The coastal stretch surrounding Stinson Beach features a diverse mix of camping options within Mount Tamalpais State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground accommodates tent, RV, and cabin campers with developed facilities, while Steep Ravine Campground offers both rustic cabins and environmental tent sites perched on oceanfront bluffs. Several campgrounds in the area provide walk-in tent sites, including Pantoll Campground where first-come, first-served sites make spontaneous trips possible for those who arrive early.
Weather conditions along this section of California coast require proper preparation, particularly for wind exposure. "It was really windy but up above in the trees so our tent wasn't blowing away," noted one camper at Pantoll. Road access to many sites involves navigating steep, winding routes that demand careful driving, especially after dark. The gate-accessed Steep Ravine requires campers to call ahead for entry codes, and most developed campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. Reservations for the popular Steep Ravine cabins must be made exactly six months in advance when booking windows open, while some tent sites offer more flexibility. Winter camping brings cooler temperatures and potential rain, but fewer crowds compete for space.
Campers consistently highlight the exceptional coastal views and hiking opportunities as primary draws to the region. The environmental campsites at Steep Ravine receive particularly strong reviews for their dramatic oceanfront setting. "These cabins are well worth the cost," reported one visitor regarding the rustic accommodations at Steep Ravine. Trails connecting Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and Stinson Beach provide excellent day hiking from most campgrounds in the region. Wildlife sightings add to the experience, though proper food storage is essential as raccoons are frequently mentioned in reviews. Those seeking more developed facilities can find RV hookups at Olema Campground and Marin RV Park, while primitive tent sites dominate most state park and national seashore options. The relatively close proximity to San Francisco makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations.
$35 - $225 / night
"This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
$25 - $100 / night
"Just a short drive from San Francisco lies Steep Ravine campground at the southern end of Stinson Beach. The campsite sits right on the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best sunsets imaginable."
"To hike towards Stinson Beach or Dipsea Trail - head back up to the gate entrance and walk across the street."
$7 - $25 / night
"This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."
"Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais. You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground. "
"Nice place to eat within walking distance but make reservations on a weekend. WiFi. Showers. Spots are close together but the drive here is amazing. Openings on a Saturday night."
"Near Pt. Reyes National Seashore. One complaint was they weed whipped the sites next to us rather then mow. Very loud."
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
"I used to live in the area and wish I had spent more time camping in and around the Point Reyes National Seashore."
$40 - $75 / night
"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
$99 - $115 / night
"30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."
"Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."
$30 / night
"California, Washington and Oregon have lovely coast but this location is truly unique!"
"Tomales Bay is a boat in only campground on Indian Beach a unique experience if you have access to a boat. There are plenty of drive or walk in sites if you don't have a boat."
"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
"Point Reyes in California has to be my all time favorite camping site. There are miles and miles of beaches surrounded by dunes, hills, and cliffs."
"Hike in (and around!) this gorgeous area. We chose to stay two nights and had a great time exploring the surrounding hiking trails - a personal favourite was Alamere Falls."
TravelerThey call this the off season, but only if your reason for coming is wine industry happenings. Beautiful weather, lots of space, lush green fields. The hiking here is unreal, the native plant garden is a lovely escape, and the facilities are clean and well tended. This one's a keeper.
LegendWe’ve stayed here probably 5 times now when we visit our daughter in the peninsula. Great urban spot that has large sites, clean restrooms and showers and it is quiet. Often it is windy here but we are mainly using it as a sleeping spot. The laundry is convenient. We’ll be back. Note: you can’t make reservations within 48 hours of your stay but there are usually plenty of drive up spaces.
GuideVery nicely kept campground with lots of amenities. Not busy in February.
GuideGreat spot to camp and explore the Santa Rosa area. No hook ups but there is a spot to fill fresh water tank and a dump station. Sites are well spaced and very clean. Will get weekend locals so you will likely hear people having fun :) My go to in the area.
TravelerI stayed overnight in the winter so it was pretty empty. The sites are all separate and not too close to one another like they look in photos. The hosts were very nice and it was very quiet when I was there. It's close enough to where you could walk into town but I drove because it was raining. I will definitely be camping here again.
Travelerjust the sites might be to close for what im used to but besides that i loved it
LegendBeautiful spot. Clean facilities and grounds. A bit of city noise but you are technically in the city.
LegendThis was a great campground to spend the night or several days if you have the time. Facilities are clean. Grounds are clean. The staff was super friendly. We enjoyed a fire while enjoying the night sounds of nature. The only complaint was the site that decided to run the generator after hours. We were ready to turn in but were surprised that even though the park was quite empty, there were hosts on site to address the issue.
