Tent camping near Sausalito, California offers opportunities for primitive camping in several protected natural areas within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at the northern end of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area where coastal fog frequently rolls in during summer evenings, creating temperature fluctuations of 15-25°F between day and night. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through recreation.gov, with booking windows opening 6 months ahead for the most sought-after locations.
What to Do
Hike to Tennessee Beach: From Haypress Campground, take the Tennessee Valley Trail to reach a secluded beach. "There are very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full. It can get windy - there is some shelter under the trees," notes MarinMaverick.
Explore immigration history: At Angel Island State Park, visit the Immigration Museum for historical context. "Immigration museum (think Ellis Island but for the west coast!)" explains Marion D., who adds that "the island itself is about a 5 mile hike from one end to the other with a very modest elevation gain so it's definitely worth doing."
Visit natural hot springs: The coastal region near Steep Ravine Campground offers unique seasonal features. One camper, Nikata L., mentions "we didn't even get into the mermaid hot springs gracing the beaches during super low tides!" These natural springs are only accessible during extremely low tides.
Mountain biking: The trails near Mount Tamalpais State Park provide connections to various backcountry areas. "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location. The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site," notes Patrick O.
What Campers Like
Solitude and stargazing: Wildcat Campground at Point Reyes National Seashore provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. Taylor A. describes it as "a very cool spot for backpacking in with 6-8 miles to hike in, depending on the trails you take. The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites."
Proximity to Muir Woods: Many campers value accessing Muir Woods without driving. "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 Michael I.
Urban wilderness experience: Rob Hill Campground offers camping within city limits. "The campsite's main distinction is the site for the Camping at the Presidio program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences," one reviewer explains, noting it's "very well maintained and in a great location."
Wildlife viewing: The Marin Headlands area provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "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 Nikata L. about experiences at Steep Ravine.
What You Should Know
Wind conditions: Many coastal sites experience significant wind. At Bicentennial Campground, august M. notes, "All three sites here are next to each other and have no separation, but if you're okay with that it's a wonderful place to camp."
No water at some sites: Haypress Campground lacks potable water. Erin S. reports, "No water. We backpacked in from the Golden Gate Bridge. There was no place nearby to fill up on water, and had to be extremely conservative in our use. No springs or creeks running nearby this time of year either."
Fog horn noise: Coastal campgrounds often experience persistent noise. At Bicentennial Campground, Amanda S. advises, "be warned, at night the fog horns on the bridge are very loud and very close, so bring something to cancel the noise."
Mouse problems: Several campgrounds report rodent issues. Adam notes at Steep Ravine cabins, "You'll need them. You'd think staying in a cabin would elevate the camping experience a bit, but frankly, this brought things down a couple notches. In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps."
Tips for Camping with Families
Pack light for walk-ins: Most Sausalito area campgrounds require walking gear from parking areas. Samantha T. advises about Pantoll Campground, "recommend packing light bc walk-in means you need to bring everything from the parking lot."
Select weather-appropriate sites: Coastal fog and wind affect comfort levels, especially for children. "Very windy but up above in the trees so our tent wasn't blowing away," reports Mylissa M. about her experience at Pantoll Campground.
Consider group camping options: Alice Eastwood Group Camp accommodates larger family gatherings. Nikki T. shares, "There are two group spots. Group A holds 50 people. There is a kitchen area with a huge grill and a large canopy covering a dining area. Group B holds 25 and has more privacy."
Secure food from wildlife: Even at developed campgrounds, food storage is essential. "Lots of raccoons at night, so lock everything away," warns Samantha T. about Pantoll Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campsites near Sausalito do not accommodate RVs. At Bootjack Campground, Michael W. notes, "We originally arrived at bootjack thinking we could drive directly to our campsite and car camp... unfortunately you cannot."
Day-use alternatives: RVers can park at certain trailheads and day-use areas while tent camping. "Each campsite had a table and bench, wood grill area, and easy access got the restrooms, potable water, and trash cans (that are inside wooden boxes to deter wildlife)," reports Michael W. about Bootjack.
Consider weather limitations: RV access roads in the area can be challenging during wet conditions. "Just be ready for a winding drive with some sharp turns and sheer cliffs," warns Michael W. about the drive to Bootjack Campground.
