Best Tent Camping near Penngrove, CA
Point Reyes National Seashore offers several backcountry tent camping opportunities within driving distance of Penngrove, California. The area features multiple walk-in tent campgrounds including Sky Camp, Coast Camp, and Wildcat Camp, all requiring short hikes to reach designated tent sites. These Point Reyes tent campgrounds typically require reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as they remain popular destinations for Bay Area residents seeking coastal wilderness experiences.
Tent campsites at Point Reyes generally feature picnic tables, food storage lockers for wildlife protection, and access to vault toilets. Most tent campgrounds provide drinking water, though carrying extra is recommended. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers should prepare for foggy, damp conditions, particularly at coastal tent sites. Fires are permitted at designated rings in many campgrounds, but not all—Sky Camp allows fires while Wildcat Camp prohibits them. Access to these backcountry tent sites requires hiking distances ranging from approximately 1.3 miles to several miles, making them ideal for campers seeking solitude away from developed areas.
The hiking-accessible nature of these tent-only sites creates a more immersive wilderness experience compared to drive-in campgrounds. "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," noted one visitor on The Dyrt. Sites vary in exposure, with some offering tree coverage and protection from coastal winds, while others are more open with panoramic ocean views. Tent campers at Coast Camp enjoy quick beach access, with the shore just minutes away, providing opportunities for tidepooling and beach fires (with permit). The backcountry tent camping experience at Sky Camp offers ridge-top views, though campers should select sites under trees for better wind protection. Many tent sites throughout the area provide access to extensive trail systems for day hiking or longer backpacking routes.