Water access varies significantly at Point Reyes National Seashore campgrounds, with sites ranging from 300 to 1,600 feet in elevation. The coastal campgrounds experience temperature fluctuations of 20-30°F between day and night, even during summer months. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, with popular sites booking 3-6 months ahead.
What to do
Hike to tidepools near Coast Campground: The beach near Coast Campground offers excellent tidepooling opportunities during low tide. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," notes a camper who frequently visits the area.
Stargaze at the Robert Ferguson Observatory: Located within driving distance of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, this facility offers night hikes and star viewing. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" shares a camper who visited in 2021.
Explore wildlife viewing trails: The Muddy Hollow and Estero trails near Coast Campground are "nice and not heavily traveled" according to experienced hikers. Recent visitors have spotted deer, rabbits, turkeys, lizards, and quails on the trails throughout the area.
What campers like
Winter camping options: Unlike some California coastal areas, many Point Reyes area campgrounds remain open year-round. "Fall is best" for Coast Campground according to a regular visitor, who notes "it gets windy in the summer" along the immediate coastline.
Waterfall access during rainy seasons: Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park provides scenic hikes to seasonal waterfalls. A regular visitor mentions, "The wildlife is off the hook... I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine."
Bioluminescence viewing opportunities: For kayak campers along Tomales Bay, timing your trip with the new moon can offer a spectacular natural light show. "If you plan it right, you may catch a bioluminescence show in the water once the sun sets (plan for new moon times)," recommends an experienced paddler.
What you should know
Weather preparation essentials: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," warns a regular camper at Coast Campground. At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, another camper advises: "It was cooler this time of year than we expected. Bring layers!"
Reservation timing strategy: Most campgrounds book quickly, especially cabin and yurt camping at Point Reyes National Seashore. For Steep Ravine Campground cabins, a visitor notes: "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time."
Wildlife awareness: "There have been Mountain Lion sightings as of early 2018, so take caution and be aware of recent sightings," advises a hiker familiar with the Coast Camp area. At Sugarloaf Ridge, a camper warns, "It's often very hot in the summer, and there can be lots of rattle snakes sunning themselves on the rocks."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for kids: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers sites along a creek that children enjoy. "Sites 18 & 19 seem a bit larger and are right along the creek," notes a regular visitor. During summer, the creek has seasonal restrictions for spawning until mid-June or July.
Tent site selection for quiet: At Samuel P. Taylor, sites 47-44 are noted for being "more private, set back" and away from busier areas. According to a visitor, "Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all."
Educational opportunities: Olema Campground features activities for children beyond hiking. "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," shares a regular family camper who visits annually with grandchildren.
Tips from RVers
Winter access considerations: RV camping at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA provides year-round accessibility when coastal options are limited or uncomfortable. During fire evacuations in 2020, one camper noted, "Petaluma KOA told us to head on in and check in with no minimum night stay."
Dumping station availability: Full hookup options are limited near Point Reyes. Olema Campground offers sanitary dumping facilities, while Bodega Bay RV Park provides complete services with "very clean sites and restrooms" according to a regular visitor.
Site size limitations: Most campgrounds near Point Reyes have size restrictions for larger rigs. At Samuel P. Taylor, a camper notes it's "a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," making advance planning essential for larger vehicles.
