Marin County Visitors Bureau

Marin County Visitors Bureau

Photo by Dennis Anderson

Camping in Marin County

Camping in Marin County can be a novel, exciting experience. You may roll out your sleeping bag on a mountain, in a redwood forest, beside the ocean or even on an island. All Marin County campsites are located in scenic areas that are perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. State Park campsites can be reserved from two days or up to seven months in advance. Dogs are generally allowed on leash. To preview the California State Parks go to www.parks.ca.gov. Reservations can be made by calling Reserve America at 1-800-444-PARK or online at www.reserveamerica.com.

Angel Island State Park
Angel Island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, just off the coast of southern Marin County with spectacular views of Marin County, San Francisco, the Golden Gate and the East Bay. The 740-acre island is rich with history, from its early years as a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians to its use from 1910 to 1940 as a immigration processing station. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island. It became a state park in 1958.

Visitors travel to the island by ferry from Tiburon. During the winter months ferry service is limited; for schedule information check with The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Vehicles, dogs, skates and skateboards are prohibited. Bicycles are useful for touring the island. There are nine tent campsites on the island — the Eastbay Sites, Ridge Sites and Sunrise Sites. Campers can preview the sites by visiting

China Camp State Park
China Camp State Park has 1,640 acres of natural watershed along the shores of San Francisco Bay. A Chinese shrimp-fishing village thrived on this site in the 1880s. A small museum describes the history of the early Chinese settlement. China Camp is located just four miles east of San Rafael. The park offers 15 miles of hiking trails. Visitors enjoy watching the wildlife, hiking, swimming, boating and windsurfing. The park has 30 developed walk-in campsites. 415-456-0766. For reservations call Reserve America.

Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Magnificent Mt. Tamalpais has 6,300 acres of redwood groves and oak woodlands with spectacular views from its 2,500 foot peak. It is a hikers and bikers paradise. The camping areas include 16 developed walk-in campsites, one horse group camp, 10 rustic cabins perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, and 8 primitive environmental sites. Mt. Tamalpais offers WiFi so that campers can stay plugged into the Internet. For information call 415-388-2070. For reservations call Reserve America.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park covers more than 2,700 acres of wooded countryside with rolling hills of coastal redwoods and open grasslands. The park features hiking trails, mountain biking and equestrian trails. A paved bicycle trail runs through the park. Black tailed deer are often seen, and salmon and steelhead trout migrate up Papermill Creek to spawn. This large park, located just 15 minutes west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. has a large campground area with 60 developed campsites, 16 tent-only campsites, 6 ADA developed sites, 2 group tent sites and an equestrian group site. Information: 415-488-9897. For reservations contact Reserve America.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Campers may use campsites in the Point Reyes National Seashore year-round, but because of its proximity to San Francisco, the campsites are in great demand. Campsites are located along the Pacific Coast and in the Phillip Burton Wilderness area. These are back-country sites and are accessible only by hiking, biking or horseback. There is no car camping available in the park. Camping is limited to four nights per visit, with a maximum of 30 nights per year. Camping is by permit only, and permits must be obtained from the Bear Valley Visitor Center before proceeding to the campsite. Campsites may be reserved up to three months in advance by calling (415) 663-8054 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For specific information about the campsites go to www.nps.gov/pore/activ_camp.htm.

Marin Headlands
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) offers two hide-in and two walk-in campgrounds in the Marin Headlands, located at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Reservations are required for the campsites. The maximum stay is three nights per season. There are no accommodations for recreational vehicles. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Kirby Cove has four sites, each accommodating up to 10 people. Reservations can be made through the National Park Reservation System. (800) 365-2267 or online at reservations.nps.gov.
Hawk Camp is located high above Gerbode Valley and is a two mile hike from the Tennessee Valley parking area. The area has three sites. Reservations must be made through the Marin Headlands Visitor Center (415) 331-1540.
Haypress Camp has five sites, each accommodating four people. It is a ¾ mile walk from the parking area. For reservations call (415) 331-1540.
Bicentennial Camp has three sites, each accommodating two people. For reservations call (415) 331-1540.

For more information go to www.nps./gov/goga/camping.

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