Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

Everything about the campground is GREAT. The location is CLASSIC. West Marin is BEAUTIFUL.

And 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. 

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. I put up with it, for kids—- and now I have great stories— but I’d never go back as an experienced camper. 

Example A: Finally things quiet down and everyone is asleep, 2 or 3 am. A woman starts SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, every single headlamp comes on, other people start screaming too, thinking it’s a bear attack. The ranger, where the F are they? 

We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee, that went on for a few bloodcurdling minutes. Do you know what we found? This complete nincompoop was surprised when we stooped down to her tent and said, “What’s going on?”

She was defiant, and her “companion” looked dazed. She said, “I just had a bad dream, what’s the big deal?” 

I said, “Well, you can’t do that here, if that’s what it is. You’re going to have to stay up the rest of the night, to make sure you’re not screaming, or leave now. You just devastated  about 200 people, and children are crying everywhere, thinking there’s a bear.” (Not). 

I think Sam T should have a big sign that says, “This is not Spring Break. This is not a place to work out your family trauma. This is not a garbage fight. This is not your narcissistic b.s.” 

You might think, “oh just one bad time.” Well, that was the ultimate, but no, i went there dozens of times because the Kidds loved it, and we could live in SF and start camping in about a half hour. 

Okay, now I feel like a curmudgeon. More good people who know how to camp SHOULD camp here, because peer pressure and good community is the only thing that works. I did my time ! now it’s up to you!

As the title says! Due to a cancellation at another state park, we booked a site at Sammy P. last minute, 2 days prior to our check-in date. It rained during our trip which we knew about beforehand. 

 We stayed at campsite #56, which was a surprisingly small lot. Keep in mind, not all campsites at Sammy P. are the same size, but I noticed the handful that we saw were smaller than what I’ve seen at other state parks. Not much space to pitch a larger size tent - we used our Big Agnes Big House 4 person tent and barely had enough space to set up the tent’s guy lines, however, a 2-3 person tent would fit just fine I think. Don’t plan on pitching more than one tent though, if you book site #56. I’d like to add that the area designed for you to deploy your tent was on a slope; you can tell there was an effort to make the area flatter but there was still a slope. This was a little problematic during the rain because the rain runoff would pool up in that area. We didn’t actually take on water inside our tent, but the footprint and lower outside area of the tent body were extremely muddy. 

The site’s accompanying picnic table was positioned oddly close to the fire ring and was sitting on top of wooden planks to keep it level. I guess you could move the table away from the fire ring if you wanted but you might end up with a wobbly picnic table (also remember: not much space). The food locker onsite is made of wood. Make sure you bring a pad lock as there is no locking mechanism on the door. Also, most of our goods got wet from the rain so the food locker is definitely not waterproof. Keep your eyes peeled for wild life and your food no matter what time of the day it is. We were harassed by cute little chipmunks and birds that didn’t seem too intimidated by humans. The bathrooms were about what you’d expect to see at a public facility, nothing fancy and clean enough to use. The sinks had hot water and good water pressure. We never ended up using the showers because we were deterred by the rain.

Enough of the “bad”, the local trails and creeks were breathtaking. We hiked Pioneer Tree Trail which was the perfect length for a novice hiker. Hiking through the forest felt like you were walking through a scene from Fern Gully. The various runoff creeks that you hike alongside were so neat to see. We would like to visit again, it was definitely a great last minute trip.

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.

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. On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable, and the showers and toilets were still not working. Not sure if that is a Covid related issue or a temporary maintenance issue. It’s worth a drive through prior to staying, in order to find a site that fits your needs, they have many different sized sites available, and we like the sites in the high teens (18 & 19), as they seem a bit larger and are right along the creek. The sites appear to be your standard state park equipment with a fire pit, a picnic table and a lockable pantry. The parking area for our site was large enough to accommodate our SUV and another vehicle. There is firewood generally available with the camp host or at the gate. Good cell signal with Verizon. Because of the amazing redwood canopy, it might be hard to get good sun for solar in most of the sites. There are all kinds of trails available, as well as a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information. 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.

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.

We loved it. So relaxing, our campsite was very spacious. All the park was very clean, restrooms and showers not the best but it’s camping. Hiking trails at it’s finest. River was nice to relax.

One of the easiest accessed and most beautiful campgrounds in the state and it is literally just outside the city. Campsites are well maintained and under beautiful and huge trees. The bathrooms are well maintained and the camp host was incredibly nice! 

It was lovely to wake up in the morning and not have to go far to spend time in Point Reyes or Mt. Tamalpais. We got lucky and had a quiet spot but this campground was really popping at the other end. 

Being that it is so close to the city, I would avoid this spot on major weekends or holidays. But middle of the week and not during the Summer is ideal. 

Lots of hiking and biking usually but the bike trail is under construction now.

Had to check out this spot. I pass it all the time and have been dying to check it out. Glad I did. Level pad for camp trailers. Fire pits updated and bbq on every site. Site 49 is a nice site.

This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns. It offers easy access to the Bay so plenty of beach access within a short drive. There is a fantastic grocery place at Pont Reyes Station so stop there for fresh bread, wine, cheese from Cowboy Creamery, then head to Hog Island for shuck your own oysters.

The campground itself is populated with families so it’s lively and full of children. Make sure you bring bikes as the bike paths run along Lagunitas Creek are great. You can walk along the fish spawning area but are forbidden from accessing the water November to June to avoid disturbing the spawning season. This campground is not good for dogs. Leave your fur babies at home.

The wildlife are clever and tenacious. Two squirrels worked together to break into my food locker and partied down on some magic mushroom chocolate. Bastards.

Try to score one of the creek side spots. They are small but the proximity to the running water helps to cover the road noise.

Camped here for three nights over Fourth of July holiday (site 52).  Because of the holiday and the proximity to Oakland/San Fran, the campground was in FULL EFFECT with a gang of variant families camp site hopping.   Unfortunately, the site across from mine was the epicenter of all things July 4th and the aforementioned multivariate families.  Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all - sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back.  Aside from the crew across the way playing the LOUDEST game of cornhole/bags I have ever heard (think gunshot every time a bag struck the board), the group(s) were mostly awkward lively teenagers and their parents (think Riverdale without the murders).  To the teenagers' credit, I didn't hear a curse word from the group, just pure spaz.  I think they really did create some rad summer memories.  Having said all that, if I returned I would snag site 44.  Just trust me on this.  Most of the sites are pretty decent, but 44 was the best. 

In terms of cell service, I had pretty good range, was able to listen to the Cubs win one of four games against the Pirates (the series started with a brutal take down of the Cubs 18 to 5 - don't worry - Cubs managed a 3 game sweep of them a week later).

Bathrooms are decent, not the cleanest, but well stocked and had hand soap.   Coin operated showers were also a treat (again, not the cleanest, but...).  Potable water close to sites.  Raccoons, Chipmunks and Blue Jays were NOT SHY but also not a harrowing issue.   

The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall.  I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station.  Oh, Point Reyes Yoga - yes to this!  - also in Point Reyes Station.  Novato had the most adorable 4th of July parade complete with a pancake breakfast.  And San Rafael - home of Terrapin Crossroads - music venue of the one and only Phil Lesh was also a highlight.  There is also Kayaking in Tomales Bay which is okay fun.

Overall, this is a campground that checks a LOT of boxes.

One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems.  Bring layers.  

Happy camping!

Wonderful campground! The restrooms are clean and efficient, there are even coin operated hot showers! There are potable water taps close to every 4 or so camping spots. Dedicated fire pits and bbq stands.

Would definitely return again!