Best Campgrounds near Novato, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Novato, California (139)

    1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA
    11 miles

    $35 - $225 / night

    "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.   "

    "Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"

    2. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA

    28 Reviews
    Penngrove, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 763-1492

    "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!"

    3. Olema Campground

    23 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8106

    "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."

    "Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore.  One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow.  Very loud."

    4. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $7 - $25 / night

    "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.  "

    "Don't let the fact that it's behind a ranger station fool you-- they clock out by 10pm, and if you have an issue after that, good luck."

    5. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

    15 Reviews
    Stinson Beach, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 388-2070

    $25 - $100 / night

    "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."

    6. Marin RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Larkspur, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 461-5199

    $99 - $115 / night

    "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."

    7. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    14 Reviews
    Olema, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Skyline Wilderness Park

    29 Reviews
    Napa, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 252-0481

    "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."

    9. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore

    13 Reviews
    Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 663-8054

    "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."

    10. Kirby Cove Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Sausalito, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 331-1540

    $40 - $75 / night

    "The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."

    "If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"

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Recent Reviews near Novato, CA

810 Reviews of 139 Novato Campgrounds



Guide to Novato

Camping near Novato, CA, offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The local trails and creeks were breathtaking," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Activities: Head to Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park for a day at the beach. A visitor shared, "The beach itself was quiet and only a few folks were out there after the storm," ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Lawson's Landing, you can spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. One camper noted, "We were able to take a closeup look at them," which adds a fun twist to your camping experience.

What campers like

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "It was quiet and peaceful," making it a great escape from city life.
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. At Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park, one visitor remarked, "Bathrooms and showers were really clean compared to other places."
  • Great Hiking Trails: The hiking opportunities are a big hit. A camper at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground said, "There’s great hiking, an observatory, and often nature events throughout the summer."

What you should know

  • Crowded on Holidays: If you're planning to camp during holidays, be prepared for crowds. A visitor at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA mentioned, "It was busy and expensive," which might not be ideal for everyone.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lawson's Landing, lack showers and toilets. One camper advised, "Bring your own TP!" to ensure you're prepared.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Anthony Chabot Regional Park. A camper shared their experience with yellow jackets, saying, "We reported the experience to the attendant at the gate."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, one parent noted, "This KOA offers a variety of activities that cater to children," making it a great choice for families.
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites. A reviewer at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsite is clean and well maintained," which is essential for family comfort.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food supplies, as some campgrounds, like Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park, don't have markets nearby. One camper suggested, "The town of Half Moon Bay offers pretty much everything you need."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Novato, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature walks to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground, and you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Novato, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Novato, CA is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 51 reviews.

What parks are near Novato, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Novato, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.