Point Reyes National Seashore offers several camping options ranging from backcountry sites to established campgrounds with amenities. The area features walk-in tent camping at Sky Campground, Coast Campground, Glen Campground, and Wildcat Campground within the national seashore boundaries. For those seeking more developed facilities, Olema Campground provides full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations just minutes from park entrances. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, located in nearby Lagunitas, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping along a creek in a wooded setting.
Most backcountry campgrounds in Point Reyes require advance reservations through the National Park Service, with sites often booking up months in advance, especially during summer and fall weekends. The region experiences coastal fog, particularly during summer mornings, while winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional heavy rainfall that can affect trail conditions. Campgrounds within the national seashore boundaries are accessible only by hiking, with distances ranging from 1.5 miles to several miles from trailheads. As one visitor noted, "Sky Camp is a short backpack trip up on the ridge. Beautiful views when there is no fog - but expect fog. I use it to get away for a day or two to unwind."
Campers consistently praise the coastal views and natural surroundings at Point Reyes camping areas. Sites at Sky Camp (especially sites #10 and #11) receive high ratings for their ocean vistas, though fog can sometimes obscure these views. Tent campers appreciate the relative solitude of the walk-in sites compared to more developed campgrounds. Reviews indicate that while backcountry campgrounds lack showers, they provide drinking water, vault toilets, and food storage lockers. For those seeking more amenities, Olema Campground offers hot showers, flush toilets, and a store, though reviews mention sites are closely spaced. According to a recent review, "If you want to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore, you don't have many options. This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access."
$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"
"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."
"The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend"
"I used to live in the area and wish I had spent more time camping in and around the Point Reyes National Seashore."
"variant_id=235) at Wildcat Campground – ****Point Reyes National Seashore: Great spot to watch"
"You are in the Point Reyes National Seashore up on a ridge. Beautiful views when there is no fog - but expect fog. I like the sites under the trees rather than those in the open. "
"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."
$30 / night
"California, Washington and Oregon have lovely coast but this location is truly unique!"
"Tomales Bay is a boat in only campground on Indian Beach a unique experience if you have access to a boat. There are plenty of drive or walk in sites if you don't have a boat."
$30 - $90 / night
"Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available."
"In the Point Reyes National Seashore it is in a valley that is minutes from the beach. The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). "
"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!"
$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."
"Walking distance to the beach. Quiet place on non holiday weekends. Fun place to fish and the Beach is also pretty clean."
"There are a variety of campsites, and they are many - we camp as close to the ocean as possible in the meadow area."
$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. "
"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."
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
GuideLots of beautiful campsites by the beach. It’s in Bodega Bay so all of the beach is pretty protected. Many are in the harbor and there’s a place to launch your watercraft. Dogs are allowed yon the beach on leash. The campground was full but the beach wasn’t crowded at all.
The shower was coin operated. The dial didn’t change the temperature or volume of water at all. ☹️
GuideThere aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.
GuideHard to get reservations but worth it. Super close to beach. Some spots have trees with shade.
TravelerI stayed here for one night and overall had a good experience. The location is beautiful and very convenient, with the beach right across the road and the water nearby. It was calm, scenic, and there were lots of birds around. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the shower had warm water.
The sites are very close together, though, so there is essentially no privacy between campsites. The shower was also a little expensive at around $2 for only a few minutes of water.
The biggest issue for me was the foghorn. I actually timed it, and it went off roughly every 10 seconds, apparently 24/7. It was extremely loud and continued day and night, whether there was fog or not. Some people may find it soothing, but I found it impossible to ignore, especially at night. Honestly, this is the main reason I wouldn't stay here again.
Overall, it's a nice campground in a great location, but the lack of privacy and especially the constant foghorn are significant drawbacks.
TravelerGreat campground on the Russian River. Big grassy area for single or group camping. Friendly staff. Walking distance to downtown Guerneville.
LegendLas Trampas is one of those wonderfully odd camping experiences that almost feels like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to know about. Despite sitting on the doorstep of Danville and San Ramon, this 6,050-acre preserve quickly trades suburbia for steep ridges, oak woodland, grasslands and some terrific views across the East Bay. And camping here is decidedly primitive: the Corral Area is a single reservable group campsite for 17–50 people, rather than a conventional campground with individual sites. That means lots of privacy, lots of space and very little resembling a traditional developed campground.
