Best Tent Camping near San Rafael, CA
Looking for tent camping near San Rafael? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find San Rafael campgrounds for you and your tent. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near San Rafael, California (44)
1. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
15 Reviews•60 Photos•497 SavesStinson Beach, CaliforniaS Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$25 - $100 / night
2. Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
14 Reviews•62 Photos•357 SavesStinson Beach, CaliforniaLocated half way up Mount Tamalpais' forested southern slopes, Pantoll Campground is one of two first-come, first-served walk-in campgrounds within Mount Tamalpais State Park (Bootjack being the other). With 16 historic campsites lying beneath a quiet Douglas fir forest, time spent next to the campfire here will quickly expunge thoughts of the big city that lies just a few miles to the south.
The campground has an assortment of sites that are distributed on the hill that extends from the Pantoll Day Use Area; sites located further uphill offer greater privacy and more room. All 16 sites are within a short, 100-yard walk from the car park. Each comes equipped with campfire pits and historic, stone-built campfire grills to accommodate all of your cooking and warming needs. Since advance reservations cannot be made for Pantoll, arriver earlier on weekend days to ensure you’ll have a site. You’ll likely have the campground to yourself if you are there mid-week.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$7 - $25 / night
3. Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
14 Reviews•71 Photos•217 SavesOlema, CaliforniaThis recreation area is part of Eastman Lake
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
4. Glen Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
13 Reviews•30 Photos•83 SavesPoint Reyes National Seashore, California- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$30 / night
5. Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
13 Reviews•48 Photos•194 SavesPoint Reyes National Seashore, California- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
6. Sunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park
9 Reviews•21 Photos•265 SavesTiburon, CaliforniaIn the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.
CAMPSITES
11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).
For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390
Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.
Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.
Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Market
$30 / night
7. Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore
9 Reviews•25 Photos•356 SavesPoint Reyes National Seashore, CaliforniaOne- to six-person sites: 12 Seven- to 25-person sites: 2 Coast Campground is nestled within a small coastal valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is within 220 yards of the campground and tidepools are located ~720 yards to the southeast. One may access Coast Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. The shortest approach on solid ground is via the 1.8-mile slightly uphill hike on the Laguna and Fire Lane Trails, starting at the Laguna Trailhead just east of the hostel. There are 12 regular sites and two group sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 - $90 / night
8. Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
7 Reviews•19 Photos•282 SavesSausalito, CaliforniaOverview
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.
Recreation
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
Natural Features
The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Nearby Attractions
Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations.__To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Trash
$25 / night
9. Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
5 Reviews•16 Photos•79 SavesMuir Beach, CaliforniaOverview
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Natural Features
Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Group Site Cancellations and Modifications The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation. Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$25 - $75 / night
10. Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park
4 Reviews•5 Photos•72 SavesMuir Woods, CaliforniaAlice Eastwood Group Camps
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$110 - $225 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near San Rafael, California
721 Reviews of 44 San Rafael Campgrounds
- Colleen R.
Traveler
Doran Regional Park
Sand & Sunsets
One of my favorite places to camp! The tent camp sites are kind of small, but very close to the beach. Beautiful sunsets. Campground is near bodega bay and shops. Fishing is allow but it’s pretty shallow. Rangers frequent the campground. Clean bathrooms and showers.
MarinMaverick
Legend
Olema Campground
Only Game in Town
If you want to explore the Point Reyes National Seashore you do not have many options. This facility has been there a long time, and while not the best, it gives you great access. It is mostly used for RV's some appear to be year round residents. I am a tent camper and there are tent camping sites. They are on a grassy area and not well defined. Not a lot of shade for tent sites.
That being said you are at the gateway to a large fabulous national seashore.
They have great ameneities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restuarant down the road and a church next door!
- MarinMaverickLegend
Casini Ranch Family Campground
Pick Your Site Well!
This is a haven for RV's and some sites are clearly meant for them. They can be sparse and open and right next to each other. But I am a tent camper so I look for those that have trees and coverage to get a sense of privacy. The virtue of Casini's is that it has some of the best direct access to the Russian River. That can be for fishing. canoeing, kayaking, or swimming - you name it. And if you pick your site right you have a great tent camping site.
ALso they have some great group tent sites if you want to go with friends.
With the store there if you forgot anything you are good.
- TTai W.
Guide
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Beautiful campground among majestic redwoods
The Upper Campground is a gem of a place to camp, nestled among the redwoods on the eastern facing side of a ridge (complete with hiking trails) and a creek. The Madrone group campground is across Sir Francis Drake Blvd (I personally think it's less scenic but more open). The only reason I took off a star is the campground's proximity to the road, which is not extremely busy but can be noisy if you are camping in a tent. Were it not for the noise, we'd go back again and again and again.
christi W.Traveler
Doran Campground
Beautiful Spot on the Sonoma Coast.
