Nearby Campgrounds
Overview
Tomales Bay boat-in camping is allowed on west-side National Park beaches north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern border (i.e., north of Indian Beach and Duck Cove). These beaches are tidally influenced and generally are small sandy coves backed against steep cliffs. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Twenty permits are available each day—9 for parties of 1 to 6 people, 8 for parties of 7 to 14, and 3 for parties of 15 to 25.
Location
Directions
There are no designated campsites along Tomales Bay. Instead, there are a number of beaches on which one may camp, if one has a boat-in camping permit. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat, kayak, canoe, or other small watercraft (except for PWCs). Overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed at Miller Boat Launch, Tomales Bay Resort, and Lawson's Landing, but prohibited within Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay State Park. Visit our Boat-in Camping page for more details.
Weather Notes
Weather can change rapidly and with little warning at Point Reyes. Point Reyes is renowned for its strong winds, fog, rough seas, and temperatures that are cooler than elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area. Always observe and evaluate wind and wave conditions before entering the water. Extreme weather conditions may be encountered at any time. Visit our Your Safety While Boating at https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/safety_boating.htm for more information.
Regular Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit
Regular permits accommodate 1 to 6 people. We do not allow groups of more than 6 people to reserve multiple permits. Groups of more than six are restricted to 7- to 25-person group permits. Everyone associated with your party at a given beach must be under the same permit.
Small Group Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit (aka Boat B "site")
Small group permits are for parties of 7 to 14 people. Parties of six or fewer people are not permitted to reserve group permit. If you reserve a Boat B permit, you are required to camp at Marshall or Tomales Beaches where vault toilets are provided, unless you have and use a portable toilet.
Large Group Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Permit (aka Marshall Beach Group or Tomales Beach Group "site")
Large group permits are for parties of 15 to 25 people. Parties of six or fewer people are not permitted to reserve group permit. If you reserve the group permits for Marshall Beach or Tomales Beach, you are required to camp at the specified beach.
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Camping is by permit only. Camping permits must be obtained before starting your trip. Visitors may make online reservations for a Tomales Bay boat-in camping permit at Recreation.gov. Boat-in camping permits/sites are available three months to the day in advance. Print your Recreation.gov confirmation email and be prepared to show it to park rangers while on the water or on the beach.
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