Tent camping near Nicasio, California offers access to some of Northern California's most diverse coastal ecosystems within the Point Reyes National Seashore. Located in western Marin County at around 700 feet elevation, the area experiences coastal fog patterns with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during the day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Seasonal winds can reach 15-20 mph along ridge campsites, making proper tent staking essential during overnight backpacking trips.
What to do
Beach exploration: Coast Campground is just minutes from private beach access. "The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around. Hardly any bugs and thankfully wasn't windy when we went," shares Char A., who stayed at Coast Campground for two nights in February.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Springtime offers opportunities to spot raptors, seals, and migrating birds. "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," notes John B., who camped at Glen Camp.
Night sky photography: Clear nights at Sky Campground provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The only sounds I heard as I fell asleep were distant, crashing waves and calm winds rushing through the trees," shares Kim C., who recommends sites #11 and #12 for their views of the coastline.
Tidepooling: Low tides expose marine habitats along beaches near Wildcat Camp. One camper mentions, "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," explaining the appeal of coastal access from the campsites.
What campers like
Morning tranquility: Early risers appreciate morning hikes before day visitors arrive. "If you head in the opposite direction of the Falls, you'll have miles and miles of no one around," suggests Elliott B. from Wildcat Campground.
Site privacy: Campers frequently mention preferred sites for seclusion. "Site 8 was a little bit secluded and away from other sites. The site was smallish and had a fox box and picnic table," notes Taylor A. about their experience at Glen Campground.
Trail connectivity: The extensive network allows multi-day hiking itineraries between camps. "We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared. Enough room for a big group of us and the remote location was perfect," reports Madelyn G. about her stay at Wildcat Camp.
Variety of terrain: The landscape changes dramatically within short distances. "The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views," explains Michaela C. about her journey to Wildcat Camp.
What you should know
Water availability concerns: Check current conditions before your trip. "When we visited, there was a notice that tap water had to be filtered," reports John B. from Glen Campground.
Microclimate preparation: Weather can vary significantly between inland and coastal camps. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," advises MarinMaverick about Coast Camp conditions.
Wildlife precautions: Small animals are active around many campsites. "You might want to be on the lookout for small vermin running around the fields and looking to snag any food you've left out," warns one Wildcat Camp visitor.
Reservation windows: Most sites book up immediately when released. "This is the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)!" exclaims Adam about Steep Ravine Campground's popularity.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Glen Camp provides an accessible first backpacking experience. "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," explains Emily A. about her Haypress Campground experience.
Sheltered sites for windy conditions: Choose protected campsites when traveling with children. "Sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection from the wind," advises Michael I.
Bathroom proximity: For families with young children, consider campsite location relative to facilities. "The sites have space between them so you do feel alone. Typical sites with tables and food lockers as well as fire ring," notes MarinMaverick about Sky Camp.
Limited cell service: Prepare children for disconnection from devices. "You'll be able to bring quite a few portable chargers as they weigh less than 4 oz," suggests one camper who hiked into Wildcat Camp with electronics.
Tips for RVers
Alternative accommodations: Since most camping near Nicasio is tent-only, RVers might consider the cabins at Steep Ravine Campground. "There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light," explains Amber D.
Parking limitations: The few parking areas near trailheads fill quickly. "If you choose to drive, just know that it can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends (you'll need to drop your stuff off, find a place to park along the road, then come back to park in the evening when the parking lot clears)," advises Erin S. about Pantoll Campground access.
Supply stations: RVers can use services in nearby towns. "Stinson beach is a 3 mile hike away or a short drive down the mountain if you are in need of more supplies," notes Jay S. about resources near Pantoll Campground.
