Best Campgrounds near San Anselmo, CA
The camping landscape surrounding San Anselmo, California encompasses several state and national parks with diverse accommodation options. Mount Tamalpais State Park offers multiple campgrounds including Pantoll and Bootjack, which provide tent camping with walk-in access, while Samuel P. Taylor State Park features both tent and cabin options along Creekside Loop. For RV travelers, Marin RV Park in nearby Greenbrae provides full hookups with 87 sites, and San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, located about 30 minutes north, accommodates both RVs and tent campers with additional cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months, though Pantoll Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to Mount Tamalpais campgrounds involves navigating winding mountain roads with sharp turns and occasional steep grades. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at lower elevations near towns. The region experiences mild temperatures year-round, though fog is common during summer mornings, especially near coastal campgrounds. One camper noted, "This is a park and carry campsite—of which you'll have to carry your gear up a couple sets of stairs. Most sites are near the road and you'll hear bicycles all night. Though, you can see the city shine in the distance."
The proximity to hiking trails represents a significant draw for campers throughout the area. From Pantoll Campground, visitors can access trails leading to Mount Tamalpais summit, Stinson Beach, and Muir Woods without dealing with shuttle reservations. Several campsites feature historic stone grills and food storage lockers. While the setting provides exceptional natural beauty, noise can be an issue at certain locations. A review for Pantoll mentioned, "Amazing location, okay campground... from Pantoll you have very easy access to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, easy access to Stinson Beach and the coast, plus you can even skip the long lines and shuttles to get into Muir Woods." Campgrounds closer to urban areas like Marin RV Park serve primarily as convenient bases for exploring San Francisco rather than nature retreats.
