Kayakers and boaters paddle across Tomales Bay to reach this primitive camping area accessible only by water or a lengthy hike along the shoreline. The boat-in sites sit on Marshall Beach within Point Reyes National Seashore, where campers set up tents directly on the sand with views across the bay toward the Marin County hills.
Wind conditions significantly affect the paddling experience, with afternoon gusts creating challenging waves for the five-mile crossing from launch points near the visitor center. Deanna K. notes "the wind fights you to the campsite in the afternoon," recommending early morning departures to avoid the wave battle. Several kayak rental companies operate from the area, though advance reservations become essential during peak weekend periods.
The beach extends long enough that multiple camping groups can spread out considerably from each other. Raccoons actively patrol the area after dark and possess the dexterity to open zippers and latches, requiring secure food storage in bear canisters or hard containers. A pit toilet serves the camping area, and raccoon-proof trash cans handle waste disposal.
Campers exploring the region can also consider Sky Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore for a traditional drive-up alternative with established sites and amenities.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTomales Bay Boat-In Camping — Point Reyes National Seashore is located in California
Coordinates
38.12330126 N
122.88246318 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/30/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 18 users
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/30/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 18 users
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 1 hr 9 min from Vallejo, CA
- 1 hr 14 min from San Francisco, CA
- 1 hr 18 min from Napa, CA
