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Temporary facilities closures are in effect until further notice.

Following guidance from public health officials, and to comply with a new county-wide Stay Home legal orders, Point Reyes National Seashore's campgrounds are temporarily closed, e.g., camping is prohibited. Visit our Backcountry Camping page for details.

Updates pertaining to other pandemic-related closures will be posted to our Current Conditions page and to the park's social media channels. Please Recreate Responsibly.

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Coast, Glen, and Sky Campgrounds Are Closed Due to the Woodward Fire

 

A park employee inspects Sky Campsite 4 on September 11, 2020.

Due to the Woodward Fire, which started near Woodward Valley Trail on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Point Reyes National Seashore has closed Coast, Glen, and Sky Campgrounds until further notice. However, campers with reservations for Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping permits were allowed to resume camping from Thursday, September 10, 2020, until Monday, December 7, 2020. Campers with permits for Wildcat Campground were allowed to resume camping from Wednesday, September 23, 2020, until December 7, 2020. Important Update: Following guidance from local public health officials and to comply with county-wide legal public health orders, camping will be prohibited from Tuesday, December 8, 2020, until further notice. Visit our Woodward Fire - August 2020 page for more information about the Woodward Fire.

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Camping during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Visit our Backcountry Camping page for more details on pandemic-related changes to rules and protocols. Please keep in mind that while you may make a reservation for camping at Point Reyes National Seashore during the next six months, your reservation may be cancelled if park campgrounds have to be closed again by the date of your reservation due to the issuance of new health guidelines or other changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; you will be notified by email and issued a full refund. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Please keep in mind that there is a Stay Home Order in place for Marin County (and Stay at Home / Shelter-In-Place Orders for other Bay Area counties and much of the state of California) until further notice. Updates pertaining to other pandemic-related closures affecting Point Reyes National Seashore will be posted to our Current Conditions page and to the park's social media channels. Please Recreate Responsibly.

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This page contains descriptions of the backcountry campgrounds at Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes National Seashore only offers backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping. For those who would prefer to camp in or near their vehicle or RV, there are a number of nearby campgrounds in Marin County and along the Sonoma County coastline. There are also numerous options for lodging in West Marin.

Each Point Reyes National Seashore hike-in campground has a vault toilet and a water faucet. The water from the faucets is usually potable, but campers should bring along some means of treating the water in case the campground's water treatment system fails, at which time signage would be posted at the water faucet to alert campers that the water is not potable. Each 1–6 person campsite has a picnic table, a food storage locker and a charcoal grill. Group sites have two picnic tables, two food storage lockers, and one large or two regular charcoal grills. To find out more about camping fees and regulations and how to reserve and obtain a backcountry camping permit at Point Reyes, visit our Backcountry Camping page. To find out more about overnight kayaking and boating on Tomales Bay, visit our Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping page and our Kayaking page.

 

Coast Campground Site 6.

Coast Campground

Coast Campground is nestled within a small coastal grassy valley with easy access to the beach. Sites 1–7 are in a small semi-protected canyon. The beach is within 200 meters (220 yards) of the campground, and there are tidepools located 660 meters (725 yards) southeast of the campground.

Number of Campsites

One- to six-person sites: 12
Seven- to 12-person sites: 2

Map

Download the aerial photo/map of Coast Campground. (269 KB PDF)

Geographic Coordinates of Coast Campground

38.0179, -122.8548

Hiking Routes

From the Laguna Trailhead

For the shortest approach to Coast Campground on solid ground, start at the Laguna Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0434, -122.8585). Drive 9.4 km (5.9 miles) along Limantour Road until you reach the Laguna Road junction, which is signed for Hostel and Education Center (if you are using Google Maps, please be aware that this road is mislabeled as "Limantour Spit Rd"). Turn left and drive 0.8 km (0.5 miles) to the Laguna Trailhead. If the Laguna Trailhead parking lot is full, there is overflow parking on the south side of the access road before you reach the turn to cross a bridge that leads into the Laguna Trailhead parking lot. Please make sure that your vehicle is completely off the pavement of this narrow, one-lane access road to allow passage by emergency vehicles. From the Laguna Trailhead, you can hike to Coast Campground via the Laguna and Firelane Trails climbing over a 120-meter-tall (400-foot-tall) ridge. This route is 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) long, but is closed to bicycles and other wheeled devices since it passes through Wilderness. There is also a vernal pool through which the trail passes near the ridgecrest. This vernal pool is frequently filled with water in the winter and spring, so expect to get your feet wet if you are hiking this route during the "rainy season."

From the Coast Trailhead

To keep your feet dry (or at least drier) during the "rainy season," you will want to follow the Coast Trail from the Coast Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0438, -122.8636), which is located just west of the hostel. The Coast Trail offers an easy, flat 4.3 km (2.7 miles) route.