While my earlier review goes into considerably more detail, I thought I’d revisit this campground with a quick topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS - along with a fresh batch of photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Remarkable feeling of seclusion considering you’re only minutes from the suburban East Bay, with Oakland lying just beyond; (2) Having essentially one primitive group camping area makes this feel more like your own private campground than a conventional campsite; (3) Picnic tables, BBQs, food-storage box and a drinking-water spigot provide just enough infrastructure without spoiling the primitive experience; (4) Direct access to a huge trail network with Rocky Ridge reaching 2,024 feet and panoramic views toward Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys; and (5) Abundant wildlife, seasonal wildflowers, grazing cattle and those beautiful rolling East Bay hills make the setting the real amenity here.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) This is group camping only, with a 17-person minimum, so it simply doesn’t work for a couple or small family looking for an ordinary campsite; (2) No hookups, showers or flush toilets - here, primitive means primitive; (3) Water at the campsite should be considered unreliable, so bring your own rather than betting the weekend on the spigot; and (4) Many of the best trails are steep, exposed and short on shade, which can make hot-weather hiking considerably more strenuous than the beautiful scenery initially suggests.
Insider’s Tip: Bring more water than you think you’ll need and make time for a ridge hike. Las Trampas is one of those places where climbing a few hundred feet completely changes your perspective especially when the suburban Bay Area seemingly disappears beneath you, which is precisely what makes camping here so unexpectedly special.
Happy Camping!
LegendSome campgrounds stay with you because of the scenery, while others become part of your family history ... and Salt Point will forever be both for me. Perched along one of the wildest stretches of the Sonoma Coast, this coastal park combines six miles of rugged Pacific shoreline with grasslands and forest, and its two primary campgrounds offer very different experiences: Gerstle Cove sits on the ocean side of Highway 1, while Woodside is tucked into the trees inland. Together they have 109 developed campsites, most with level paved pads, picnic tables, food lockers and fire rings, but no hookups or showers.
What makes Salt Point truly special is everything waiting beyond the campsite. Trails lead along rocky bluffs, through forests and down toward Gerstle Cove, while tide pools, extraordinary sandstone formations and the pounding Pacific make this feel wonderfully removed from civilization. There are more than 20 miles of trails and Stump Beach provides the park's only sandy beach.
But none of that is why I remember this place so vividly. Salt Point was the very first place I ever took my daughters camping. I can still remember that wonderful mixture of excitement and uncertainty that comes with introducing your children to something you love: setting up camp together, watching them explore this enormous new outdoor world and realizing that what felt like a simple weekend away was quietly becoming one of those family memories you carry forever. At least for me, that is true.
This is real camping rather than resort camping: no electricity, no showers and no dump station, while the nearest gas stations are roughly 18 miles away. Tent campers should feel particularly at home here and I’d favor Woodside, which is where we stayed, for its more sheltered, forested camping experience; however, choose Gerstle Cove if quicker access to the rugged coastline is what brought you here. Either way, come prepared for changing coastal weather and embrace the simplicity as that's part of Salt Point's magic.
Insider’s Tip: If this is your first visit, don't spend the entire trip at the campsite. Walk the Salt Point Trail around Gerstle Cove and give the kids time simply to explore the shoreline. Years later, they probably won't remember whether the campsite was perfectly level, but you may be surprised by what they do remember.
Happy Camping!
GuideI enjoyed my two night stay here, the location is great right on the water.
Campsites are very close together and the Bodega Bay foghorn goes off every 10 seconds 24/7 and that got annoying.
Great for Starlink
Point Reyes camping options span across an ecologically diverse region where coastal scrub transitions to dense forests across elevations ranging from sea level to 1,407 feet at Mount Wittenberg. The area receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually, with the majority falling between November and April. Sites at Glen Campground remain shaded throughout the day due to the tree canopy, which can make for cooler camping temperatures even during summer months.
Beach exploration: 3.2 km round-trip to Alamere Falls. Wildcat Campground provides the closest access to this tidefall. As one camper notes, "For my first west coast/pch camping experience, must say I'd HUGELY recommend it (especially with its close proximity to the LOVELY Alamere Falls!)" Another visitor suggests: "Be sure to plan for at least 2-to-3 days if you'd like to soak up all the adventures!"
Horseback riding: 5-minute drive to Five Brooks Ranch. Point Reyes has multiple equestrian trails accessible from Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall. I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," shares one visitor who stayed in the park.
Tidepooling: 2-minute walk from Coast Camp. The shoreline offers excellent low-tide exploration. A camper reports, "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in. I prefer the longer Coast Trail (about half a mile longer) rather than the fireroad for it's scenic beauty."
