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Wildcat Campground

It sure is nice to be so dang close to the ocean!

Wildcat Camp is in an open meadow that is just a hop, skip and jump away from the mighty Pacific Ocean. Another great thing about Wildcat is that it’s also the closest camp to Alamere Falls (one of only two waterfalls that fall directly into the Pacific).

The hike is an easy 2-miler along the beach, just make sure you mind the tides! It’s also the most popular campground in Point Reyes, so if you’re trying to camp here on a weekend, plan WAY in advance.

We hear that campsites #4 & #5 are the bees knees (this is a good thing). The best way to get to Wildcat Camp is a 5.5 mile hike on the Palomarin Trailhead and it just so happens to be one of the nicest stretches of trail in Northern California! You’re seriously going to dig this place.

As we said, this coastline is MIGHTY and so is the wind, so make sure to bring layers.

What this place offers
No campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
7 sites
Tent
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99%
76 ratings · 17 reviews
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Perry W.
6 years on Hipcamp
July 2021
A terrific spot to introduce newbies to backpacking. Lots of wildlife--deer, bunnies, coyote, snakes, and lizards. And not a mosquito in sight! Even the worst sites here are great. There are two vault toilets, trash cans, and a water spigot (potable). Each site has a food locker, the double sites have two each.
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Kat W.
6 years on Hipcamp
December 2019
I'm not a particularly experienced camper/hiker, and I don't like either unless there's something really special waiting for me at the end, and Wildcat Campground delivered. The views along Palomarin Trailhead are great, and the wildcat campground itself is a really special place that is worth the hike. I agree sites 6&7 are best.
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Jamie P.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2019
6 plus mile hike in. The hill on the way out is tough! Great for groups!
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Annabella S.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2019
In terms of views, this campground just can't be beat! And did I mention bonfires on the beach? The walk in is easy enough while still being immensely rewarding. We hiked in and stayed for one night here since it was booked the next day. On the second day, we journeyed down the beach to the waterfall with our packs and found a primitive spot to sleep that night.
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Michael H.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
Pack light for the hike in and be prepared for amazing ocean cliff views.
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Erin N.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2019
Hike in and hike out..
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S L.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
hike-in site I think
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Karen B.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2017
This is a hike-in campground and not very large so get there early.
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Callie R.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
My favorite spot. Gorgeous campsite, easy hike in, close to Alamere. They provide grills at each campsite, just remember to bring some charcoal. Ask for a beach fire permit (driftwood) when you check it, not always available.
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Edmaria R.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Great place for beginners. This was our first backpacking trip and it was wonderful. Great views, potable water, nice hike.
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Alex H.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Bring a fishing pole! Caught my biggest Surfperch and Surf Smelt here!
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Alex H.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
Site 7 is the closest to the path that leads to the beach. The only time you'll really see people is heading to the bathroom/water.
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Matthew G.
9 years on Hipcamp
May 2015
Great beach access at this campground, be careful in the surf. Can be exceptionally damp (duh!).
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Courtney C.
10 reviews
March 2015
Great place to backpack if you're a beginner. There's also potable water (usually) at the campground so you don't have to haul it. Be sure to bring a filter just in case. Campsite 7 is amazing but can be hard to find when the mustard flowers are blooming!
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Hipcamper
9 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
What a campground! It's only a 1-mile hike from Alameer Falls. I highly recommend eating lunch at the top!
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Oshie M.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Sites 1-3AB are most exposed to neighbors but closest to bathroom. Sites 5-7 are the small but offers the most seclusion.
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Hipcamper
9 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Great for backpacking beginners. It's only a 5-6 mile hike in and trails are super well marked.
LocationWildcat Campground, Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
What this place offers
No campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups

Your guide to camping in Wildcat 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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