Coast Camp Reservation wilderness permit area in Point Reyes National Seashore - backcountry hiking destination
ReservationOvernightHigh Demand

Coast Camp Reservation

Point Reyes National Seashore

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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Demand
High
7/10
Method
Reservation
Cost
$20/night
Booking Method
First-Come, First-Served

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
Easy
0

Highlights

  • •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.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +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 elevation
Primary

Main 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

Key Landmarks

↑
800ft
Gain
↓
800ft
Loss
⛰️
600ft
High
📏
5.8mi
Distance
📐
1.4%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•3 landmarks

Landmarks (3)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Coast Camp.

Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

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 few minutes, 24/7.

Photography 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?

Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.

Wildcat Camp

Same Area

Nearby camp with direct beach access and proximity to Alamere Falls.

Permit required

Tradeoffs

Longer hike but better waterfall access.

Other Point Reyes Permits

Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list

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Wildcat Camp

Beachfront camping near Alamere Falls—one of only two tide-falls in California w...

View Wildcat Camp Reservation permit details and availability
Reservation6/10

Glen Camp

Sheltered inland forest camping in a tranquil valley setting....

View Glen Camp Reservation permit details and availability
Reservation7/10

Sky Camp

Ridgetop camping with panoramic views of Drakes Bay and the Point Reyes headland...

View Sky Camp Reservation permit details and availability