Tent camping near Woodacre, California includes options primarily within the fog belt of coastal Marin County, with sites at elevations ranging from sea level to over 2,000 feet on Mount Tamalpais. Temperature variations between coastal and inland sites can differ by 10-20 degrees during summer months. The terrain consists mainly of coastal scrub, redwood forests, and maritime chaparral ecosystems that provide distinct camping experiences throughout the seasons.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: From Coast Campground, hikers can access extensive marine habitats. "The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," notes MarinMaverick, who recommends planning around low tide cycles.
Waterfall hiking: During wet seasons, the watershed offers ephemeral water features. One visitor to Alice Eastwood Group Camp recalled, "We camped here in late Dec 2018. It was a bit wet... The streams were running, and the undergrowth - particularly the ferns - were a fluorescent green."
Nighttime astronomy: The relative distance from urban light pollution makes stargazing viable. A camper at Wildcat Camp remarked, "The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light. No road noise." Clear nights offer views of the Milky Way, particularly during new moon phases.
Beach fires: Several coastal sites permit controlled beach fires with proper permits. One visitor reported, "We had fun making a fire on the beach at night" at Wildcat Camp, though permits must be obtained at the visitor center before arrival.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The varied ecosystems support diverse animal sightings. At Haypress Campground, one camper noted, "There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach."
Isolation from crowds: Sites with more challenging access offer greater privacy. A visitor to Sky Campground observed, "The sites have space between them so you do feel alone. Typical sites with tables and food lockers as well as fire ring."
Proximity to hiking networks: Most sites connect directly to extensive trail systems. One reviewer at Pantoll Campground stated, "Location. You can hike anywhere from this campground. Down to Muir Woods in less than 3 miles. Up to Rock Springs, Bolinas Ridge, and Mount Tam. Down to Stinson Beach."
Beach access: Several campsites provide direct routes to shorelines. A camper at Coast Campground shared, "The campground is in a valley that is minutes from the beach" with "miles of beach to explore."
What you should know
Reservation competition: Securing sites requires planning months ahead. At Steep Ravine Campground, one visitor advised, "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."
Weather preparedness: Coastal fog and wind create unpredictable conditions. A camper at Sky Camp warned, "Expect fog. Expect cold and damp at night," while another recommended "bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round."
Wildlife food security: Small animals actively seek human food. A camper at Wildcat Camp cautioned, "One thing to be aware of with Wildcat Camp is the small field mice that can get into the food storage boxes. Bring some steel wool or a critter-proof container to keep food safe, even inside the locker."
Limited water sources: Many sites require carrying in water supplies. At Haypress Campground, a visitor noted, "No water. We backpacked in from the Golden Gate Bridge. There was no place nearby to fill up on water, and had to be extremely conservative in our use."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: For first-time backpackers with children, Glen Campground offers accessible experiences. One family shared, "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."
Summer water activities: Inland lake swimming provides cooling options. A visitor recommended, "Bass lake off to the left is a great swimming hole. Nice lunch stop" on the trail to Wildcat Camp during summer months.
Weather layering systems: Children need extra clothing options. One experienced camper suggested, "Mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season" when staying at Haypress Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Families should research specific site characteristics. At Glen Campground, a camper noted, "Site 8 was a little bit secluded and away from other sites. The site was smallish and had a fox box and picnic table."
Tips for RVers
Alternative accommodations: While most sites prohibit RVs, the area offers tent options for RV owners. At Bootjack Campground, a visitor explained, "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!!"
Parking limitations: Vehicle size restrictions impact access to trailheads. A camper at Pantoll Campground warned, "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)."
Road condition awareness: Access routes require careful navigation. One visitor noted, "Just be ready for a winding drive with some sharp turns and sheer cliffs" when traveling to Bootjack Campground, cautioning drivers of larger vehicles about challenging road conditions.
