley trailhead.
Tent sites with Mt. Tam trail networks: Tent campers value direct trail access from camp to explore Mount Tamalpais. "It is a great camping spot other than a frequented road being so close causing a lot of highway sounds. But the fire pits are wicked stone grills and would be a lot of fun to cook on," reported a Pantoll Campground visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Tent campsites at Sky Campground require advance planning. "Sites are all reservable on the reservecalifornia website and they are highly recommended due to the small number of sites available," notes a camper. Most popular sites book 3-6 months in advance.
Weather conditions: Coastal tent sites experience significant wind and fog. A camper at Angel Island warned, "Sunrise is completely exposed, and the Bay is notoriously cold, windy, and foggy; you'll want to bring enough stakes to guy out your tent as there isn't any wind protection from trees or boulders."
Water access: Several tent campgrounds require bringing your own water. At Haypress, a reviewer noted, "You are on your own here. Bring your own water. No fires." Bicentennial Campground also lacks on-site water sources, requiring tent campers to pack in their supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Best beginner backpacking: Glen Campground offers accessible tent sites for families new to backpacking. A camper shared, "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."
Walk-in tent sites for kids: Consider sites with minimal distance between parking and tent pads. At Bootjack Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The sites are very close to the parking lot (and the main road) so it was easy to haul everything up and back from the car."
Group camping options: Alice Eastwood Group Camp accommodates larger family gatherings with tent sites. A camper described, "It's also expensive so make sure you have a big group chipping in. There are two group spots. Group A holds 50 people. There is a kitchen area with a huge grill and a large canopy covering a dining area."
Tips from RVers
No RV access campsites: Most tent camping sites near Muir Woods prohibit RV access. Bicentennial Campground requires, "You have to park at the top of the hill and bring your stuff down which isn't very far." Sites are walk-in or hike-in only.
Alternative parking: Tent campers driving larger vehicles should plan parking strategies. At Pantoll Campground, "I don't recall if you get a dedicated parking space with a campsite or not, but parking can be a challenge here due to the popularity of the various trailheads, and the limited parking."
Supply planning: Without vehicle access at tent sites, strategic packing becomes essential. For Steep Ravine, a camper advised, "Bring candles and lanterns and some fabric for curtains for privacy." Most tent sites near Muir Woods require condensed gear planning.
