Point Reyes National Seashore offers several backcountry hiking campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of Penngrove, California. The area's Mediterranean climate creates mild winters with temperatures averaging 45-65°F and summer fog that can dramatically lower temperatures, especially at coastal sites. Most tent camping near Penngrove requires advance planning, as sites fill quickly during peak seasons from May through September, with weekend reservations often booking up 6 months ahead.
What to do
Beach fires with permit: At Coast Campground, campers can enjoy beach fires with proper permits. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," explains one visitor. Coast Camp's proximity to the beach (just minutes away) makes it ideal for evening fires.
Kayak across Tomales Bay: Tomales Bay offers boat-in camping for paddlers. "If you're planning on kayaking out to a campsite on a Saturday, book your site and kayak rental a few months in advance. But if you go out on other days there are less people and less lines when waiting for your permit or rental," advises one camper. The bay is known for bioluminescent plankton, best observed during new moon periods.
Explore mountain biking trails: Mount Tamalpais State Park near Penngrove offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. "You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground," notes one visitor about Pantoll Campground. The extensive trail network accommodates various skill levels, with routes connecting to other parks in the region.
What campers like
Secluded sites: At Wildcat Campground, campers appreciate the privacy of certain sites. "The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites. Nice to have a water spigot on-site. Vault toilets with paper towel, no trash," reports a recent visitor. Sites vary in their degree of seclusion, with some offering more separation than others.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems surrounding Penngrove provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "The wildlife is off the hook..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," shares one enthusiastic camper at Steep Ravine.
Stargazing conditions: Many campsites near Penngrove offer excellent night sky viewing. "The sky at night as ideally suited for star gazing since the north bay doesn't get as much fog as the general SF bay area and the city lights don't pollute the night sky too bad!" notes a camper at Coast Camp. Sites further from urban areas provide the best viewing conditions.
What you should know
Weather variability: Coastal fog can dramatically affect camping experiences. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," warns a camper at Coast Camp. Temperature fluctuations between day and night can be significant, especially at coastal sites.
Reservation challenges: Securing a site requires planning and persistence. "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience. The hike in was somewhat lengthy but the views make it seem far less daunting," notes a Wildcat Camp visitor. Many campsites open reservations six months in advance and fill within minutes.
Wildlife precautions: Small animals frequently visit 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," advises a visitor to Wildcat Camp. At Sky Campground, one camper notes: "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for kids: Schoolhouse Canyon Campground offers family-friendly camping with river access. "My wife son and i drove up with no reservations because we wanted to just do one night. Luckily Chris and his wife had multiple sites open for us to choose from. My brother was meeting us out there and both him and i are hammock campers so we chose site 7D it was a massive site and plenty of trees to hang from," explains a visitor. The campground is divided into family and adults-only sections.
Easy access options: For families with young children, select campsites with shorter hikes. "Although I didn't do this, it's only a 1.5 mile hike in from the parking lots so it's great for beginners or kids," explains a camper at Sky Camp. Sites with easier access allow families to bring more comfort items without exhausting younger campers.
Swimming opportunities: Russian River provides safe swimming spots for families. "The beach is across the street and through a little trail but well worth it. Very nice water for floating and swimming, with a cute little beach area to keep your stuff," notes a Schoolhouse Canyon visitor. Many campgrounds near water features have designated swimming areas suitable for various ages.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most backcountry sites near Penngrove accommodate tents only. "The grounds are very beautiful and give you everything you need. They have a adults only area with a few really nice sites for those who don't want to hear the kids playing," notes a visitor to Schoolhouse Canyon Campground. When RV camping is available, sites typically have size restrictions.
Parking challenges: RV parking at popular trailheads can be difficult. "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 a Pantoll visitor. Weekday visits offer better parking options for larger vehicles.
Utility hookups: Where RV camping is permitted, hookups are usually limited. "There are water spigots near the camp sites, the bathrooms, showers, and dish sinks were all very clean," reports a visitor to Schoolhouse Canyon, one of the few campgrounds near Penngrove offering RV accommodations with hookups.
