Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits near Strawberry at an elevation of about 150 feet amid dense redwood forests in Marin County. Typically experiencing foggy mornings and cool evenings, this region offers diverse camping options ranging from state parks to national recreation areas. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer, requiring campers to pack additional layers regardless of seasonal forecasts.
What to do
Hike to Point Reyes beaches: From Olema Campground, you can access multiple Point Reyes beaches and trails. This campground serves as an excellent gateway to the national seashore. As one camper noted, "That being said you are at the gateway to a large fabulous national seashore... There is a great restaurant down the road and a church next door!"
Explore historical sites: Angel Island State Park offers unique historical exploration opportunities just a ferry ride away. "There is plenty of hiking, beach access, paved roads for biking, and tours of the history of the island," explains one camper. Another adds, "It used to be intake for immigration and even had some military presence on the island back in the day. Lots of old buildings to explore."
Visit local attractions: Campgrounds provide access to various local attractions. A Samuel P. Taylor camper recommends, "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station." The same visitor adds, "Novato had the most adorable 4th of July parade complete with a pancake breakfast."
What campers like
Panoramic viewpoints: Steep Ravine Campground on Mount Tamalpais offers unmatched views of the Bay Area. A camper explains, "For that, you get your own seaside cabin with million dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge." Another visitor emphasizes the wildlife viewing opportunities: "The views. And... It's about a mile into Stinson Beach if you need provisions or restaurants, and you can hike right onto the Steep Ravine / Matt Davis trails."
Secluded tent sites: Haypress Campground provides a quiet retreat surprisingly close to urban areas. "Very quiet and peaceful. The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light. No road noise," reports one camper. Another adds, "Meadow sites against a row of trees. There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full."
Waterfront locations: Waterside camping sites offer special experiences. At Kirby Cove, "You can't find a better spot to see the Golden Gate bridge and the SF city skyline! The weather is almost always chilly in the evening and night so be prepared with jackets and GOOD sleeping bags." Another camper raves about the beach access: "Kirby Cove is a campground different than I have ever experienced before. You're clearly very close to everything (i.e. San Francisco), while feeling like you are away from everything at the same time."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Coastal and mountain microclimates require careful planning. At Pantoll Campground a visitor warned, "Currently no fires or stoves allowed so it's rough without any source of warmth. The wind chill is real at night!" Another camper noted, "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."
Reservation challenges: Many top campsites require early booking. At Steep Ravine, one camper advises, "So the cabins are not only notoriously difficult to reserve -- you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time when I reserved." Similarly, Bicentennial Campground requires planning: "You definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak times."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions. Kirby Cove campers report: "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." At Samuel P. Taylor, "Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue."
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly sites: For family introductions to camping, Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers ideal conditions. "And 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," says one visitor. Another camper explains, "We have previously tent camped and car camped here and we really enjoy it. It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings."
Plan accessible hikes: Some campgrounds offer easy trail access for all ages. At Tennessee Valley near Haypress Campground, "The walk to Tennessee Beach is very flat and level and doable for kids. The campground is off on a slight detour but it's an easy starting spot for hike-in camping." Similarly, Angel Island offers, "We hiked around the island and explored a couple cool areas."
Pack for evening entertainment: Evening activities help when daylight ends early. One family camping at Pantoll Campground mentioned, "Sites are spacious and include grills and fire pits. I hear some of them have really nice views but we wanted to be near the parking lot so that worked for us." At Olema Campground, "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard."
Tips from RVers
Consider space constraints: Marin RV Park has tight sites but excellent location benefits. "The spots are narrow. The ground is made up of small rocks, but is perfectly level. There are no picnic tables and/or fire pits available," notes one RVer. Another adds, "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."
Use public transportation: RVers can avoid driving challenges in urban areas. One Marin RV Park visitor shared, "The location is really convenient given that the ferry and bus stops are within walking distance. We parked the RV at the ferry station and were able to enjoy a day of San Francisco without worrying about the RV." Another camper adds, "We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St and driving across the Golden Gate Bridge."
Plan for utility needs: Understanding hookup availability helps with trip planning. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable, and the showers and toilets were still not working." Meanwhile, Marin RV Park offers "Gravel lot 30 minutes from Golden Gate Bridge and 10 minutes to Ferry. Clean bathrooms with decent showers and security. Public laundromat on premises has vending machine for incidentals."
