Reservation7/10
Wildcat Camp
Beachfront camping near Alamere Falls—one of only two tide-falls in California w...
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ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Coast Camp Reservation
Coastal bluff camping with ocean views and easy beach access at Point Reyes National Seashore.
“Fall asleep to the sound of Pacific waves just steps from your tent on California's wildest coastline, an hour from San Francisco.”
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Coast Camp Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$20/night
Max Group Size6 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationCA
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
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov 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.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
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 Available
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
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
↑
800ft
Gain↓
800ft
Loss⛰️
600ft
High📏
5.8mi
Distance📐
1.4%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•3 landmarks
Landmarks (3)
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Coast Camp FAQ
How do I get a Coast Camp permit?
Coast Camp permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
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. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Coast Camp offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Coast Camp
- 📍Point Reyes scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Can't Get a Coast Camp Permit?
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