Camping spots near Ross, California range from dense redwood forests to coastal bluffs within a 20-mile radius. The area experiences microclimates where coastal sites often see morning fog and temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than inland locations. Summer weekends frequently reach full capacity at most campgrounds by Thursday afternoon, while winter camping offers more solitude but requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 40s overnight.
What to do
Horseback riding excursions: 5 miles north of Ross in Olema Campground, visitors can arrange rides at nearby Five Brooks Ranch. "I would definitely suggest Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, definitely a highlight," writes one reviewer who experienced this activity while staying at Olema.
Beach exploration: A 2-mile hike from Wildcat Campground leads to Alamere Falls, one of the area's unique coastal waterfalls. A camper notes, "The hike changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views." The waterfall cascades directly onto the beach and is best visited at low tide.
Sunrise viewing: From the higher elevation campgrounds, early risers can witness the fog layer that often blankets the valleys below. Many sites at Mount Tamalpais State Park have clearings with 180-degree views. "Load your backpack, get on a ferry in Tiburon and head to Angel Island. Remember there will be fog and there will be wind," reports a regular visitor to the area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers sites with natural separation. "Site 49 is a nice site. Level pad for camp trailers. Fire pits updated and bbq on every site," notes a visitor. The creekside sites (1-25) tend to have more space between them than the hillside options.
Urban escape proximity: Despite being just 20 miles from San Francisco, Kirby Cove Campground feels remarkably remote. "Kirby Cove is a campground different than I have ever experienced before. You're clearly very close to everything (i.e. San Francisco), while feeling like you are away from everything at the same time," explains one camper who stayed at site #1.
Accessible coastal camping: Many campers appreciate the mix of forest and ocean access. An overnight stay at Glen Campground allows for day hikes to multiple beaches. "From Glen Camp, it's an easy hike down to the spectacular Coast Trail," shares a reviewer who used the campground as a basecamp for coastal exploration.
What you should know
Mouse activity: Take precautions with food storage at cabin sites. Steel wool or critter-proof containers are recommended even when using bear boxes. "There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them," warns a visitor staying in Cabin 7 at Steep Ravine.
Weather preparedness: Coastal temperature swings can be extreme. Sites near the ocean often drop below 50°F after sunset even in summer. Pack layers and sleeping bags rated for at least 30°F. "You can't find a better spot to see the Golden Gate bridge and the SF city skyline! The weather is almost always chilly in the evening and night so be prepared with jackets and GOOD sleeping bags," advises an experienced camper.
Reservation windows: Book 6 months ahead for peak season. Pantoll Campground is one of the few first-come, first-served options in the area. "This is the only first come first campground around as far as I know. Sites are spacious and include grills and fire pits," mentions a camper who appreciates this reservation-free option.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Look for sites with minimal walking distance. Some campgrounds require substantial hikes with gear. "Sites are walk-in, so depending on which site you get you might want to bring a cart of backpack to haul your gear to your site," explains a visitor who suggests planning ahead for carrying equipment.
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For first-time family backpacking trips, consider Glen Camp in Point Reyes. "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 with new backpackers.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in sound levels. Samuel P. Taylor gets crowded during holiday weekends. "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," notes a camper who suggests selecting sites 47-44 for more seclusion.
Tips from RVers
Ferry access from Marin RV Park: Park your RV and use public transit to explore San Francisco. "Drive in, park and then walk to all the sights you want to see in San Francisco. A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco," shares an RVer who spent a week at this location.
Site sizing limitations: Most campgrounds in the area restrict RV length. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," warns a visitor at Samuel P. Taylor about the challenging access roads and site dimensions.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited to a few private campgrounds. Most state and national park sites offer no hookups. "For what this RV park is designed to be, it is done very well. It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco," notes a practical-minded RVer about Marin RV Park's utilitarian but convenient setup.
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