Reservation7/10
Point Reyes backpacking permits
Coastal bluff camping with ocean views and easy beach access at Point Reyes Nati...
Sky Camp Reservation Permit
Point Reyes National Seashore · California
One date at a time
Ridgetop camping with panoramic views of Drakes Bay and the Point Reyes headlands.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Sky Camp were gone within 10 minutes.
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Sky Camp Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Cost$20/night
Max Group Size6 people
Sky Camp Permit Facts
- As of September 2026, Sky Camp in Point Reyes National Seashore, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Sky Camp is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The Sky Camp route covers 5.4 miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.
- Cancelled Sky 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
5.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
ModerateElevation Range
100 - 1,050 ft
Highlights
- •2.7 miles from Sky Trailhead (shortest approach)
- •5.4 miles from Bear Valley Trailhead (more scenic)
- •Ridgetop location often above the fog layer
- •Panoramic ocean views from many sites
- •Potable water and pit toilets available
Best Time to Visit
Fall (September-November) offers clearest skies and warmest temperatures. Summer often has fog below but clear on ridge. Winter can be stormy but dramatic.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Exposed ridgetop—can be very windy
- !Poison oak along some trails
- !Deer mice—seal tent zippers to prevent entry
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (100 ft)
Today
☁️
79°
70°
Sun
☁️
77°
65°
Mon
☀️
81°
64°
Tue
☀️
79°
71°
Wed
☀️
79°
70°
Thu
☀️
77°
70°
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
Beginning backpackers seeking accessible wilderness with views.
Recommended Experience
None required.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable with wind exposure.
About This Permit
Sky Camp is located on the southeast slope of Mount Wittenberg at 1,050 feet elevation—the highest of Point Reyes' backcountry camps. The ridgetop location provides panoramic views of Drakes Bay, the outer Point Reyes headlands, and on clear days, the Farallon Islands.
The camp features 12 sites including one group site and one accessible site with wheelchair access via a different route.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Sky Camp offers what the coastal camps cannot: elevation. At 1,050 feet on the flank of Mount Wittenberg, this ridgetop site frequently sits above the fog, providing clear views even when the beaches are socked in. It's the only Point Reyes camp where you might see both sunrise and sunset over the Pacific.
Trailhead Information
Sky Trailhead (Limantour Road)
930 ft elevationShortest approach to Sky Camp. Parking area at Sky Trailhead off Limantour Road.
Restrooms
No water
Weak Signal
Parking
Small pullout lot. Usually has space.
Getting There
From Bear Valley Road, turn onto Limantour Road. Sky Trailhead is 3 miles in on the right.
Nearest Services
Point Reyes Station (5 miles).
Rules & Regulations
- •Reservation required via Recreation.gov
- •Pick up permit at Bear Valley Visitor Center
- •No dogs allowed
- •Store all food in provided lockers
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Sky Camp
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Key Landmarks
↑1,400 ft gain
High:1,050 ft
Low:100 ft
Full interactive trail profile with key landmarks. Sign up to track this permit.
Sky Camp FAQ
How do I get a Sky Camp permit?
Sky 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 Sky Camp?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Sky 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 Sky 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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Trip Reports
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Sky Camp trip
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