Campsites near Nicasio, California sit within the rolling hills of Marin County at elevations ranging from sea level to about 1,500 feet. The area experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry summers, though overnight temperatures typically drop to the 40s even in summer months. Coastal fog often blankets western campsites in mornings before burning off by midday, creating distinct microclimates within just a few miles.
What to do
Horseback riding opportunities: Several trails near Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground accommodate equestrian use. "Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station" are nearby attractions according to one visitor.
Hiking to Alamere Falls: From Wildcat Campground, access the unique waterfall that flows directly onto the beach. "The hike to reach the campground is stunning. The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," notes one hiker who completed the trail.
Stargazing sessions: Clear coastal nights offer excellent viewing conditions. "We saw lots of wildlife and the stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky," reported a camper at Glen Campground, highlighting the area's low light pollution compared to nearby urban areas.
What campers like
Well-defined campsites: Many campers appreciate sites that provide good separation. "Site 7 is a bit protected by trees and is the closest to the beach so would be my choice in the future," mentioned a visitor to Coast Campground, noting the layout benefits of specific locations.
Microclimate variety: The region offers diverse weather experiences within short distances. "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," explains a camper at Samuel P. Taylor, highlighting how temperatures can vary dramatically from day to night.
Wildlife encounters: Natural animal sightings enhance camping experiences. "I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day," shared an enthusiastic visitor to Steep Ravine Campground, documenting the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Campsite reservations: Most sites require advance planning, particularly for weekends. At Sky Campground, "These sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience. The hike in was somewhat lengthy but the views make it seem far less daunting," according to one visitor who successfully secured a reservation.
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a camper who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. "Beautiful campground but close to the road... if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper," reports one visitor about Samuel P. Taylor, providing context about potential nighttime disturbances.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For first family backpacking trips, select accessible destinations. "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," shared a family who stayed at Glen Campground.
Kid-friendly amenities: Seek campgrounds with facilities for children. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, families find "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that," according to a candid review from a repeat visitor.
Food storage awareness: Wildlife interactions require proper precautions. "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," warns one experienced camper, highlighting specific local wildlife challenges.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many coastal campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," notes a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, warning about access limitations.
Hook-up availability: Utilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Olema Campground, RVers appreciate that "We stayed in an RV Bay with Power Hookup. Clean toilets and bathrooms. The showers were hot and had decent water pressure," according to a recent visitor who found the facilities adequate for their needs.
Site selection advice: Choose locations based on specific RV needs. "Tested the water-Water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high," reported an RVer at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, suggesting bringing water filtration equipment when camping in this region.
