Tent camping near Vineburg, California centers around the diverse coastal and mountain ecosystems of Marin County, which experiences cool marine fog in summer months and mild winters with temperatures averaging 50-65°F. The region's campgrounds range from sea level beach campsites to elevated ridge locations at 1,500+ feet, with wind conditions varying significantly between inland valleys and coastal bluffs.
What to do
Bioluminescent kayaking adventures: Kayak across Tomales Bay at night to witness natural bioluminescent plankton displays. "Hope for no full moon because running your hands through that water at night with no light is a trip!!!" suggests a camper at Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping, where you can camp directly on the beach after paddling.
Explore mountain lakes: Take a day hike from your campsite to discover several small lakes in the region. A visitor to Wildcat Campground recommends: "The trail changes drastically over the course of the six miles ranging from lush forests to grassy fields to breathtaking coastal views... there are a ton of different ways to hike in from there."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Scan the coastal waters for marine life visible from campground bluffs. "We saw lots of wildlife and the stargazing was first-rate, even though you could see the distant glow of civilization in the night sky," reports a camper at Glen Campground, where nighttime viewing conditions are optimal from hilltop sites.
What campers like
Protected coastal camping spots: Campsites tucked into valleys offer protection from coastal winds. A camper at Coast Campground notes: "I like the sites back in the valley as there is less wind or fog. That would be 13 and 14."
Secluded mountain sites with privacy: Certain sites offer more separation from other campers. "Site 3 was relatively private, shady in the morning and evening. Site 2 was very pretty but shady. Site 10 is exposed to everyone with no privacy," explains a camper at Glen Campground, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Rustic cabin alternatives: For campers seeking more shelter, cabins provide protection with minimal amenities. A visitor to Steep Ravine Campground writes: "There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light."
What you should know
Weather preparedness essential: Coastal camping requires preparation for rapidly changing conditions. "Always expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," warns a camper at Coast Campground, while another adds, "We went for two nights on 02/28. Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last."
Mouse issues in structures: Cabins may have unwanted visitors requiring preventative measures. At Steep Ravine Campground, a camper advises: "There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them. You'd think staying in a cabin would elevate the camping experience a bit, but frankly, this brought things down a couple notches."
Parking challenges: Many campgrounds have limited parking that fills quickly on weekends. "Parking can be a challenge here due to the popularity of the various trailheads, and the limited parking," reports a camper at Pantoll Campground, with similar situations at other walk-in campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly beach options: Some beaches offer safer swimming conditions for children. At Hearts Desire Beach near Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping, a visitor explains: "Great beach for kids as there is sand bar so there is shallow area that warms the water for them to play."
Easy backpacking introduction: Certain trails provide manageable entry-level backpacking experiences. "This was our first backpacking trip and we mostly wanted to test our gear. This was perfect for that. 5-mile hike in with some uphill in the last 1.5 miles that was challenging but not too hard," shares a family at Glen Campground.
Protection from wildlife: Small animals can be problematic at many sites. "Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker," advises a camper at Wildcat Campground, where field mice can get into food storage boxes even when properly stored.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Vineburg offers few dedicated RV facilities. At Steele Canyon Campground (formerly Lupine Shores), a visitor notes: "Nice site. Look in the 50's & 80's for the more secluded campsites. Can get windy, and it's dry camping at this time (no fires, no water, no hookups, etc.)."
RV parking constraints: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "If you choose to drive, just know that it can be impossible to find a place to park on busy weekends (you'll need to drop your stuff off, find a place to park along the road, then come back to park in the evening when the parking lot clears)," explains a camper at Angel Island State Park, highlighting challenges faced at most local campgrounds.
Wind considerations: Exposed sites require additional preparation for RVs. "The campsites on the bluff of the hill can get windy so be prepared for that," cautions a visitor to Steele Canyon Campground, where securing awnings and loose equipment is essential during gusty conditions.
