Dog-Friendly Camping near Point Reyes National Seashore, CA

Point Reyes National Seashore receives approximately 2.5 million visitors annually and encompasses 71,028 acres of protected coastline. Winter temperatures average 45-55°F with summer ranging from 55-75°F, though coastal fog frequently reduces visibility and temperatures. Camping areas range from sea level to 1,407 feet in elevation at Mount Wittenberg.

What to do

Beach exploration: 1.8 miles from Coast Campground to a sandy beach with tidepools. "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," notes a reviewer at Coast Campground.

Crabbing at Dillon Beach: Lawson's Landing provides access to Tomales Bay crabbing spots. "Caught and ate crabs both times i've been here," reports a camper. The campground includes a pier where visitors catch Dungeness crab during season (typically November through June).

Horseback riding in Olema: Five Brooks Ranch offers trail rides near Olema 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 a visitor. Trail rides start at $50/hour and require advance booking.

What campers like

Protected camping environments: Many pet-friendly sites feature natural windbreaks. At Bodega Dunes Campground, campsites are "nestled among the coastal Live Oak and Bishop Pine trees and provide some privacy in between sites in some areas." Another camper notes that sites are "spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind."

Close proximity to beaches: "The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around," writes a Coast Campground visitor about their pet-friendly camping trip. Another adds, "Coast camp is a favorite get away. In the Point Reyes National Seashore it is in a valley that is minutes from the beach."

Access to local seafood: "Go to the wharf near by to pick up some live crab to boil over the fire," suggests a Bodega Dunes camper. Nearby restaurants serve fresh catches. "I would highly recommend Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station," reports a Samuel P. Taylor State Park visitor.

What you should know

Winter camping considerations: Prepare for wet conditions beyond what the existing description mentions. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," warns a Coast Campground visitor. At Pantoll Campground, "the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."

Reservation systems vary: Samuel P. Taylor State Park requires advance booking, while Pantoll operates first-come, first-served only. "This is the only first come first campground around as far as I know," notes a camper. During peak season (April-October), arrive by mid-morning on weekdays for best site availability.

Wildlife management: Secure food from raccoons and other animals. "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue," notes a Samuel P. Taylor visitor. At Coast Camp, "there are miles of beach to explore, and you can continue along the coast trail to hike even farther," but wildlife protections limit pet access in some areas.

Tips for camping with families

Less crowded weekday options: Mid-week camping offers quieter experiences with pets. At Doran Regional Park, "tent camping is secluded. RV is parking lot. There are only a handful of tent only sites, most of which are secluded by trees... Beach access is very easy, especially with kids. The beach is wide, flat and great for families."

Educational opportunities: "The first Saturday of the month the rangers do a tide pool talk. They bring sea creatures (like sea stars, sea slugs etc) to share and let the kids hold them," explains a Doran Regional Park visitor. Family programs occur year-round at most campgrounds.

Site selection for pets and children: "For privacy, book a site out of the meadow," recommends a Coast Camp reviewer. At Samuel P. Taylor, "for families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most pet-friendly coastal campgrounds have minimal or no hookups. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, "this campground is clearly a getaway from the more congested parts of the area. Cute petting zoo and a pool that was open during COVID! We didn't stay long enough for sure."

Maneuverability considerations: Samuel P. Taylor "is a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns a camper. Measure your rig before booking at coastal campgrounds as many have narrow access roads.

Dog exercise facilities: Beyond standard pet-friendly policies, Olema Campground provides "a fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale." The dedicated dog park allows off-leash exercise that most beach areas prohibit.