In the coastal town of Bodega Bay California is a state/regional beach called Doran Beach. It is a beautiful place to go for a day trip or for overnight camping trips. Doran's campground is right on the beach with the bay on both sides of the road. There are several areas for RV's and also for tent camping. (This review is for the tent camping.)
As with many sites in California there is a parking lot to park cars in and you walk in to the sites. There are restrooms, water and drinking fountains.
The sites themselves have tables, campfire pits and a lockable wooden storage box. There is a bird sanctuary nearby which is great for birdwatching.
The sunrise and sunsets are the most beautiful times of day and the beaches have emptied out. There is nothing like sleeping to the sound of rolling waves.
The only downside to this as a tent camping spot is the incredible wind that blasts in from the ocean.
I love this campground.
Alicia F.Legend
Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground
Great views
Often booked so you’ll want to get a reservation. $35/night for tent camping plus 7.99 reservation fee. No electric for tent camping but there is water. Safeway is just a mile away. Super cute town close by with fun shops and restaurants. The wind in the afternoon can be annoying but the views are worth it. I love staying here after working in Burlingame which is only 30 minutes away. Super easy to get to Mavericks, San Francisco etc.
- TTai W.Guide
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Beautiful campground but close to the road
Love this campground ... a great basecamp for easy access to everything that West Marin has to offer. It has wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it. It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces). Also, if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping). But all in all a great locale!
- Melissa P.Traveler
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
Small camp ground
Tent camp here every year. It's small but great for families! Has a creek and many hiking trails!
- Abby J.Traveler
Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park
Nice overall location, but cramped campsites
Not much privacy for tent camping. Fog horn goes continuously. Good hwy 1 access. Affordable. Walking distance to awesome beach.
- SSusan V.
Scout
Midway RV Park
No tent sites
This management informed me they do not have tent sites, contrary to the information the Dyrt app provided.
Alana S.Scout
Dumbarton Quarry Campground on the Bay
Great for first time campers
The staff was amazing. Tent site was spacious. Not too crowded. Clean bathroom and shower. Several trails to walk. Close to town in case we forgot something.
- JJoanna M.Traveler
Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
Campsite vs Cabins
Do this. “Hike in” means a paved lot with wheelbarrows to help you get your gear to your site which is less than a mile.
Yes these can be hard to get but the new “rolling reservation “ means dates are released 6months to the day not a whole month at a time. Be flexible and you can get a site. We have also stayed in the cabins which are a fantasy experience but the tent sites are cheaper and easier to get.
Tent sites have raccoons and are $25/night Cabins have mice and are $100/night
Site 2 is on the edge of the world. Several trees had been chopped down and there was little shelter but an unbelievable view! We camped for two nights in November and it was sunny and chilly.
Raccoons are abundant and brazen. They got into my lock top storage container but didn’t even try the flimsy food locker. Our bandit made off with a loaf of bread and the marshmallows.
Other tips: Site 1 is very exposed. Site 2 is ample for two tents if needed Site 3 ample for two tents with just a cedar fence between site 2 and 3 Site 4 is tucked down on the hillside with a great view south.
Beach access is via larger boulders. Have good shoes.
Firewood is available onsite for $7. Clean outhouse near tent sites. Clean bathrooms near parking lot- no soap or showers.
Jasim ِ.Traveler
Bicentennial Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area
It's just ok
Only 3 tent sites available, You have to reserve ahead of time, No drive in access, unloading our staff was very big work, Very nice views and a lot of hiking trails are available
- J
JimScoutCasini Ranch Family Campground
Nice but a little pricey
Very large, clean, well maintained campground. Sites range from tent camping to RV water and electric only to full hookups. It's centrally located halfway between Gurneville and Bodega Bay. Great place as a base for days at the beach, hiking at Armstrong Woods, or fishing.
- Mauriel O.Guide
Doran Regional Park
Fun Surf Spot
Nice little campground right on the beach. Nice long beach that's great for walking, surfing (if there's swell), and just relaxing in general. Tends to have a bit of a breeze at night with not a whole lot of natural protection for tent camping in my experience.
- Les S.Guide
Skyline Wilderness Park
Beautiful campground and park
I tent camped here and really liked it. There is also an RV section. It has flush toilets, showers and WiFi. For recreation you have the park behind the camp with great hiking trails and the whole Napa region. The people who work there are nice and do a great job keeping it up.
- MarinMaverickLegend
Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Access To The Delta
I am a tent camper and there are some good tent sites here. A bit open so can be windy but pick your site.
Access to the Delta with a boat ramp. Access to fishing all around you. Beyond water sports not a lot to do here but relax. Or go fly a kite.
- JJason S.Scout
Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Glamping
Nice state park north of Napa, the few car tent sites are nicely situated near a creek. Good space between sites. Easy and fun camping.
