Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits in a coastal valley 13 miles west of San Rafael at an elevation of 100 feet. The park receives about 30 inches of rainfall annually, primarily between November and April. Winter temperatures typically range from 40°F to 60°F, while summer temperatures vary between 50°F and 90°F depending on coastal fog patterns, which can roll in suddenly and drop temperatures by 20 degrees.
What to do
Creek exploration: 4 miles of Lagunitas Creek runs through Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, offering fishing and wading opportunities during summer. "There are all kinds of trails available, as well as a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area," notes Joseph F. Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning from spring until mid-June.
Bodega Head Trail hiking: 1.9-mile loop trail near Bodega Dunes Campground provides coastal views across Bodega Bay. "Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself," writes Shari G. The trail winds up the headland with minimal elevation gain, suitable for most fitness levels.
Horseback riding: 5 Brooks Ranch in Olema offers guided trail rides through wooded hills and coastal terrain. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," mentions Kathleen C., who visited while staying at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Trail rides range from 1-hour to half-day experiences, with no experience necessary for shorter rides.
What campers like
Tidal exploration: Stinson Beach tides offer natural pools for wildlife viewing. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," explains MarinMaverick about Coast Campground. Beach fires require permits from park rangers, and tidal conditions vary throughout the month, with the best tidepooling during minus tides.
Ferry access to San Francisco: 10-minute walk from Marin RV Park reaches the ferry that drops visitors in downtown San Francisco. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," reports Jeff T. This provides an alternative to driving into the city, with multiple ferry departures daily.
Crabbing: Lawson's Landing provides pier crabbing options without needing a boat. "There's a lovely general store and restaurant nearby with delicious clam chowder. There is also a day-area beach, a really cool pier where folks crab, and loads of fishing," explains Carly D. about Lawson's Landing. Crab seasons run approximately November through June, with Dungeness crab being the primary target.
What you should know
Winter conditions: Prepare for wet sites during winter months. "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable, and the showers and toilets were still not working," reports Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Facilities may close seasonally, and tent sites can become saturated after rain.
Wind exposure: Coast camps require windbreaks and sturdy tent stakes. "At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix. We went for two nights on 02/28. Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last," shares Char A. about Coast Campground. Coastal temperatures can drop rapidly with fog and wind, especially in evening hours.
Reservation systems: First-come sites limited but available at select parks. "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," explains Jay S. about Pantoll Campground. First-come, first-served sites typically fill by noon on weekends from May through October.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Doran Beach offers protected swimming. "Doran Beach is great, especially during the summer for kids because it's a well protected cove and the waves don't usually get very high," explains Justin W. about Doran Regional Park. The beach has gradual entry points and typically calmer water than ocean-facing beaches, making it suitable for children.
Wildlife precautions: Store food properly to avoid attracting animals. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," notes Kathleen C. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Most campgrounds provide food storage lockers, but smaller critters can still be persistent. Fox sightings are common at Coast Campground.
Pet friendly options: Dog exercise areas provide dedicated spaces at pet friendly camping near Olema, California. "Sites are on the grassy area and not well defined. Not a lot of shade for tent sites. They have great ameneities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there," explains MarinMaverick about camping with pets in the area. Restrictions for pets vary by trail and beach access.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Check campground maps for pull-through access. "Some non reserved available when we arrived. PO, laundromat, toilets and showers. Volleyball nets and shuffleboard courts. Would come back. Grassy, plenty of trees and surrounding nature," reports Maria M. about Olema Campground. Non-reserved sites can provide options during less busy seasons.
Dump station planning: Limited facilities require advance planning for waste management. "We had full hook-ups @ our site. We were there Thurs through Tues. Most nights were very quiet with people retiring by dark," writes Hasani about their stay at Olema Campground, one of the few pet friendly camping areas near Olema, California with full hookups. Many campgrounds in the area offer partial or no hookups, requiring strategic planning for longer stays.
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