Camping at Mount Tamalpais State Park

Overview

Mount Tamalpais State Park is a popular outdoor destination located in Marin County, California, just north of San Francisco. The park is notable for its stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding hills and valleys. Mount Tamalpais, often referred to as Mount Tam, stands tall at about 2,571 feet and is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Camping Information

Before planning your camping trip to Mount Tamalpais State Park, here are some important details you should know:

Camping Reservations

• Book in Advance: It's essential to make your camping reservations well in advance, especially during peak season, as sites can fill up quickly.
• Reservation System: You can reserve campsites through the California State Parks reservation system, available either online or by phone.

Camping Locations

• Campsites: The park offers several campgrounds, including Pantoll Campground and Steep Ravine Environmental Campground.
  • Pantoll Campground: Located on Panoramic Highway, this campground is situated on a hillside and features 16 walk-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. It provides pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and water.
  • Steep Ravine Environmental Campground: This area includes both cabins and campsites on a dramatic oceanfront setting. These are very popular and usually booked well in advance.

Camping Amenities

• Facilities: Depending on the campground, amenities may include restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. Details about each campground's specific amenities can be found on their respective reservation pages.

Campground Rules and Regulations

• Fires: Due to fire danger, fire regulations can vary by season. Check current conditions before lighting a campfire and only use designated fire rings.
• Wildlife: Store food properly in food storage lockers to prevent attracting wildlife.
• Quiet Hours: Typically, quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
• Check-In/Check-Out Times: These times vary by campground. Ensure you are aware of the times to avoid any issues.

Hiking and Trails

Mount Tamalpais State Park offers over 60 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Some notable trails include the Matt Davis Trail, the Dipsea Trail, and the Steep Ravine Trail.

Safety and Preparedness

• Weather: Conditions can change rapidly; make sure to check the weather forecast before your trip and prepare accordingly.
• Wildlife: Be aware of the local wildlife and follow guidelines for your safety and the protection of the animals.
• Trail Etiquette: Stay on marked trails, leave no trace, and be considerate of other park visitors.

Access and Parking

Ensure you are aware of the parking situation at your chosen campground or trailhead. Some areas may have limited parking, and parking fees may apply.

Permits and Fees

• Camping Fees: Fees are charged per night for camping and vary depending on the campground and type of site.
• Entrance Fees: The park has an entrance fee, so be prepared to pay this upon entry. The fee gives you access to all areas of the park for the day.

Contact Information

For the most current information and any questions, you should contact the park directly:

• Phone: (415) 388-2070
• Park Address: 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941

It's a good practice to visit the park's official website or contact the rangers for the latest news on conditions and any alerts or closures that may affect your camping experience.