Camping in the Tiburon area presents outdoor options throughout the year, with coastal fog patterns affecting campground temperatures, especially at locations like Mount Tamalpais where evenings cool dramatically even during summer months. Temperatures typically range from 45°F nights to 75°F days, with higher elevation campgrounds experiencing 10-15 degree cooler conditions than bay-level sites. Northern California's unique microclimates create significant temperature variations between sites just miles apart.
What to do
Hike the Steep Ravine Trail: Located near Bootjack Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, this trail offers exceptional hiking through redwoods. Campers note the trail's accessibility: "Never expected such a clean bathroom at a campsite! We originally arrived at bootjack thinking we could drive directly to our campsite and car camp... unfortunately you cannot. However, thankfully we brought a tent!!"
Explore local beaches: From Olema Campground, visitors can easily access multiple coastal areas. A reviewer mentions, "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."
Enjoy waterfront views: The walk-in sites at Pantoll Campground provide views of San Francisco after sunset. One camper observed, "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."
Visit Muir Woods without crowds: Camping at Mount Tamalpais provides back-door access to Muir Woods National Monument without dealing with parking reservations or shuttles. "There are literally days worth of great hiking accessible from Pantoll!"
What campers like
Convenient urban proximity: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers camping just minutes from San Francisco. As one camper explains, "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."
Seasonal creek access: Samuel P. Taylor campsites feature a creek running through the campground. "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, which can really cool it down."
Free hot showers: Olema Campground provides complimentary hot showers, a rarity in the area. A camper noted, "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."
Eucalyptus groves: Anthony Chabot Regional Park features aromatic eucalyptus trees throughout the campground. "The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.). It's a great natural area that is so conveniently located in the Bay Area."
What you should know
Cash payment required: Most first-come-first-served campgrounds require cash payment via self-registration envelopes. "Just be ready for a winding drive with some sharp turns and sheer cliffs. Bring some cash too to pay using their envelopes."
Microclimate temperature shifts: The coastal region experiences significant temperature changes between day and night. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."
Wildlife precautions: H. Dana Bower Rest Area Northbound allows overnight RV parking but requires food management. "DO NOT eat or make food. My partner and I tried eating and got surrounded by a whole bunch of raccoons. Honestly, it's so cool that you're able to stay overnight by the golden gate. It was peaceful at night."
Seasonal water restrictions: Samuel P. Taylor State Park limits creek access during fish spawning season. "Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July. Also, lots of poison oak in the unmaintained areas and off the trails, so be aware."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites strategically: At Pantoll Campground, select sites based on proximity to facilities. "The campground is situated across a steep-ish hillside. Water spigots are spread out among the sites, but all the bathrooms are located down the hill near the parking lot."
Pack for temperature swings: The temperature can drop dramatically when fog rolls in, even in summer. "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down. On our first visit, there was no running water or showers."
Plan midweek visits: Camping during weekdays offers a much quieter experience, especially for families. "Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty. The sites are fairly close to each other."
Consider camping etiquette education: First-time campers are common at these accessible campgrounds. One experienced camper at Samuel P. Taylor observed, "However! You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette you have ever met in your life."
Tips from RVers
Use ferries from Marin RV Park: Marin RV Park provides easy access to public transportation. "This RV Park gets 5 stars purely for it's 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."
Expect tight spaces: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Tiburon have narrow sites for RVs. "It's a parking lot with full hookups strategically located to public transit direct to San Francisco. It's surprisingly quiet for being in a semi industrial area right next to the 101, but there is road noise of course."
Understand cost-to-amenity ratio: RV sites near Tiburon charge premium rates for location rather than amenities. "There are no picnic tables and/or fire pits available. The person in the office checking me in was not very friendly, but that might be situational. The location is really convenient given that the ferry and bus bus stops are within walking distance."
Plan ahead for bridge tolls: When traveling between campgrounds and San Francisco, factor in bridge tolls. "An important point to note is that you can only access this rest area when traveling northbound off the bridge. If you miss it, you'll have to cross the bridge again, which costs $9-10 each time you head south into San Francisco."
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