Yurts and cabins available. Close to road so a little noisy. Great for a less expensive stay. Saves money for wine tastings...
- Eric D.Scout
Olema Campground
Private Family Oriented Campground
Pros: Has numerous amenities including hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale. Cons: expensive, sites are close and poorly defined and the after hours check in procedure doesn’t prevent overlapping.
John G.GuideCasini Ranch Family Campground
Nice Family Campground
Close to the ocean at Jenner. Campground is next to the Russian River. Family activities and games for kids (playground, volleyball). Some shaded site, a mix of sunny locations and partial shade. Full RV hook ups and tent sites. River access for swimming & boating. No sandy beach.
- NNick T.Guide
San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
Great camp for the kids
This KOA is pretty big with plenty of options for RV sites. Wide variety of full hook-ups or partial hook-ups. Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos. For us, this is a great spot to shoot down the highway and pull in for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal life! Close to downtown Petaluma with plenty of premium shops and restaurants.
- MMacClellan R.Scout
Olema Campground
Spacious and Accommodating
We visited this park earlier this spring. Yes it was wet, but we didn't mind. Liked the spaces and layout so much...we are going back this fall. Plus we love that whole area.
However, DYRT got some info wrong. While there are plenty of full hookup spaces for RVs, there are no pull thru sites. Only back in for trailers and drive-in for coaches. Many tent camping spaces and RV spaces w/just water and power. The folks are friendly and helpful.
M.R.
- JJessi D.Scout
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground
Hidden Gem Among the Vineyards
While driving through Sonoma Valley, I found this hidden campground that was one of the most amazing campgrounds that I have stayed at. I was tent camping and easily found the perfect spot. Until this trip, I had never seen a banana slug which was HUGE! I stayed for just one night while continuing on my way up to the Redwoods. The hills were covering in the yellowing grass of the summer and combined with the tranquility of the rolling hills, I experienced one of the most calming sunsets of my life. Not far from this campground is the Jack London Historical State Park, which i highly recommend going to see. Overall, this was a fun little hidden gem in California.
- CColleen T.Scout
Skyline Wilderness Park
Camping during Covid
The tent camping is good. It’s spread out now because of social distancing. There are only 3 other campers besides me. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails so that’s a real bummer because this is a great place for hiking and horseback riding. Campsite is nothing special but the restroom gets 4 stars and the shower does as well only because the shower pressure is fantastic. Take yer skin clear off . I’m happy that I’m here and really that’s all you can ask for
- DDaniel D.Guide
Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Great camping in wine country
Tent camped here several times before I got my trailer. Fantastically close to many great wineries, and minutes from Calistoga. The park has a great swimming pool that my kids enjoyed, and I heard there was a fun hike to the mill located elsewhere in the park. Heads up for RV campers- the park is hilly, and some of the parking spots aren’t flat, so make sure you check sites like campsitephotos first to make sure you get a spot that works for you.
- EElizabeth S.Scout
Skyline Wilderness Park
Not Fancy, but Well Appointed
Basic outdoor setting near downtown Napa. Clean and well appointed bathrooms and showers. RV as well as tent camping in different sections. Recommend bicycles, if you have them, to ride into town, or on nearby backroads to view acres upon acres of vineyards. Park allows daytime use for mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders. During current COVID times (eg 6/2020), wineries require appointments for visiting, as compared to many with “drop in” ability in the past, so plan ahead. Open 7am-7pm, with gate code given for late entrants. Recommend earlier check in (starts at 1pm).
- Teresa B.Scout
Doran Regional Park
Tent camping is secluded. RV is parking lot.
There are only a handful of tent only sites, most of which are secluded by trees. We have gone twice and enjoyed it. The group site is large and open. Beach access is very easy, especially with kids. The beach is wide, flat and great for families. The first Saturday of the month the rangers do a tide pool talk. They bring sea creatures (like sea stars, sea slugs etc) to share and let the kids hold them.
One thing to be prepared for is the wind. The tent sites are VERY windy, especially at night.
Guide to San Rafael
Nestled near San Rafael, California, tent camping offers a perfect escape into nature with stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Enjoy clean facilities and potable water at the well-reviewed Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park.
- The Pantoll Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park features flush toilets and dishwashing stations, making your stay comfortable.
- At Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore, campers can find picnic tables and trash disposal for a hassle-free experience.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Hike the scenic trails leading to breathtaking views at Glen Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Experience the thrill of kayaking and fishing at the boat-in site of Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife at Coast Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore.
Tent campers should check out these features
- The Alice Eastwood Group Camp — Mount Tamalpais State Park offers a covered dining area and ample hiking options in the nearby Muir Woods.
- Experience the unique coastal environment at Hawk Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park provides easy access to trails and is known for its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Rafael, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Rafael, CA is Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Rafael, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 44 tent camping locations near San Rafael, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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