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Beachfront camping near Alamere Falls—one of only two tide-falls in California w...
Coast Camp Reservation Permit
Point Reyes National Seashore · California
One date at a time
Coastal bluff camping with ocean views and easy beach access at Point Reyes National Seashore.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Coast Camp were gone within 10 minutes.
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Coast Camp Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$20/night
Max Group Size6 people
Coast Camp Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Coast Camp in Point Reyes National Seashore, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Coast Camp is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Coast Camp route covers 5.8 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, rated easy.
- Cancelled Coast Camp permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationMarin Coast, CA
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
5.8 miles
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
EasyHighlights
- •5.8 miles from Bear Valley Trailhead via Coast Trail
- •Coastal bluff camping approximately 200 yards from beach access
- •Elephant seals often visible on Sculptured Beach
- •Fog and wind common year-round
- •Potable water and pit toilets available at camp
Best Time to Visit
September through November offers the best weather with less fog. Spring has wildflowers but more fog. Winter can be stormy but dramatic.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Rogue waves—never turn your back on the ocean
- !Poison oak—prevalent along trails
- !Ticks—common in grasslands
- !Raccoons and ravens—aggressive around food; use lockers
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (0 ft)
Today
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79°
69°
Sun
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77°
64°
Mon
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81°
64°
Tue
☀️
79°
71°
Wed
☀️
79°
70°
Thu
☀️
77°
69°
Fri
☀️
79°
71°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a National Park Service account
Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand2/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Beginner backpackers and families seeking an accessible coastal wilderness experience.
Recommended Experience
None required—excellent introduction to backpacking.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with persistent fog and wind.
About This Permit
Coast Camp is one of four backcountry campgrounds in Point Reyes National Seashore. Located on a coastal terrace approximately 200 yards from Sculptured Beach, it offers the most direct beach access of any backcountry site in the park.
The camp features 12 individual sites and 2 group sites, each with a picnic table, food storage locker, and charcoal grill. Pit toilets and potable water are available.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Point Reyes National Seashore protects 71,000 acres of wilderness just 30 miles north of San Francisco. Coast Camp offers the only beach-accessible backcountry camping in the park, making it a coveted destination for those seeking Pacific solitude without venturing far from the Bay Area.
The Feeling
The Coast Trail descends through coastal scrub to a bluff overlooking Sculptured Beach. Below, waves crash against sea stacks. Elephant seals haul out on the sand. At night, you hear only the Pacific—no roads, no city lights, just the eternal rhythm of the surf and the fog horn's distant call from Point Reyes Lighthouse.
Trailhead Information
Bear Valley Trailhead
100 ft elevationMain trailhead at Bear Valley Visitor Center. Most scenic approach via Coast Trail.
Restrooms
Water on site
Weak Signal
Parking
Large parking area at visitor center. Can fill on weekends.
Getting There
From Highway 1 in Olema, follow Bear Valley Road to the visitor center.
Nearest Services
Point Reyes Station (2 miles) has groceries and restaurants.
Rules & Regulations
- •Reservation required via Recreation.gov
- •Must pick up permit at Bear Valley Visitor Center before hiking
- •All food must be stored in provided metal lockers
- •No dogs allowed on trails or in campgrounds
- •Campfires only in provided charcoal grills (no ground fires)
Gear Checklist
Required
- Warm layers and windproof jacket (coast is cold and foggy)
- Rain gear (rain possible year-round)
Recommended
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Tide chart for beach exploration
- Camera with telephoto lens for elephant seals
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Coast Camp
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Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
↑800 ft gain
High:600 ft
0Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks. Sign up to track this permit.
Coast Camp FAQ
How do I get a Coast Camp permit?
Coast Camp permits use a reservation system. PermitSnag sends lottery open, deadline, and results reminders; you can also enable cancellation alerts if spots open later.
When is the best time to visit Coast Camp?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Coast Camp permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Coast Camp permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Coast Camp trip
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