From Limantour Beach

If you'd prefer to hike on a beach to get to Coast Campground, drive to Limantour Beach, but do not park in the large, gravel day-use-only parking lot; just before you reach the main parking lot, there is a spur road that branches off to the east. Drive 0.6 km (0.4 miles) along this spur road to a small, paved parking lot (geographic coordinates: 38.0262, -122.8769) and park in one of the designated parking spots. Overnight parking is permitted in this lot for those that have current and valid backcountry camping reservations. From here, hike along the path to the beach and turn left to walk east on the beach for 2.2 km (1.4 miles) until you arrive at the beach access path descending down from Coast Campground.

From the Sky Trailhead

Or, if you'd prefer a hike that is closer to 6.4 km (4 miles), park at the Sky Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0549, -122.8381) along Limantour Road and hike to Coast Campground via the Laguna or Fire Lane Trails. Both of these routes descend from an elevation of ~200 meters (~670 feet) near Inverness Ridge's crest.

From the Bear Valley Trailhead

If you are interested in a longer hike, park at the Bear Valley Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0398, -122.7994) to hike up and over Inverness Ridge. (Overnight parking is available in the gravel parking lot near the trailhead; do not park in the paved lot near the visitor center.) There are a variety of options to hike from Bear Valley to Coast Campground, with the shortest being about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. The highest elevation along: the Mount Wittenberg Trail is ~400 meters (~1300 feet); the Meadow Trail is ~325 meters (1075 feet); and the Horse Trail is ~333 meters (1100 feet).

Bicycle Route

There is only one route to Coast Campground open to bicycles and other non-motorized wheeled devices, like wagons. Follow the Coast Trail from the Coast Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0438, -122.8636), which is located just west of the hostel. The Coast Trail offers an easy, flat 4.3 km (2.7 miles) ride on dirt and gravel substrate.

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Glen Campground Site 3.

Glen Campground

Glen Campground is a quiet and secluded camp deep within a wooded valley protected from ocean breezes. From Glen Campground, it is a 4 km (2.5 mile) strenuous hike to the nearest beach at Wildcat Campground.

No groups (e.g., parties of more than six people), horses, or pack animals are allowed at Glen Campground.

Number of sites

One- to six-person sites: 12

Map

Download the aerial photo/map of Glen Campground. (206 KB PDF)

Geographic Coordinates of Glen Campground

37.9893926, -122.7883284

Hiking Routes

There are many potential hiking routes to get to Glen Campground. The shortest hike to this camp starts at the Bear Valley Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0398, -122.7994). The moderately difficult 7.4-kilometer (4.6-mile) hike through Douglas fir forests travels along the Bear Valley Trail, before branching off on the Glen Trails after 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). After climbing 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) up a small ridge, turn left on the Glen Camp Loop Trail and follow it 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles) to the campground.

Bicyle Route

There is only one route to Glen Campground open to bicycles and other non-motorized wheeled devices, like wagons. Start at the Five Brooks Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 37.9974, -122.7579). Follow the Stewart Trail 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) through Douglas fir forest up and over Fir Top (elevation 404 m / 1,324 feet) to the Glen Trail, then 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) north to the Glen Camp Loop, and finish by descending 1.1. kilometers (0.7 miles) to Glen Campground. This is a strenuous 10.1 km (6.3 mile) bike ride.

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Sky Campground Group Site 2.

Sky Campground

Sky Campground is located on the western side of Mt. Wittenberg at an elevation of 310 meters (1025 feet). In clear weather, it has a sweeping view of Point Reyes, Drakes Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is a steep 6.4 km (4 miles) hike down to the beach via either the Woodward Valley or Fire Lane trails.

Number of Campsites:

One- to six-person sites: 11
Seven- to 12-person sites: 1

Map

Download the aerial photo/map of Sky Campground. (233 KB PDF)

Geographic coordinates of Sky Campground

38.039997, -122.8286679

Hiking Routes

There are many potential hiking routes to get to Sky Campground.

From the Sky Trailhead

The easiest and shortest approach to Sky Campground is via a 2.2 km (1.4 miles) moderate uphill hike through the woods from the Sky Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0549, -122.8381; elevation 250 meters [840 feet]), which is located along Limantour Road.

From the Bear Valley Trailhead

For a more challenging hike, park at the Bear Valley Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0398, -122.7994) to engage in a steeper uphill hike. There are many potential routes. The shortest two are via the Mt. Wittenberg or Meadow trails (both 4.3 km [2.7 mile]). For longer hikes, one can head up the Horse Trail or Old Pine Trail, or follow a number of other possible routes.

Bicycle Route

There is only one route to Sky Campground open to bicycles and other non-motorized wheeled devices, like wagons. Start at the Sky Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0549, -122.8381; elevation 250 meters [840 feet]), which is located along Limantour Road. Follow the Sky Trail south 2.2 km (1.4 miles) uphill through the woods to Sky Campground.

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Wildcat Campground Group Site 3.

Wildcat Campground

Wildcat Campground is located in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach and a 3.2 kilometer (2.0 miles) round-trip walk to Alamere Falls.

