Southern Marin residents looking for a summer escape don't need to fight traffic on Highway 101.
Several state parks in Marin County offer camping, including Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais, Samuel P. Taylor, and China Camp, and two of the closest options are practically in the backyard.
"Lots of folks forget that a hot day in the North Bay can turn into a cold night thanks to the coastal climate," said Ryan Forbes, a state park interpreter II who leads the education team at California State Parks Bay Area District in Petaluma. "So don't forget to pack cool weather items, even in the summer."
Forbes shared that advice in a July 14 report by the Pacific Sun, along with a packing checklist: sunblock, water bottles, bug spray, a hat, and layered clothing for cold nights.
Angel Island: Ferry, hike, camp
Angel Island, the largest natural island in San Francisco Bay according to California State Parks, has nine tent campsites spread across three areas. East Bay Sites offer wind protection. Ridge Sites deliver views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. Sunrise Sites can be combined for groups of up to 24.
Getting there requires a ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco, or a private boat. From the dock at Ayala Cove, campers face a 1.5- to 2-mile uphill hike carrying all their gear. Bicycles and wagons are allowed.
Each site includes a picnic table, bear-proof food locker, running water, pit toilet, and charcoal barbecue grill. Wood fires are not allowed. Dogs are not permitted on the island except service animals. Campsites cost $30 to $50 per night and are booked through ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance.
As of July 15, the state parks website showed availability for consecutive two-night stays through July 27. Availability changes frequently, so checking back is worthwhile.
A December 2024 landslide closed part of the Perimeter Road to vehicle traffic, according to the California State Parks website. Tram tours are taking an alternate route, but hikers and bikers are not affected, and campsites remain accessible.
Mount Tam: First-come or reserve ahead
Mount Tamalpais State Park, at 801 Panoramic Highway in Mill Valley, offers two walk-in, tents-only campgrounds, Pantoll and Bootjack, each with 15 sites at roughly 1,400 feet elevation. Both are first-come, first-served at $25 per night. No reservation needed.
For something more sheltered, nine rustic cabins at Steep Ravine sit along the coast south of Stinson Beach. The cabins come with small wood stoves, sleeping platforms, outdoor barbecues, and picnic tables, and cost $100 per night. Seven environmental campsites nearby run $25. Reservations for Steep Ravine are required and can be made through ReserveCalifornia or by calling (800) 444-PARK.
Upcoming events at Angel Island
- Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26 — Military Timeline Event at Camp Reynolds
- Saturday, August 8 — Military History event at Fort McDowell
Watch out for ticks, not mountain lions
Forbes offered one more piece of practical advice: the biggest wildlife threat isn't what most people expect.
"Statistically, the most dangerous animals you can encounter on our trails are mosquitos and ticks," he said. Bug spray and a tick check after every hike are the best defenses. He also recommended stowing food in the provided lockers and never feeding wildlife.
Reservations for all state park camping can be made at reservecalifornia.com.
