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Tomales Bay Campground

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Ever wanted to kayak into a remote campground?

Here is your chance! Tomales Bay is…well its awesome. If you're wanting to camp here, you must reach the campsites by boat (which really does add to the magic of the experience).

If you need a boat, no problem! Check in with our good friends at Blue Water Kayak in Marshall; they'll get you all set up. You'll have several beach campgrounds to choose from and it helps to have a map.

Two of the most popular are at Marshall and Tomales Beaches. Don't worry, it's only a 1-hour paddle from the Marshall starting point). One of the greatest things about paddling in is that you can load your kayak up with anything that wouldn't fit in your backpack! So, bring along the big tent, some smores, and a nice dinner. (We recommend fresh oysters from nearby Tomales Bay Oyster Company). Don't forget the firewood (just make sure to pick up your fire permit from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.) You're guaranteed to have a grand ol time!

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Point Reyes National Seashore

More to explore nearby

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83 ratings · 14 reviews
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Madison K.recommends
July 2, 2018
We launched our kayaks from Chicken Ranch and it took a little under 2 hours in moderate conditions. Totally worth it! Scored a beautiful spot on Marshall's Beach, which has bathrooms and garbage disposal. Didn't get a chance to check out the bioluminescence so I'll have to come back.
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Hayley Y.
January 1, 2018
We camped on a cool-ish, overcast day in May. Picked up our kayak from Bluewater, packed our camping gear and firewood (plus permits and bear cans), and headed a few miles out to find our own private beach for the night. The guy we picked up the kayaks from helped us figure out which beach to go to. We brought food and beer and sat by the fire all night, taking in the beautiful views and the sound of being right on the water. Definitely a must-do in the Point Reyes area.
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Emily S.
June 23, 2017
Leave early! We couldn't pick up our camping/fire permits until the Visitor Center opened (10 a.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. on weekends), so that put us behind schedule and we didn't get on the water until 11:30 a.m. (visitor center is 30 min. from the Miller Launch). It was windy but we made it to Marshall Beach in an hour since we were going with the tide. We had a large group in various kayaks (ocean, lake and blow up). On Sunday morning we woke to STRONG wind. Those in regular kayaks were fine, but those in blow up kayaks couldn't manage and luckily a fishing boat brought them across. Despite that, it was an INCREDIBLE trip and I highly recommend! Bathrooms were clean, it was warm and sunny and the Marshall Beach cove blocked the wind.
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Julie B.recommends
May 22, 2017
Beautiful. Books up fast.
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Deena R.recommends
March 29, 2017
be sure to rent your kayaks way in advance, they will sell out!
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Deanna L.
May 10, 2016
I boat-in camped here and rented kayaks from Blue Waters Kayaking. It was beautiful and very calm to paddle out at night Pros: - It's right on the lake. The stars are amazing - During season there's bioluminescence - You can paddle up and get fresh oysters at Tomales Bay Oyster Co Cons: - It's popular and there are a lot of people during the summer - Kayak rentals are expensive because it's popular. I rented from Blue Water Kayaks. Would be cheaper to bring your own Tips: - Know the direction of current and always paddle with the current - Pack-in pack-out (e.g. waste included) sites are less crowded
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Jacob B.
January 1, 2016
We camped in Tomales during bioluminescence. They were only visible in the dark, when the water was disturbed, so we did a night paddle that was absolutely epic. The wake of our kayaks and paddles were glowing electric green. Highly recommend it.
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Jason M.
July 8, 2015
Grab a couple bags of Oysters from the Marshall Store (don't forget the Minonet sauce too) and you'll be set! Nothing like shucking Oysters around the campfire!
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Sancia F.
June 5, 2015
Leave early if you have kayakers with less experience. The wind an be really intense! Marshall beach is nice with bathrooms and a nice 1 mile + hike to the neighboring beach and back. Very beautiful trip we had a blast.
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Sasha C.
May 18, 2015
Large groups can only camp at Marshall or Tomales Beach. Both have vault toilets, and Marshall is closer, but Tomales has two picnic tables. Head there unless your want to a) bring your own table, or b) don't care about sand in your food (it's inevitable).
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Sasha C.
May 18, 2015
Definitely make sure you leave early in the day. The wind picks up around noon, which (if you're paddling into it) can make your trip take twice as long!
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Becky L.
May 11, 2015
For a small extra fee, Bluewater can also bring any excess stuff (i.e. food, drinks, nice cameras) on a motorboat. I also recommend the Marshall Store for oysters!
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Amber M.
March 25, 2015
Take an overnight kayaking class at Tomales Bay with REI! rei.com/outdoorschool/160 for full schedule.
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Alex J.
January 15, 2015
Get your Kayaks from Bluewater- right across the way from Tomales Bay's many camping beaches, make sure to get across the water before the wind picks up!

