Best Tent Camping near Tomales, CA
Point Reyes National Seashore offers several tent-only campgrounds near Tomales, California, with walk-in and hike-in sites that provide coastal access and wilderness experiences. Sky Campground features tent sites on a ridge with panoramic views, requiring a 1.3-mile hike from the trailhead. Wildcat Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean with beach access and proximity to Alamere Falls, accessible via a 5.5 to 6.3-mile hike depending on the trailhead. Glen Campground provides a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience with 12 sites nestled in the woods, requiring a 5-mile hike from Bear Valley Trailhead.
Most tent campsites in the Point Reyes area require advance reservations through recreation.gov, followed by picking up permits at Bear Valley Visitor Center on arrival day. Sites typically include picnic tables, food storage lockers, and vault toilets, though amenities vary by location. Fire regulations differ significantly between campgrounds, with some allowing fires only on beaches with permits, while others prohibit them entirely. Potable water is available at most sites, but campers should verify current conditions before arrival. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with coastal fog common year-round and significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months.
Tent campers frequently mention the privacy between sites as a key consideration when choosing where to stay. According to reviews, sites under trees at Sky Camp provide better shelter from fog and wind than exposed areas. One visitor noted that Glen Campground's Site 8 offers more seclusion from neighboring campsites. At Wildcat Campground, tall grass provides natural separation between sites, though a camper observed that "sites 6 and 7 provide more seclusion" than others. Spring visits are recommended for wildflower viewing, while summer brings drier, browner landscapes. Raccoons and small rodents are active throughout the region, making proper food storage essential even when using provided lockers.