Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

This campground is okay (3.5/5 stars) - the sites are close together and it seems to be very popular spot with a lot of families. Our section was fairly quiet but other areas were quite loud. 

The campground is dog friendly and dogs are allowed on the paved roads. The bathrooms were pretty nice and the showers had hot water. You need to purchase a token for $1 from the park ranger when checking in and that will get you 5 minutes of hot water. 

We stayed at site 49 and couldn't figure out where other folks put their tents. There was a slightly elevated area in the back left site of the campsite but it didn't look used, was on a slight hill, and looked directly into the campsite next to us so we opted to put our tent on the flat area right by the driveway.

Sites are jammed together and lots of families with screaming kids. If you’re old and cranky, it probably isn't the vibe you’re after.  If you have kids, maybe this would work for you.  Bathrooms are old and dirty—a park service employee came by at one point on a Saturday but the women's bathroom was still out of soap and paper towels when she left.

I stayed here for one night on a week day. One of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Lots of tall trees that offer shade and privacy. Restrooms and shower facilities are clean, although a bit old.

just the sites might be to close for what im used to but besides that i loved it

We’re hoping to get a spot with less of a hill to climb but on the top it’s a nice flat terrain. Nice view some campsites are closer to watch other than others.

Lovely site in redwoods. Sites are close, but have some privacy. Stream is accessible shallow. Beautiful trees.

Loved our time here. It was quiet and peaceful.

If you are looking for a camping spot that’s quite, but still close to the road this spot is for you. The amenities are decent, and I recommend testing your shower first before you fully commit since it might be freezing cold (most work but some don’t). The wood cost is high here so I recommend getting some before you arrive. Also, the staff is very helpful and there is great local food and market shops just down the road.

Lots of shade, nice creek, clean. There is some buffer between sites, but they are packed together pretty tight.

Lots of newbie campers because of its proximity to SF, which is nice to see but also means you many have neighbors not up to speed on camping etiquette.

We haven’t been able to do any hikes yet. However the scenery is lovely. Hoping for good hikes.

Overall a great place to stay nestled in the redwoods. This spot got very busy on the weekends with family’s. If you are looking for a quiet place to stay this might not be your spot. Despite the noise it was still a lovely stay.

This campground has first come first serve but you can only check in after 2pm….not 1:58…. You’ll get turned away. I was told not to “linger” around or I would not get priority, and to “be an adult about it, come back at check in time at 2pm”. A very aggressive response for just inquiring if they offered FCFS.

The campground hosts the rest of the time I was there were very lovely, there are also some amazing volunteers at the front.

State Parks have made a lot of improvements to Samuel P. Taylor since my first visit in 1994. I like the addition of accessible trails and expansion of ADA compliant spots, all laid out in detail on their website.

Some of the reviews mention that sites are too close together but remember that this is a pretty large park. If you hike in those sites tend to be more private feeling.

Good spot for group camping if you choose and a frequent choice of schools and scouts.

Some campsites are very close to each other and the layout seems to be generally more oriented towards group camping. Showers are coin operated and need tokens which are inconvenient to get as it seems there is only one camp host for the whole campground who unfortunately wasn’t around when I arrived. The toilets and bathrooms are not in good condition and some toilets are closed off. The location and trails are nice though.

We stayed here on a whim and did an overnight with a morning hike. We got a last minute spot right near the bathroom and showers. Beautiful redwoods are all around and the sites and trails are maintained well. Price was $35 for our van which was reasonable for last minute.

Giving this campground 4 stars instead of 5 because the some of the sites are very close to each other. Our site (31) was separated from the one next to us by a fence. Luckily, we never got neighbors but they would have been VERY close. Also, the showers take tokens which are inconvenient to go buy from the camp host. After all that effort, the water was ice cold even after letting the sinks run per the suggestion of the camp host. The location is a little off the beaten path (we were on a PCH trip). Many of the sites are not level at all which is another reason I'm giving it 4 stars. You can also hear some of the road traffic from the campsites.

An excellent place to camp that's just minutes away from San Francisco. Trails are well kept and maintained.

Relaxing environment, multiple great trails nearby with easy access from the campsite. Spots are well spaced and a nice size. We hiked to Kent Lake, even though the water was low at the lake which was to be expected, it was still a nice hike with beautiful scenery.

Great scenery for camping the night! Spots are a bit close together and close the highway but that doesn't take away from enjoying the site too much

Great spot to camp with kids. Lots of kids on bikes, trails, cool trees and big shady campsites.

It’s a very pretty scene. The campground for the most part is quiet. Lots of trails to explore. Camping spots are very close together. You can hear traffic from the highway. We had to dry camp.

One of the best campgrounds in and near the bay area! Some sites are small but good enough for small family. All if not most sites have a picnic table grill and a fire ring. Great campground for bikes!! Not too far from city but close enough.

I love how the campsites are all nestled in the huge cypress trees. Water spigots just a few sites away and plenty of bathrooms too. Lots of families around, made it the perfect Summer outing.

Honestly one of our favorite campgrounds. Scenic, quiet, dog friendly and close to awesome swimming holes. We booked the MG2 group site and worth the $. It was tucked away and heaven. Close to the coast if you want clams and not far from SF day trip.

Love this campground ... a great basecamp for easy access to everything that West Marin has to offer.  It has wonderful campsites nestled among mature trees with a stream that runs through it.  It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces).  Also, if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper (and you are tent camping).  But all in all a great locale!

Peaceful campground near the water and forrest. Great value and well kept area. Would definitely go back, especially since it is so close to SF.

The Upper Campground is a gem of a place to camp, nestled among the redwoods on the eastern facing side of a ridge (complete with hiking trails) and a creek.  The Madrone group campground is across Sir Francis Drake Blvd (I personally think it's less scenic but more open).  The only reason I took off a star is the campground's proximity to the road, which is not extremely busy but can be noisy if you are camping in a tent.  Were it not for the noise, we'd go back again and again and again.

This can be very busy in the campground area in the summer.  Better in the fall. The sites along the creek (not on the hill) are the best.  Also great shared creekside spot for bikers and hikers.There is a great swimming hole about 3/4 of a mile down the creek. Good hiking trails - one along the creek and one along the hillside that are mostly shaded and not widely used.  Also to the top of Mt. Barnabe which is a longer harder climb. The Cross Marin trail is great for biking.