Tent campers around San Geronimo have access to a diverse array of walk-in and hike-in campgrounds throughout the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore. Winter camping provides unique advantages with quieter trails and clearer night skies, though temperatures can drop to the mid-30s overnight. The region's characteristic coastal fog often burns off by midday, particularly during summer months.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: Visit the beach near Coast Campground for marine discovery. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," notes one camper who considers this area "a favorite get away."
Sunrise viewing: Early risers at Angel Island State Park are rewarded with panoramic bay views. "There's no better place to get views of the Bay!" explains one visitor. The three "Ridge" sites provide unobstructed vistas "that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge with the city and Alcatraz in between."
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to significant historical sites. At Angel Island, campers can explore immigration facilities similar to Ellis Island but for the west coast. As one visitor described, "Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites - so there is much to see and do beyond hiking."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Glen Campground, sites are thoughtfully positioned. "Most individual sites are well-screened by shrubs and trees," mentions one visitor. Another camper who stayed at site #8 noted it was "a little bit secluded and away from other sites," describing the overall campground as "quaint and cozy."
Water access: Several campsites offer water proximity. At Haypress Campground, campers appreciate the Tennessee Valley location with trail access to the beach. One visitor highlights the convenience: "The walk to Tennessee Beach is very flat and level and doable for kids."
Ecological diversity: The region offers varied ecosystems within short distances. As one camper at Coast Camp noted, "Miles and miles of hiking trails, unique ecosystem you won't find anywhere else along the coast (or in the world!)." Hikers can experience meadows, coastal bluffs, and forest settings on a single day's journey.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Many Point Reyes and Mt. Tam sites book months in advance. For Wildcat Campground, campers advise planning ahead: "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience." Another notes, "Just a reminder to cancel your reservation if you don't plan to come, there were 2/8 sites not occupied on a Saturday."
Wildlife preparation: Several campgrounds require proper food storage due to active wildlife. "Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," warns one camper regarding small field mice at Wildcat Camp. At Pantoll, "lots of raccoons at night, so lock everything away."
Weather variability: Coastal fog and wind affect campgrounds differently based on elevation and tree coverage. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," advises a camper at Coast Camp. At Haypress, "mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking: For families new to backpacking, Bootjack Campground offers accessible options. "This campground has all the amenities one would need. Each campsite had a table and bench, wood grill area, and easy access to the restrooms, potable water, and trash cans."
Short hikes with rewards: Glen Campground provides manageable hiking distances 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."
Educational opportunities: Angel Island offers educational value alongside camping. "Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites - so there is much to see and do beyond hiking." This makes tent camping near San Geronimo particularly valuable for families seeking both outdoor recreation and learning opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: While traditional RV camping is limited, Steep Ravine Campground offers rustic cabins that serve as an alternative for those seeking more shelter than a tent. "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families."
Parking considerations: Most tent sites in the San Geronimo region require separate parking and walking to sites. At Bootjack Campground, one camper notes: "We originally arrived at bootjack thinking we could drive directly to our campsite and car camp… unfortunately you cannot. However, thankfully we brought a tent!"
Winter access: RV travelers seeking tent camping alternatives during winter months should consider cabin options. "No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light. Bring candles and lanterns and some fabric for curtains for privacy," advises a Steep Ravine visitor.
