Best Tent Camping near Olema, CA
Point Reyes National Seashore offers extensive walk-in tent camping options near Olema, California, with several backcountry campgrounds requiring hikes ranging from 1.3 to 6.3 miles. Wildcat Campground, situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, provides tent-only sites with beach access and proximity to Alamere Falls. Sky Camp offers ridge-top tent sites with views of the San Francisco Bay, while Glen Campground features 12 tent sites nestled in a wooded setting about 5 miles from Bear Valley Trailhead. Coast Campground provides oceanfront tent camping with minimal hiking required. Mount Tamalpais State Park, located south of Olema, contains several tent-only campgrounds including Pantoll and Bootjack.
Most tent campsites in the region feature flat tent pads, picnic tables, and food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. Potable water is available at most Point Reyes campgrounds, though Haypress Campground in the nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area requires campers to bring their own water. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, with flush toilets available at some Mount Tamalpais sites. Fire regulations vary significantly - some campgrounds prohibit fires entirely while others allow them in designated fire rings or on beaches with permits. Seasonal fog and wind can create challenging tent camping conditions, particularly at exposed coastal sites where proper tent staking is essential.
The tent-only experience at these campgrounds offers unique advantages for backcountry camping enthusiasts. According to one camper at Wildcat Campground, "The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites" despite the open meadow setting. Many sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov, though Pantoll and Bootjack operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor to Bootjack noted it's "usually quiet and peaceful" with "many sites next to the creek." Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for extensive day hiking, with trail networks connecting to destinations like Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and throughout Point Reyes. Wildlife sightings are common, with raccoons particularly active around campsites after dark, making proper food storage essential.