TravelerSite was only open for day use - call ahead (no cell service) despite website
Samuel P. Taylor State Park sits in a valley along Lagunitas Creek, providing a shaded redwood forest environment approximately 15 minutes from Stinson Beach. The campground sits at 150 feet elevation with sites spread among second-growth redwoods. Winter temperatures average 40-55°F, requiring campers to prepare for cooler nights even during summer months when fog frequently rolls in.
Creek exploration: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provides direct access to Lagunitas Creek. "The camp has its own beach and is right by an old missile sight you can check out. Highly recommended," notes a visitor from nearby Kirby Cove. The creek offers shallow wading spots ideal for cooling off during warmer summer days.
Horseback riding: 15-minute drive to Five Brooks Ranch. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," says a camper who stayed at Samuel P. Taylor. The ranch offers guided trail rides ranging from 1-hour ($50/person) to half-day excursions through wooded areas and coastal landscapes.
Kayaking: Tomales Bay rentals available 25 minutes north. "There is also Kayaking in Tomales Bay which is okay fun," reports a camper from Samuel P. Taylor. Rental companies operate year-round with 2-hour tours starting at $65/person, though winter bookings require advance reservations due to limited availability.
Wildlife viewing: Diverse animal encounters throughout the region. "We'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 camper from Steep Ravine Campground. Most wildlife sightings occur during early morning or evening hours.
Beach access: Multiple trails connect campsites to coastal areas. "Just a yards away from the beach. Just a reminder to cancel your reservation if you don't plan to come, there were 2/8 sites not occupied on a Saturday that could have been used by someone who really wants to experience this great location," notes a visitor to Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Stargazing: Clear coastal skies offer exceptional night viewing. "The stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky," according to a camper at Glen Campground. Light pollution remains minimal in most camping areas except during foggy conditions.
Reservation challenges: Popular sites require persistent planning. "If you can get a reservation, you've got to experience this campground. The view of the City from here at night is incredible and otherworldly when the fog starts to set in," explains a camper at Kirby Cove Campground. Most sites release booking windows 6 months in advance with openings filled within minutes.
Limited supplies: Some campgrounds lack basic services. "No water is available, so make sure to bring enough for drinking, cooking, washing up, and putting the fire out," warns another Kirby Cove camper. Most environmental campgrounds require carrying in at least 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage critical at all sites. "I've been camping my whole life and NEVER have I seen raccoons so persistent. Not aggressive. Just persistent. And fearless. They. Will. Not. Leave. You. Alone. From like 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm they will stalk your site looking for ANY unsecured food," reports a Kirby Cove visitor. Bear boxes are provided at most sites but must be properly used.
Short hikes: Kid-friendly trail options accessible from camps. "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," mentions a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Multiple trails under 1 mile are suitable for young children.
Site selection: Research specific site layouts for family needs. "This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas," notes a visitor to Pantoll Campground. Sites along creek areas typically provide more entertainment for children.
Playground access: Recreation areas available at select campgrounds. "Olema is our go to spot. Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," shares a regular visitor to Olema Campground.
Space limitations: Measure your vehicle before booking. "Campground is not a specific campground but Mt. Tam park which contains several different areas where you can camp. It is mostly used for RV's some appear to be year round residents," explains a camper visiting Olema Campground. Most RV sites limit length to 30 feet with few pull-through options.
Location benefits: Strategic base for regional exploration. "This RV Park gets 5 stars purely for its location. 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," explains a visitor to Marin RV Park. Most RV sites near Stinson Beach provide convenient access to coastal attractions.
Resource management: Plan for limited hookups. "They have great amenities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restaurant down the road and a church next door!" notes another Olema camper. Only two RV parks in the immediate area offer full hookups, requiring conservation for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping facilities and amenities are available near Stinson Beach?
Pantoll Campground on Mount Tamalpais offers 13 sites with varying levels of seclusion, clean facilities, and is ADA compliant. The campground provides running water and bathroom facilities. It's situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais with easy access to numerous trails. Kirby Cove Campground in Golden Gate National Recreation Area provides another option with toilet facilities in a beautiful setting. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, with coastal campgrounds offering beach access and inland sites providing forest surroundings.
Where are the designated camping areas at Stinson Beach?
While Stinson Beach itself doesn't have designated camping, there are excellent options nearby. Steep Ravine Campground is located at the southern end of Stinson Beach on the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular sunset views. The campground sits right on the coast with some sites providing beach access if you're willing to climb over rocks. Another option is Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes National Seashore, which is accessible via hiking trails and provides a more secluded coastal camping experience not far from Stinson Beach.
Do I need reservations for camping at Stinson Beach?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for camping near Stinson Beach. Steep Ravine Campground is notoriously difficult to reserve and requires booking well in advance - you'll need to be ready to make reservations the moment they become available. Conversely, Pantoll Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a good option for spontaneous trips, though sites fill quickly on weekends. For the best chance of securing a spot, plan to arrive early in the day, especially during peak season and weekends. Weekday camping typically offers better availability than weekends.
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