Point Reyes National Seashore
A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry
Pups are welcome at camp and on hiking trails
Places we've visited and fallen in love with
Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and new backpackers
Distance · At least 2 miles of paddling
Vibe · Relaxing and chill
Permit · Yes, reserve a boat-in campsite in Tomales Bay
Drive · 1.5 hours from SF
Ideal dates · May to October
Pets · Welcome on kayaks, certain launch areas, and beaches
Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long inlet off of the Pacific Ocean and is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment, aka bay, in California. The west side of the bay belongs to Point Reyes National Seashore, and that's where you can camp overnight in places only accessible by boat. Bop around various beaches, explore small sandy coves and paddle through bioluminescent waters underneath a starry sky. Kayak-backpacking in Tomales Bay is a special experience worth doing at least once, if not more.
Official Point Reyes National Seashore Website
Directions to Chicken Ranch Beach Launch Site
Main image credit: N/A
Marshall and Tomales Beach have:
Once you reserve a camping permit, finding a boat-in campsite in Tomales Bay is largely first-come, first serve. You can camp just about anywhere along the bay, unless you book a Marshall or Tomales Beach Group campsite designated to those specific beaches. Marshall and Tomales Beach are the only campsites with toilets and trash collection. Everywhere else you'll need to bring a wag bag to carry out your 💩 and trash. Leave No Trace, baby!
Bring at least a gallon per person of potable water per day because there aren't any drinking water sources available. Dog-friendly beach campsites are Indian, Kilkenny, Long Cove, Fruit Tree, Marshall, No Name, Tomales, and Elk Fence South Beach. Protip: Saturdays are the busiest time to be paddling around the Bay so score a mid-week camping reservation to duck the crowds.
Nightly Fee: $20
Tomales Bay was named after Rancho Bolsa de Tomales, a Mexican land grant given by Governor Pío Pico to Juan Nepomuceno Padilla in 1846.
Bioluminescence is a glowing, shimmery light produced by a chemical reaction within a living organism, which in this case is marine life.
The Coast Miwok used to live in Tomales Bay. Their villages included Echa-kolum, Sakloki, Shotommo-wi, and Utumia
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.