Privacy in wooded sites: Glen Camp sites 5-8. Located farther from the central field, these provide more seclusion. "Site 8 was a little bit secluded and away from other sites. The site was smallish and had a fox box and picnic table. Water and vault toilet provided in the campground. Quaint and cozy overall," notes one camper at Glen Campground.
Ocean sounds: Coast Camp sites 1-7. Located on the inland side of the Coast Trail, these sites offer protection from wind while still allowing campers to hear the waves. A visitor explains, "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. Wonderful campsite though, can't beat our view and sounds of the ocean."
Short backpacking experience: Sky Camp sites 10-11. These sites offer excellent views with minimal hiking distance. "Nice, quiet, and secluded campground. They have 2 bathrooms and drinking water. The hike to the campgrounds from the Bear Valley Visitors Center is about 2-3.5 miles depending on the route. Best Sites - 10, 11," recommends a visitor to Sky Campground.
Fog patterns affect visibility and warmth. The coast experiences regular fog, especially in summer. "Site #12 and #11 were the best ones there because they are surrounded by lush vegetation and have trees that provide shade and protection against the wind. It also had a good view of the gorgeous coastline!" shares a Sky Camp visitor.
Campsite reservation timing is critical. Most backcountry sites book up immediately when released. For Wildcat Campground, one visitor advises: "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."
Wildlife encounters require food storage vigilance. Both rodents and raccoons are active in campgrounds. A camper at Glen Camp 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."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: 5-mile hike to Glen Camp. The relatively flat terrain makes this suitable for children's first overnight hike. "This was our first backpacking trip and we mostly wanted to test our gear. This was perfect for that. 5-mile hike in with some uphill in the last 1.5 miles that was challenging but not too hard," reports a family at Coast Campground.
Developed facilities: Private showers and store access. Olema Campground provides amenities that make family camping easier. "Olema is our go to spot. Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches."
Weather planning: Pack for 30-40°F temperature swings. Coastal temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night. "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. During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s."
Site selection for larger rigs: Sites 44-52 offer more space. Samuel P. Taylor State Park can accommodate some RVs despite its forested setting. "Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all - sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back... if I returned I would snag site 44."
Water quality considerations: Filter recommended. Water at campgrounds may have high mineral content. "Tested the water - water tested as acceptable tap water after running it through an external filter. 21 elements checked, all within range. Dissolved solids were 251...pretty high."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter rains impact access. The twisting roads to campgrounds can become challenging after storms. "It's a big campground, but very well organized and very neat. Lots of space between campsites and lots of trees. We normally prefer less crowded campsites, but this was a nice compromise along the way."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the designated campgrounds in Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes National Seashore offers four designated backcountry campgrounds: Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore is situated in a valley just minutes from the beach with access to tidepools, Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore requires a hike in but offers beach access, Sky Camp sits on a ridge with potential fog but beautiful views, and Glen Camp is nestled among the trees. All are hike-in only campgrounds, requiring reservations through the National Park Service. For those preferring facilities with vehicle access, nearby options include Samuel P. Taylor State Park and Olema Campground just outside the seashore boundaries.
What amenities are available at Point Reyes National Seashore campgrounds?
Point Reyes backcountry campgrounds offer basic amenities suited for wilderness camping. At Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore, you'll find pit toilets and potable water sources. Most sites throughout the seashore include picnic tables and food storage lockers to protect supplies from wildlife. Though rustic, these campgrounds provide strategic access to beaches and trails. None of the Point Reyes campgrounds offer showers, electricity, or RV hookups. For more amenities, Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is about an hour south and provides coin-operated showers, flush toilets, and vehicle-accessible sites while still offering coastal beauty.
Can I camp in my car or vehicle at Point Reyes National Seashore?
No, vehicle camping is not permitted within Point Reyes National Seashore boundaries. All designated campgrounds within the seashore (Coast, Wildcat, Sky, and Glen) are hike-in only, requiring you to park at trailheads and backpack to your site. For vehicle camping options near Point Reyes, Olema Campground is located just outside the seashore and accommodates RVs and car camping, though it's primarily used for RVs with some tent sites available. Another nearby option is Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park, which offers vehicle-accessible sites about 30 minutes north of Point Reyes.
Do I need a permit for camping at Point Reyes National Seashore?
Yes, permits are required for all camping within Point Reyes National Seashore. Reservations function as your camping permit and must be obtained in advance through the National Park Service's reservation system. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore and other backcountry sites can be reserved up to 6 months ahead and often fill quickly, especially during summer and weekends. Additionally, beach fires at places like Coast Camp require a separate fire permit. For alternative camping near Point Reyes without backcountry permit requirements, consider Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, which offers easier access with drive-up sites.
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