Point Reyes National Seashore and its surrounding areas provide exceptional tent camping opportunities across varied terrain at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,407 feet at Mount Wittenberg. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters, though morning fog and cool temperatures can occur year-round, making layered clothing essential regardless of season. Campsites throughout the area offer different levels of protection from coastal winds, with inland sites typically providing more shelter.
What to do
Beach exploration: 2-mile hike to Alamere Falls: From Wildcat Campground, campers can take a short beach walk to reach the unique Alamere Falls, where water cascades directly onto the beach. "The site was very close to Alamere Falls, which was great," notes one camper, while another adds, "Alamere Falls is just a short beach-walk away."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution: The north bay area receives less fog than San Francisco, making it ideal for stargazing. At Steep Ravine Campground, "The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light. No road noise," reports a visitor. Campers can hear "distant, crashing waves and calm winds rushing through the trees" while falling asleep.
Tidepooling: Marine life observation: Along the beaches near Coast Campground, several tide pools contain diverse marine creatures. A visitor notes, "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)." Explore early morning or evening low tides for optimal viewing.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Owls and coyotes: At Haypress Campground, campers frequently observe local fauna. "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach," shares one visitor. The campground's location in Tennessee Valley provides multiple wildlife viewing opportunities.
Group facilities: Covered dining areas: For larger gatherings, some campgrounds offer specialized amenities. "The site has a fully covered dining area, fully plumbed sinks and bathrooms, and a plethora of hiking options in the Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpais," notes a visitor to Alice Eastwood Group Camp. Another camper adds, "Group A holds 50 people. There is a kitchen area with a huge grill and a large canopy covering a dining area."
Winter camping: Redwood experiences: The best tent camping near Point Reyes Station includes off-season opportunities. A winter camper describes, "I pitched my small 2-man tent amongst the redwoods and drifted to sleep with the light rain drops hitting the fly of the tent... it wasn't cold and the hiking through the redwoods was magnificent. The streams were running, and the undergrowth - particularly the ferns - were a fluorescent green."
What you should know
Mouse prevention: Small rodents are active throughout the region's campgrounds. Campers at Sky Campground report needing to be prepared for wildlife: "The only issue with the campground is that unless you using it as a stop over to another site - like Coast Camp there is not much to do. Other than hang out there is not much to do here." Bring sealed containers even when food storage lockers are provided.
Wind conditions: Site selection matters: Coastal sites experience significant wind, especially afternoons from May through September. One camper notes, "I like the sites back in the valley as there is less wind or fog. That would be 13 and 14." Another advises, "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night."
Reservation timing: Book far in advance: The most popular sites fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. For Steep Ravine, a camper advises, "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 when I reserved." Off-season camping offers easier access.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking: Short distances: Glen Campground offers an excellent introduction to backpacking for children. "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. The campground's vault toilets and potable water reduce planning complexity.
Beach access: Protected swimming: Some coastal sites offer swimming opportunities in protected waters. For day trips, "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," says a frequent visitor to Tomales Bay State Park.
Site privacy: Choose strategic locations: Families seeking more seclusion should research specific site numbers. At Sky Campground, "I stayed at site #12 and felt that it 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."
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: Cabin options: For tent campers seeking more shelter, Bootjack Campground provides accessible sites with good amenities. "This campground has all the amenities one would need. Each campsite had a table and bench, wood grill area, and easy access got the restrooms, potable water, and trash cans (that are inside wooden boxes to deter wildlife)," notes a visitor. Another adds, "Never expected such a clean bathroom at a campsite!!"