Other campgrounds in Point Reyes National Seashore

Your guide to camping in Tomales Bay Campground

Overview

Biking

Another great way to see Point Reyes National Seashore is via bicycle. The area provides a variety of off-road biking opportunities traversing diverse habitats and terrains. You can explore trails through evergreen forests, coastal scrub, or along estuaries and beach bluffs. Check out the official map to see which trails allow bikes, or pick up your free copy at the Bear Valley Visitor Centers. If you need to rent a bike, these outfitters can help you out.

Boating

For those of you who would rather travel on water than land, Tomales Beach is the perfect place to dock! Here you can participate in boat camping. These camp-in sites are particularly awesome, and have everything from vault toilets to charcoal grills.

Fishing

Point Reyes is surrounded by the beautiful and abundant Pacific Ocean, making it a great spot for fishermen. Over 130 different species have been reported in the area, so it is definitely worth your while. Just be sure to be up to speed on the local rules and conservation efforts-- Point Reyes is a heavily regulated fishing area.

Hiking

The National Seashore has about 150 miles of magnificent hiking trails to explore and run around. Just check out some of the best hiking trails in Point Reyes , there is something for everyone! Trail maps for the north district trails and south district trails are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many ways to customize your hike to accommodate your physical and time limitations. If you want, stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center for current trail information and suggested hikes. The volunteers and rangers there are super helpful and friendly!

Horseback riding

With over 120 miles of trails that take you through forested mountain tops, grassy meadows, coastal scrub and miles of white sand beaches, the Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect environment to enjoy horseback riding. Five Brooks Ranch offers guided trailrides and they know this place like the back of their hand!

Paddling

Feel like playing with some seals or dipping your paddle into clean waters full of glowing bioluminescence ? Well, this is the place to do it! The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay, just take one look at the place and you’ll know why! Tomales Bay is a 15 mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. It is the largest unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California. The bay is bounded largely on the west by the Point Reyes National Seashore. Adjacent communities include Pt. Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach in the north where Tomales Bay meets Bodega Bay. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! They also offer great classes, bioluminescent tours, and suggestions for kayaking journies - just inquire within!

Wind sports

Point Reyes gets a significant amount of wind and is often a viable option for kiteboarding. Just be sure to check up on the stats before you go!

Surfing

Point Reyes has some quality surfing options for the more intermediate-advanced surfer. There’s less crowds up here (I’m sure that has nothing to do with the fact that it’s in the “Red Triangle”), although we seriously doubt you’ll see any of the great white shark varietal. The best surfing here is at Drakes Beach, South Beach, North Beach, and some other spots along Great Beach. The closest surf shop is Point Reyes Surf , which has limited rentals. Make sure you also check the surf report before you head out. Just remember, it can get pretty gnar here, so just stay within your surfing limits!

Swimming

Bass Lake is located 2.8 (fairly easy) miles in from the parking lot at Point Reyes park. This popular swimming spot is warm (compared to the Pacific), canopied and home to a rope swing (most of the time). Pack a picnic, bring your best floaties and don’t be deterred by the occasional skinny dipper.

Wildlife watching

Jutting 16 kilometers (10 miles) into the Pacific Ocean, the headlands of the Point Reyes Peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view grey whales . The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary provides a 32-kilometer (20-mile) wide "highway" along which the whales cruise; sometimes they travel in the close lane (nearer to shore), and sometimes they travel in the far lane (farther out to sea). The areas around Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse offer some of the best whale watching spots in the park. Here at Point Reyes National Seashore, the peak of the southern migration usually occurs in mid-January and that of the northern migration in mid-March. Late April and early May afford the opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore. The best opportunities of viewing the whales are on one of the whale tours, now get out there and watch these magnificent beasts! There is also forty species of land mammals to feast your eyes on (just don’t literally feast on them, it is illegal). From Tule elk to bobcats, to jackrabbits rustling in the bushes… there is no skimping on awesome wildlife in Point Reyes.

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