Reservation7/10
Coast Camp
Coastal bluff camping with ocean views and easy beach access at Point Reyes Nati...
View Coast Camp Reservation permit details and availability
ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Sky Camp Reservation
Ridgetop camping with panoramic views of Drakes Bay and the Point Reyes headlands.
“Wake up above the fog layer with sunrise views stretching from Drakes Bay to the Farallon Islands on the clearest ridgetop in Point Reyes.”
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Sky 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
5.4 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
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
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
Water Available
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
Key Landmarks
↑
1,400ft
Gain↓
1,400ft
Loss⛰️
1,050ft
High📏
5.4mi
Distance📐
2.5%
Avg GradeClick 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 Sky Camp.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Sky Camp FAQ
How do I get a Sky Camp permit?
Sky 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 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. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Sky 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 Sky Camp
- 📍Point Reyes scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
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