Marin County offers a variety of camping opportunities, during all seasons of the year, to the families and groups that plan their trips early. For all areas of California, people are encouraged to reserve their wilderness campground spots early, before they arrive at the campsite. In most situations, it is necessary to reserve spaces at the popular Marin County campgrounds up to months ahead of a trip to ensure availability at the chosen location.
Local National Park Campgrounds:
Kirby Cove: At Marin Headlands in Sausalito, Kirby Cove offers four drive-up camping sites that will each accommodate up to ten people. This campground is not open to the public for wintertime camping between November and March each year. Contact the National Park Reservation System for information or reservations at: (800) 365-2267.
Hawk Camp: The Sausalito Hawk Camp is located down a 3.5 mile hiking trail that starts at the Visitor Center in the Marin Headlands district. There are three overnight camping locations at Hawk Camp that can be reserved as a unit or separately. For more information about this Sausalito camping location contact the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at: (415) 331-1540 during business hours.
Haypress Camp: Sausalito residents often enjoy making reservations to camp at the Marin Headlands Haypress Camp. This location is less than one-mile away from the Tennessee Valley parking spaces. At Haypress, dogs are welcome on leashes and gear must be carried down the short trail and into the camping location. Five groups of four people each can camp in this Sausalito-area location. Information: (415) 331-1540.
Bicentennial Camp: The Marin Headlands Bicentennial Camp is an intimate public campground that contains enough room for three sets of two campers each. Leashed dogs are welcome at this campsite. For more information: (415) 331-1540.
Point Reyes National Seashore: Overnight camping locations in the Point Reyes National Seashore system are all wilderness camping locations that are nearby to beach locations. Due to the demand for these popular campsites, it is always easiest to call the Bear Valley Visitor Center and ask about available campgrounds. If camping spaces are available, vacation plans can be made to harmonize with the campsite reservations. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance of all planned visits. For reservations: (415) 663-8054.
Local Marin County State Campgrounds:
California State campgrounds start their reservation process on January 1, each year. It is possible to make reservations online or through a telephone system that shares the same processing databank. For best results, it is wise to reserve summertime camping spots as close to January as possible. Due to financial problems, campground availability is not completely guaranteed if further cutbacks are ordered. Contact the California campsite reservation system for current information: Reserve America (800) 444-PARK.
Angel Island State Park: There are nine tent only camping locations at Angel Island State Park. Visitors arrive to this island by ferry boat with their gear and walk or ride bicycles to their tent camp locations. Contact: Reserve America (800) 444-PARK.
China Camp State Park: China Camp in San Rafael offers 30 developed hike-in campsites. Before budget cuts, these camp sites were open every day of the week. Today, availability schedules show some cutbacks for this park. Contact: (800) 444-PARK.
Mount Tamalpais State Park: This large wilderness setting offers walk-in camp locations, a horse camp group setting, ten popular rustic cabins overlooking the ocean and eight primitive tent camping spaces. Contact: Reserve America (800) 444-PARK.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park: The large Samuel P. Taylor State Park is located in scenic Lagunitas, California. This park offers wilderness hiking trails, exciting bicycle paths and routes that are made for horseback riding. There is a large 60-unit campground, ADA camping opportunities, tent-camping spaces and room for campers with horses. For more information contact park office: (415) 488-9897; or, reservations (800) 444-PARK.
