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The Marin County region surrounding Novato, California features diverse camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius, from coastal sites to inland forests. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, located 20 miles southwest in Lagunitas, offers creekside camping beneath towering redwoods with tent, RV, and cabin options. Point Reyes National Seashore, slightly farther west, provides more remote backcountry experiences at Sky and Wildcat campgrounds. For those seeking full hookups, San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA operates year-round with family-friendly amenities, while Marin RV Park in Greenbrae serves as a convenient base for San Francisco exploration.
Campground reservations throughout the region often require planning several months in advance, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. As one camper noted about Samuel P. Taylor State Park: "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers." Coastal campgrounds experience frequent fog, especially mornings, while inland sites can reach high temperatures during summer days. Most state park campgrounds offer basic amenities including potable water, restrooms, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at developed campgrounds near highways and limited or no service in more remote coastal areas.
Wildlife encounters are common throughout Marin County campgrounds, with raccoons, chipmunks, and birds frequently mentioned in camper reviews. Many campgrounds serve as excellent basecamps for regional exploration, with one visitor highlighting that Samuel P. Taylor Park is "close to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to nearby natural attractions, with Mount Tamalpais State Park's Pantoll Campground offering walk-in tent sites with access to extensive trail networks. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring closely spaced sites while others provide more seclusion. Weekday camping typically offers quieter experiences than weekends, when family groups and day visitors can create a more social atmosphere.
"Because of the holiday and the proximity to Oakland/San Fran, the campground was in FULL EFFECT with a gang of variant families camp site hopping. "
"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."
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability"showers were always clean. there was some construction going on, since it was the off season. it looked like they were renovating some of the bathrooms and aisle end sites to add grass and decks. the location"
"For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life!"
"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."
"The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend"
"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."
from $99 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."
"Nice, clean place with beautiful hiking trails. The garden is very cute, perfect for a quiet walk or meditation. Sites are close to each other. This place is a good getaway into nature."
"Point Reyes in California has to be my all time favorite camping site. There are miles and miles of beaches surrounded by dunes, hills, and cliffs."
"Hike in (and around!) this gorgeous area. We chose to stay two nights and had a great time exploring the surrounding hiking trails - a personal favourite was Alamere Falls."
"California, Washington and Oregon have lovely coast but this location is truly unique!"
"Tomales Bay is a boat in only campground on Indian Beach a unique experience if you have access to a boat. There are plenty of drive or walk in sites if you don't have a boat."
from $30 / night
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GuideThere are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
GuideLots of beautiful campsites by the beach. It’s in Bodega Bay so all of the beach is pretty protected. Many are in the harbor and there’s a place to launch your watercraft. Dogs are allowed yon the beach on leash. The campground was full but the beach wasn’t crowded at all.
The shower was coin operated. The dial didn’t change the temperature or volume of water at all. ☹️
GuideThere aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.
TravelerThis is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
GuideHard to get reservations but worth it. Super close to beach. Some spots have trees with shade.
TravelerI stayed here for one night and overall had a good experience. The location is beautiful and very convenient, with the beach right across the road and the water nearby. It was calm, scenic, and there were lots of birds around. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the shower had warm water.
The sites are very close together, though, so there is essentially no privacy between campsites. The shower was also a little expensive at around $2 for only a few minutes of water.
The biggest issue for me was the foghorn. I actually timed it, and it went off roughly every 10 seconds, apparently 24/7. It was extremely loud and continued day and night, whether there was fog or not. Some people may find it soothing, but I found it impossible to ignore, especially at night. Honestly, this is the main reason I wouldn't stay here again.
Overall, it's a nice campground in a great location, but the lack of privacy and especially the constant foghorn are significant drawbacks.
TravelerGreat campground on the Russian River. Big grassy area for single or group camping. Friendly staff. Walking distance to downtown Guerneville.
LegendLas Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
Camping near Novato, California offers diverse terrain, ranging from foggy coastal sites with 50-55°F summer evenings to inland areas where daytime temperatures can reach 80-90°F. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level at coastal campgrounds to 1,500 feet at higher mountain sites, with camping available year-round despite seasonal fire restrictions that typically run June through November.
Horseback riding at Five Brooks Ranch: Located near Olema Campground, this activity lets you explore Point Reyes trails on horseback. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," notes Kathleen C., who appreciates how it complements camping in the area.
Kayaking in Tomales Bay: Rentals available at nearby launches let you explore the protected waters. "There is also Kayaking in Tomales Bay which is okay fun," mentions MarinMaverick, highlighting additional water activities beyond hiking.
