If you’re wondering whether or not there are campgrounds in Muir Woods that are open to the public, this post provides details about whether or not you can stay overnight in the area.
Is Camping Allowed at Muir Woods?
If you want to experience the natural beauty of Muir Woods up close and personal, camping is the perfect way to do it.
Unfortunately, they don’t actually allow visitors to camp within the boundaries of Muir Woods National Park, so if you want to camp in the area, you’ll need to consider another location.
Although there is no camping permitted directly within the park, there are two nearby alternative camping locations for visitors that we will cover in the next section.
Campgrounds Near Muir Woods
Even though camping in Muir Woods is not allowed, there are a few different locations nearby that you might want to consider as alternatives.
Staying in the area will allow campers to visit Muir Woods earlier than most guests, so it’s worth considering if you want to visit for more than one day.
Bootjack Campground
Bootjack Campground is located on the north side of Mount Tamalpais, just a short drive from Muir Woods.
It is a popular camping spot for families and groups of friends.
The campground features 49 sites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit, and a grill.
There are restrooms and drinking water available, but there are no showers.
The campground is open year-round, but it can get crowded during the summer months.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park.
The fee for a campsite is $25.
Steep Ravine Campground (Mount Tamalpais)
Steep Ravine Campground is located on the east side of Muir Woods, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
It is a secluded camping spot that offers stunning views of the coast.
The campground features 9 sites, which are available by reservation only.
Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and a food locker.
There are no showers or flush toilets, but there are vault toilets and drinking water available.
The campground is open year-round, but it can be challenging to reach during the rainy season.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and beachcombing in the nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park and Stinson Beach.
The fee for a campsite is $25. They also have cabins for $100 per night.
Tips for Camping Near Muir Woods
If you plan to go camping near Muir Woods, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make reservations early. Steep Ravine Campground is very popular and fills up quickly, so it's essential to book your site in advance.
- Bring warm clothing. The temperature can drop significantly at night, even during the summer months.
- Store your food properly. There are bears and other wildlife in the park, so it's crucial to store your food in a secure food locker.
- Leave no trace. Muir Woods is a protected natural area, so it's important to pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace of your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Bootjack Campground?
Yes, dogs are permitted on all trails past the Bootjack campground, so you can bring your dog with you.
Just keep in mind you won’t be able to take your dog into Muir Woods.
Are dogs allowed at Steep Ravine Campground?
Dogs aren’t allowed on the Steep Ravine trail, so if you’re planning to visit with your pup, it will be important to consider staying at Bootjack Campground instead.
Do you need to make reservations for Steep Ravine Campground?
It’s generally a good idea to make reservations, especially if you’re planning to stay in one of their cabins.
Call (800) 444-PARK (7275) for more details.
Do you need to make reservations for Bootjack Campground?
These campgrounds are first-come first-serve, and they don’t accept reservations. As such, you might want to consider arriving early.
Are there any RV camping spots at Bootjack Campground?
They do allow RV camping in the lower Pantoll parking lot between the hours of 6 pm - 9 am.
That said, both Bootjack and Steep Ravine are best either in tents or in cabins.
