Established Camping
Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore
Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping, near Point Reyes National Seashore, is a unique camping experience that invites you to paddle your way to a serene getaway. This spot is perfect for those who love the water, as it’s primarily accessible by kayak or on foot, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
The campground features primitive beach camping with a restroom nearby, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a more rustic experience. Visitors rave about the clean sandy areas and the stunning night skies, with one camper noting, “Great site. Easy kayak in, clean sand. Very little light pollution, good times.”
If you’re up for some adventure, kayaking across the bay is a must. You might even catch a glimpse of bioluminescent plankton or some local wildlife like bat rays and sea jellies. Just be prepared for the wind; it can be a bit of a workout getting to your campsite in the afternoon.
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, the surrounding area offers hiking trails and opportunities for oyster shucking, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor fun. Just remember to keep an eye on your food at night—those raccoons are crafty! Whether you’re camping with family or friends, Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping promises a memorable experience in nature.
Description
National Park
Point Reyes National Seashore
Just 50 miles north of San Francisco, on the Point Reyes National Seashore peninsula, Tomales Bay State Park straddles the notorious San Andreas Fault. Here, the Pacific Ocean has filled the gap to form Tomales Bay, which is surrounded by a landscape of rolling hills, mixed forests, sprawling meadows and lush wetlands. Unique to the area are granitic rock formations that originated 300 miles to the southeast, transported to this location by more than 10 millions years of movement along the fault. In more recent history, the area was home to the Coast Miwok for more than 8,000 years. These native peoples hunted, fished and farmed these coastal areas until Europeans arrived and claimed the land in the late 16th century. In 1952, before the peninsula was completely taken over by agricultural interests, the state established a 2,000-acre park to preserve the area’s diverse flora and fauna, and ensure public access to the bay’s many pristine beaches.
Tomales Bay State Park is a day-use area only, and overnight camping is not permitted. The main recreation area is located at the north end of the park, on the west side of Tomales Bay, at Heart’s Desire. Here you’ll find picnic areas with barbecues, scenic viewpoints, nature trails, and access to several beaches. There aren’t any launch facilities, but kayaks and SUPs can be put into the bay from the beaches. A short hiking trail leads to the Jepson Memorial Grove of rare Bishop pines. Near the south end of the park, Shell Beach features a nice swim area, but is only accessible via a short trail from the small parking area, or by hiking the Johnstone Trail from the Heart’s Desire area. On the east side of the bay, a small public area at Millerton Point features a small beach and a scenic, barrier-free trail. Dogs are not permitted on any of the park’s beaches or trails. Park entrance is $8/vehicle, and the park is closed when the parking lots are full. Camping can be found south of the Point Reyes area, near Olema.
Location
Tomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore is located in California
Coordinates
38.12330126 N
122.88246318 W
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Santa Rosa
- 1 hr 9 min from Vallejo
- 1 hr 14 min from San Francisco
- 1 hr 18 min from Napa
