Best Tent Camping near Stinson Beach, CA
Mount Tamalpais State Park offers several tent camping areas within close proximity to Stinson Beach, California, providing convenient access to both coastal and mountain recreation. Steep Ravine Campground features walk-in tent sites with direct ocean views, while Pantoll Campground provides more accessible tent sites within the forested areas of the park. Point Reyes National Seashore, located just north, offers additional backcountry tent camping options at Wildcat, Glen, and Sky campgrounds.
Most tent sites in the region require advance planning due to their popularity and limited availability. Campers at Steep Ravine should be prepared for windy coastal conditions, especially during summer months. Sites typically include fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage lockers to protect supplies from raccoons and other wildlife. Pantoll Campground provides water spigots throughout the campground and flush toilets near the parking area, while some backcountry tent locations have more limited facilities. Several campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during off-peak seasons.
Tent campers frequently use these locations as a base for exploring the extensive trail networks that connect Mount Tamalpais to Muir Woods, Stinson Beach, and the surrounding wilderness areas. The walk-in tent sites at Steep Ravine offer dramatic coastal views with sites positioned along oceanfront bluffs. For those seeking more shelter, Pantoll's tent sites are nestled among trees, providing protection from coastal winds. A camper noted that "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." Some tent sites require short walks from parking areas, with wheelbarrows available at certain locations to transport camping gear from vehicles to campsites.