Number of Campsites

One- to four-person sites: 3
One- to six-person sites: 2
Seven- to 12-person sites: 3

Map

Download the aerial photo/map of Wildcat Campground. (120 KB PDF)

Geographic Coordinates of Coast Campground

37.9702, -122.7905

Hiking Routes

From the Bear Valley Trailhead

There are many potential routes between the Bear Valley Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 38.0398, -122.7994) and Wildcat Campground, the shortest of which is a 10 kilometer (6.3 miles) hike. Hike through Douglas fir forests along the Bear Valley Trail, before turning left onto the Glen Trail after 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). The Glen Trail climbs out of the Coast Creek Valley, crests a ridge, and connects with the Stewart Trail after 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). Turn right onto the Stewart Trail and descend 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) to Wildcat Campground. Along the final 800 meters (0.5 miles), you may have the opportunity to enjoy views of the ocean (if it isn't too foggy). For longer hikes, one can branch off of the route described above onto several different trails and, so long as you generally head south, you will ultimately be able to get to Wildcat Campground. (The Bear Valley Trail and all trails south of Limantour Road, west of the Rift Zone Trail, and north of Stewart Trail are closed until further notice.)

From the Five Brooks Trailhead

There are many potential routes starting at the Five Brooks Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 37.9974, -122.7579)—all of which are strenuous—climbing through Douglas fir forest up and over Fir Top (elevation 404 m / 1,324 feet). For the shortest route (9.1 kilometers [5.7 miles]), follow the Stewart Trail 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) to its junction with the Greenpicker Trail. Bear right onto the Greenpicker Trail and follow it 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) to its junction with the Stewart Trail near Fir Top. From Fir Top, follow the Stewart Trail downhill for 4.3 kilometers (2.7 miles) to Wildcat Campground. Along the final 800 meters (0.5 miles), you may have the opportunity to enjoy views of the ocean (if it isn't too foggy). For longer hikes, one can branch off of the route described above onto several different trails and, so long as you generally head southwest, you will ultimately be able to get to Wildcat Campground.

From the Palomarin Trailhead

It is an 8.8 kilometer (5.5 miles) hike on the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 37.9341, -122.7472) to Wildcat Campground. The Coast Trail passes through alternating coastal scrublands and woodlands, passes by many small lakes and ponds, including Bass Lake, and offers many coastal views. For an alternate route with the same distance, but a couple steeper sections of trail, turn left onto the Ocean Lake Loop Trail after hiking 6.9 kilometers (4.3 miles) along the Coast Trail. After 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) the Ocean Lake Loop Trail reconnects with the Coast Trail for the final descent to Wildcat Campground.

Please be aware that on weekends throughout the year and on many weekdays throughout the summer, the parking lot at the Palomarin Trailhead fills very early in the day. Visitors arriving late in the morning or in the afternoon may be turned away. The park will close the Palomarin area to further entry, potentially for several hours, when there are no more parking spaces available in the parking lot. Please observe all "No Parking" signs. If you wish to visit Alamere Falls or other locations accessed via the Palomarin Trailhead, arrive early, or consider visiting mid-week.

Bicycle Route

There is only one route to Wildcat Campground open to bicycles and other non-motorized wheeled devices, like wagons. Start at the Five Brooks Trailhead (geographic coordinates: 37.9974, -122.7579). Follow the Stewart Trail 10.7 kilometers (6.7 miles) through Douglas fir forest up and over Fir Top (elevation 404 m / 1,324 feet) to Wildcat Campground. The Stewart Trail has a dirt and gravel substrate.

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Marshall Beach.

Tomales Bay

Tomales Bay boat-in camping is allowed on west side National Park beaches north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern border (i.e., north of Indian Beach and Duck Cove). These beaches are tidally influenced and generally are small sandy coves backed against steep cliffs. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Visit our Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping page for more information and details.

Number of permits

One- to six-person : 9
Seven- to 12-person : 11

Most permits allow campers to choose their own beach from those indicated as open to camping on our Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map. If you reserve one of the three seven- to 12-person permits that have either "Marshall Beach Group" or "Tomales Beach Group" in its name, you are required to camp on that beach. See the Where to Camp section on our Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping page for more details.

Where to park and launch

Overnight parking for boat-in campers is prohibited within Point Reyes National Seashore (i.e., along the Pierce Point and L Ranch Roads and at the Marshall Beach Trailhead) and Tomales Bay State Park. See the Where to Launch section on our Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping page for more details.

Sanitation

All waste (including human) must be removed. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited, so campers must bring portable facilities or limit camping to Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach, where vault toilets are available. See the Sanitation section on our Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping page for more details.

Drinking Water

There is no potable water available. Pack in all of the water you will need for cooking and drinking.

Map

Download the Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map. (1,798 KB PDF)

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Contact Us

To make, change, or cancel your camping reservations, log in to your Recreation.gov account, or call the Recreation.gov call center at 1-877-444-6777. Call center staff are available every day of the year from 7 am to 9 pm PT, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

If you have non-emergency, park-specific camping questions that cannot be answered by reviewing the content above or on our Backcountry Camping and Boat-in Camping, please send an email to our Camping Desk. Again, DO NOT email the Camping Desk to make, change, or cancel reservations; contact Recreation.gov.

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