Beach exploration at Wildcat Beach: The 2-mile hike from Wildcat Campground to Alamere Falls offers unique coastal views. "Just a short beach-walk away," notes Michael I., who adds that "There are some nice day hike options out of Wildcat Camp if you're lucky enough to spend a couple of days there."
Disc golf course: Skyline Wilderness Park offers a complete disc golf course within minutes of downtown Napa. "The 800+ acres of hills, woods and fields offers archery, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding and more," explains Jamie G., detailing recreational options beyond standard hiking.
Vintage trailer gatherings: The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA occasionally hosts themed weekends. "On one visit, the campground was filled with vintage camp trailers. It was fun to walk around and see the oldies," shares Linda A., describing a unique cultural experience.
Marine wildlife viewing: Coastal campgrounds offer opportunities to spot seals, whales, and seabirds. "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," reports Nikata L. about the rich wildlife at Steep Ravine.
Beach fires at Point Reyes: With proper permits from the visitor center, campers can enjoy evening fires on the beach. "We had fun making a fire on the beach at night," reports Madelyn G., noting this special amenity at Wildcat Camp.
Secluded sunrise views: Pantoll Campground offers morning vistas when day visitors aren't present. "You can hike anywhere from this campground. Down to Muir Woods in less than 3 miles. Up to Rock Springs, Bolinas Ridge, and Mount Tam. Down to Stinson Beach," explains Erin S., highlighting the central location for exploration.
Site selection strategy: Choose wisely based on privacy needs and weather protection. "Sites up the hill require a bit of a hike-in but are farther from the road noise and busy parking lot," explains Erin S. about Pantoll, while at Samuel P. Taylor, Mike C. notes, "Site 49 is a nice site. Level pad for camp trailers."
Weather variability: Temperature changes can be dramatic within short distances. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns Tai W. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Reservation timing: Some sites must be secured months ahead, particularly coastal locations. "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience," says Sara S. about Wildcat Camp, emphasizing the need for advance planning.
Wildlife concerns: Take proper food storage seriously, especially at coastal sites. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," reports Kathleen C., providing practical wildlife information.
First-timer friendly options: Steep Ravine Campground cabins offer a gentle introduction to outdoor experiences. "The cabins are well worth the cost. 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," recommends Amber D.
Campground social dynamics: Expect varied experiences based on timing. "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," notes Susie B. about Samuel P. Taylor, though she cautions about occasional noisy weekends.
Kid-friendly amenities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA includes playgrounds and seasonal pools. "Had a blast here. A lot of different areas for the kids. Swimming, giant bounce area, and mild weather. Coffee bar, large play grounds and near shopping for any needs," reports Chris B., detailing why the site works well for children.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs and interpretive trails. "There are informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," Joseph F. mentions about Samuel P. Taylor, highlighting learning potential.
San Francisco access strategy: Marin RV Park offers convenient public transit connections. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," explains Jeff T., noting you can "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste management. "They provide WiFi and hot shower. Clean space," reports Letícia I. about Skyline Wilderness Park, while Patrick J. mentions, "Our site was patches of grass and looked like it needed some TLC" at Petaluma KOA.
Site length considerations: Many regional campgrounds have tight turning radiuses. "RV campsites are close together and semi-level," notes Rich J. about Skyline Wilderness Park, offering practical information about the layout.
Grocery access: Several campgrounds are within minutes of well-stocked stores. "Trader Joe's and Chevron a few blocks away," mentions Kathy S. about Marin RV Park, highlighting the proximity to supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Novato, CA?
Several excellent camping options are available near Novato. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground is one of the closest options, located in a beautiful redwood grove with full facilities. The campground gets busy during holidays but offers a peaceful retreat with hiking trails. Another good option is Olema Campground, which provides drive-in access with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa offers access to water activities, hiking trails, and modern bathroom facilities.
Are there RV parks or facilities in Novato?
While Novato itself has limited RV-specific facilities, several excellent options are available a short drive away. Half Moon Bay RV Park offers pull-through sites with helpful staff who assist with site assignments and entry directions. Another good option is Skyline Wilderness Park just outside downtown Napa, which has a dedicated RV section separate from tent camping areas. The park provides basic amenities and serves as a great base for exploring Napa Valley.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Marin County near Novato?
Dispersed camping is generally not permitted in Marin County near Novato. The area's public lands, including those managed by Marin County Parks, Point Reyes National Seashore, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, prohibit camping outside of designated campgrounds. For wilderness camping experiences, Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore offers a more remote experience accessible by hiking in. Alternatively, Kirby Cove Campground in Golden Gate National Recreation Area provides a more secluded option while still requiring reservations at designated sites.
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