Camping sites near San Geronimo, California offer diverse terrain from valley floors to coastal bluffs at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet. The area typically experiences temperature shifts of 20-30 degrees between day and night, with summer highs averaging 75°F and evening lows frequently dropping to 45°F. The region's microclimate creates foggy mornings that often clear by midday, especially during summer months.
What to do
Horseback riding in Olema: Just 15 minutes from San Geronimo, Five Brooks Ranch offers trail rides through Point Reyes landscapes. "We would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," notes a visitor to Olema Campground.
Beach exploration at low tide: The coastline reveals hidden features during low tides. "The mermaid hot springs gracing the beaches during super low tides" are mentioned by a visitor to Steep Ravine Campground, referring to natural warm pools exposed only at certain times.
Waterfall hiking: Alamere Falls offers a unique coastal waterfall. "A mile or so before you get to camp there is a side trail to the left for Alamere Falls. Watch out! I've gotten ticks and poison oak here, and the route down to the beach is perilous. Better to dump your pack at camp and walk up the beach," advises a camper at Wildcat Camp.
Shuttle-free Muir Woods access: Avoid crowds by accessing from alternative trailheads. "From Pantoll you have very easy access to the summit of Mt. Tamalpais, easy access Stinson Beach and the coast, plus you can even skip the long lines and shuttles to get into Muir Woods," explains a camper at Pantoll Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The area supports diverse animal populations. "I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day," shares a visitor to Steep Ravine Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. At Glen Campground, "the stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky."
Multiple ecological zones: Camps provide access to varied environments. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall," notes a camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. "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."
Seasonal isolation: Off-peak periods offer solitude at normally busy sites. "Being that it is so close to the city, I would avoid this spot on major weekends or holidays. But middle of the week and not during the Summer is ideal," notes a camper about popular sites.
What you should know
Fog patterns: Marine layer creates predictable daily patterns. "The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a Samuel P. Taylor camper.
Limited firewood at remote sites: Plan ahead for evening warmth. "Currently no fires or stoves allowed so it's rough without any source of warmth. The wind chill is real at night!" reports a Pantoll Campground visitor during fire restrictions.
Poison oak prevalence: The plant grows throughout the area. At Sky Campground, a camper warns, "I did however get bad poison oak and I think since I was careful with ivy block before my actual hikes, I picked this up at the actual campsite. Which is annoying since it seemed mostly clear, so I didn't look closely enough I guess."
Variable water availability: Facilities may change seasonally. "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable, and the showers and toilets were still not working," reports a Samuel P. Taylor visitor.
Weekend parking challenges: Popular trailheads fill quickly. At Pantoll, "if you choose to drive, just know that it can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends (you'll need to drop your stuff off, find a place to park along the road, then come back to park in the evening when the parking lot clears)."
Tips for camping with families
First-time camper etiquette: Novice campers may need guidance. "For families who want a quick trip over Golden Gate Bridge to introduce their children (or adults!) to the great outdoors, their first camp, nowhere is more convenient and instantly gratifying," explains a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor, though they caution about inexperienced campers who might not follow proper etiquette.
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation options abound. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, "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."
Protected beach access: Some campgrounds offer wind-sheltered coast access. "Near the beach but protected from the coastal wind," notes a visitor about Coast Campground, making it ideal for families wanting beach time without full exposure to coastal elements.
Site selection for privacy: Research specific site numbers for family needs. At Glen Campground, "Site 3 was relatively private, shady in the morning and evening. Site 2 was very pretty but shady. Site 10 is exposed to everyone with no privacy."
Tips from RVers
Gate code requirements: Some parks require advance communication. At Steep Ravine, a camper warns, "They changed their email system, making it so you have to call to get the gate code. We forgot to call. Awesome, but hard to get to if you dont have the gate code."
Ferry access to San Francisco: Public transit options eliminate driving stress. At Marin RV Park, "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."
Space limitations: Many RV sites have tight clearances. "The sites appear to be your standard state park equipment with a fire pit, a picnic table and a lockable pantry. The parking area for our site was large enough to accommodate our SUV and another vehicle," reports a Samuel P. Taylor visitor.
Solar challenges in redwoods: Dense canopy affects power generation. "Because of the amazing redwood canopy, it might be hard to get good sun for solar in most of the sites," notes a camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
