Several camping options near Point Reyes Station provide different experiences based on your needs and preferences. The area sits at the edge of Point Reyes National Seashore where coastal fog regularly rolls in during summer months, creating temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night. Most campsites require reservations months in advance, especially during peak season from May through September when temperatures average 65-70°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Visit tidal pools during low tide: At Wildcat Campground, you can take a short beach walk to Alamere Falls. "The Falls will get extremely busy during the day as people start hiking in and this way you can head over for a little bit without too any people first thing in the morning," notes ranger Elliott B.
Harvest your own seafood: When camping near Tomales Bay, consider getting fresh seafood. One camper at Lawson's Landing mentioned, "Caught and ate crabs both times i've been here" while staying at this oceanfront campground.
Explore historic sites: The area around Point Reyes Station contains several cultural landmarks. "San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall. I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station," says Kathleen C.
What campers like
Protected camping locations: Many campgrounds offer protection from coastal elements. At Coast Campground, "Sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind," according to Michael I.
Diverse terrain within walking distance: Campers appreciate varied landscapes they can explore directly from camp. "We did the Point Reyes sky trail hike in to sky camp, stayed the night, and then hiked the loop around coastal trail and back to the visitor center," writes Jeremy S., noting the diversity of trails available within a short distance.
Dark night skies for astronomy: The coastal location offers excellent stargazing when fog isn't present. A reviewer at Glen Campground noted, "The stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky."
What you should know
Weather changes quickly: Pack clothing for all conditions regardless of forecast. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C.
Advance reservations essential: Most campsites require booking well ahead of time. A camper at Wildcat Camp observed, "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience."
Wildlife encounters common: Take precautions with food storage. "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," warns one reviewer about Wildcat Camp, while another mentions, "the raccoons are everywhere at night!" at Tomales Bay.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For family comfort, select campgrounds with appropriate facilities. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers "Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids. The kids do have fun, I give them that."
Consider hike distance for young campers: Some campgrounds require hiking with gear. At Sky Campground, a family noted, "We went this past weekend... It was a hike-in camp site called sky camp. It was a 1.3 mile hike uphill so that was pretty rough. It was our first time going to a hike-in camp site."
Look for protected beach access: Beaches with calm water work best for children. At Tomales Bay State Park, one camper mentioned, "Heart's Desire Beach is a gem. Great beach for kids as there is sand bar so there is shallow area that warms the water for them to play."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, a reviewer noted it's "a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)."
Consider campgrounds with full hookups: Only a few campgrounds offer full service sites. At Olema Campground, one RVer appreciated that it "Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale."
Plan for varying road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "Some roads to camping areas can be rough, so check conditions if you don't have a truck or vehicle that sits up high," particularly during winter months when coastal roads may experience weather damage.
