Description
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!
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Another great way to see Point Reyes National Seashore is via bicycle. The area provides a variety of off-road biking opportuni...Read more
Boating
For those of you who would rather travel on water than land, Tomales Beach is the perfect place to dock! Here you can participa...Read more
Fishing
Point Reyes is surrounded by the beautiful and abundant Pacific Ocean, making it a great spot for fishermen. Over 130 differen...Read more
Hiking
The National Seashore has about 150 miles of magnificent hiking trails to explore and run around. Just check out some of the ...Read more
Horseback riding
With over 120 miles of trails that take you through forested mountain tops, grassy meadows, coastal scrub and miles of white sa...Read more
Paddling
Feel like playing with some seals or dipping your paddle into clean waters full of glowing bioluminescence ? Well, this is th...Read more
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 s...Read more
Surfing
Point Reyes has some quality surfing options for the more intermediate-advanced surfer. There’s less crowds up here (I’m sure t...Read more
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 (...Read more
Wildlife watching
Jutting 16 kilometers (10 miles) into the Pacific Ocean, the headlands of the Point Reyes Peninsula offer one of the finest sp...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Tomales Bay Campground.
The vibe at Tomales Bay Campground
14 Reviews
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!

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).

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!
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!



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!

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.




Take an overnight kayaking class at Tomales Bay with REI! rei.com/outdoorschool/160 for full schedule.
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.
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
- Park
- Point Reyes National Seashore
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (415) 464-5100
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 38.18° N, 122.928° W
- Unknown price
- Boat In: 22 Sites (Up to 14 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Boat In - Group: 3 Sites (Up to 25 people per site)