By Megan Eileen McDonough

 

Memorial Day weekend is around the corner, so start planning that getaway with Mother Nature. Marin has a number of campsites distributed throughout the county, but we’ve rounded up five of our favorites. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday weekend with your special someone or the whole family, or just planning a solo trip, these camping spots offer wide-open spaces, stunning vistas and plenty of tranquility.

 

For Peace and Quiet: Samuel P. Taylor State Park

 

With this park being one of Marin’s most popular camping experiences, you’ll want to plan your Memorial Day weekend well in advance to snag a great spot. The campgrounds are surrounded by towering redwood trees, giving you a good reprieve from the sunshine. As far as amenities, there are both tent and RV sites along with the Madrone Cabins, should you want some of the modern comforts of home. The location couldn’t be better—it’s very close to the Point Reyes National Seashore, which is well worth a wander.

 

For Outdoor Adventurers: China Camp State Park

 

Despite being mere minutes from the freeway, once you’re on the grounds, China Camp State Park feels very remote and quiet. The campgrounds here are pretty well equipped for the seasoned traveler, with fire pits, picnic tables, food lockers and even clean restrooms. Another perk of choosing China Camp State Park is the number of nearby hikes and mountain biking trails. On the off-chance you run out of sustenance, head to the historic village to stock up on sandwiches, soft drinks and other snacks.

 

For Couples: Bicentennial Campground

 

If convenience is key, plan on spending Memorial Day weekend at the Bicentennial Campground in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Unlike some of the other camping sites that operate on a first-come, first-served basis, travelers can book their stay at the Bicentennial Campground in advance, which comes in handy during holiday weekends. Once you’re settled in, get ready for stellar views of the San Francisco Bay and Bonita Cave. Ideal for couples, this site accommodates up to three people per party.

 

For Families: Mount Tamalpais State Park

 

Since this is another popular camping spot, you’ll have more luck planning ahead of time. This is especially true for Pantoll Campground, where each of the 16 walk-in campsites has a table, barbecue, locker for food, and toilets. Location-wise, you’re in a pretty prime spot; Mount Tam’s East Peak, the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre and the Rock Spring trailhead are all nearby. For something a bit more posh, book a night at the Steep Ravine Environmental Campground closer to Stinson Beach.

 

For Glamping: Olema RV Resort & Campground

 

If you’re a complete novice to camping or have a flair for the finer things in life, consider staying at Olema RV Resort & Campground. While many travelers stick to the confines of their RVs, there are more than 100 tent sites on the property, including many near Point Reyes Station. They all have fire rings for cooking, picnic tables for snacking, bathrooms and showers. During your downtime, catch up on a good book or play games like volleyball or shuffleboard. Need to catch up on work? No worries! There’s WiFi.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.