Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits among towering redwoods just 25 miles northwest of San Pablo, California. The campground occupies a canyon along Lagunitas Creek where water levels vary seasonally, offering year-round camping at elevations around 150 feet. Winter brings cool, moist conditions with temperatures dropping to the 40s at night, while summer days reach the 70s with evening fog often cooling the area dramatically.
What to do
Creek exploration: 1-2 mile walks along the creek at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provide opportunities to see seasonal wildlife. "Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July," explains one camper who noted the informational signs providing ecological details throughout the park.
Horseback riding: Book guided tours near Olema, just minutes from several campgrounds. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," suggests a visitor who found it to be a highlight of their trip to the area.
Astronomy programs: Attend scheduled events at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park to learn about night skies. "We went on a night hike for a star gazing tour and had a great time!" reports one camper who enjoyed the programs at the Robert Ferguson Observatory located within the park grounds.
What campers like
Protection from elements: Natural windbreaks at Coast Campground in Point Reyes help during foggy conditions. "Sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind," explains a visitor familiar with the best spots to minimize coastal exposure.
Wildlife viewing: Morning animal sightings are common at several locations. At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground, one visitor noted they "saw a rabbit, turkeys, lizards, deer, & quails!" during a short walk on the nature trail through the campground.
Camping near wineries: Access to tasting rooms makes for unique day trips. "There are several wonderful wineries and tasting rooms within a couple miles of the park located around the town of Kenwood," mentions a visitor who appreciated the proximity to wine country from their campsite.
What you should know
Reservation windows: Book 6 months ahead for popular sites, especially during summer. At Bicentennial Campground, "you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak times, although we went in January and walked in and got a space."
Campground noise levels: Expect varied conditions depending on the day of week and location. "We were there Thurs through Tues. Most nights were very quiet with people retiring by dark. Fri & Sat there were a few more folks up a little later, but by 8p, the campground was dark & quiet," reported a visitor to Olema Campground.
Fog horn noise: Bring noise cancellation if staying near the Golden Gate Bridge. At Bicentennial Campground, "be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife education opportunities: Coordinate with rangers to learn about local species. At Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground, families can walk the 4-mile coastal trail and observe marine wildlife, though one visitor notes that "Dogs are allowed at the campsite on leash, but not on the beaches here at all."
Kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds for easier family camping. The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers "Swimming, play and explore all the north bay has to offer," according to a visitor who found it ideal for families.
Site selection for privacy: Request specific sites when booking with children. At Samuel P. Taylor, a camper recommended "We like the sites in the high teens (18 & 19), as they seem a bit larger and are right along the creek," providing both space and natural entertainment for children.
Tips from RVers
Tight maneuvering: Practice backing skills before attempting narrower campgrounds. "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 about Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Site leveling needs: Bring leveling blocks for many area campgrounds. At Skyline Wilderness Park, "RV campsites are close together and semi-level," according to a recent visitor who still found the location worthwhile for its proximity to Napa.
Cell service variability: Check connectivity needs before booking remote sites. "Cell phone coverage is good. Have both Verizon and Att with at least 2-3 bars. 10-12 Mbps down 4-5 Mbps up," notes a visitor to Skyline Wilderness Park, which is helpful information for RVers needing to stay connected.
