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Sky Camp Reservation permit area in Point Reyes National Seashore - backcountry hiking destination
One date at a time

Sky Camp Reservation Permit

Point Reyes National Seashore · California

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

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Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Sky Camp were gone within 10 minutes.

Sky Camp reservation dates

route distance, out and back
5.4mi
elevation gain
1,400ft
max group size
6people

How to get a Sky Camp permit

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. Cancelled Sky Camp permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Sky Camp route covers 5.4 miles with 1,400 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate.

Type
Overnight
Location
Marin Coast, CA
  1. Step 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. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

More on Sky Camp: Live availability activityWhen Sky Camp permits open upDo I need a Sky Camp permit?

How much a Sky Camp permit costs

Sky Camp permit fee: $20/night.

The Sky Camp hike

Distance
5.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1,400 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Elevation Range
100 - 1,050 ft

Wake up above the fog layer with sunrise views stretching from Drakes Bay to the Farallon Islands on the clearest ridgetop in Point Reyes.

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.

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.

Sky Camp hike highlights

  1. 2.7 miles from Sky Trailhead (shortest approach)
  2. 5.4 miles from Bear Valley Trailhead (more scenic)
  3. Ridgetop location often above the fog layer
  4. Panoramic ocean views from many sites
  5. Potable water and pit toilets available

How hard the Sky Camp hike is

  • Physical DemandFitness and endurance required2/5
  • Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
  • Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential1/5
  • NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
  • CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route2/5

Best for: Beginning backpackers seeking accessible wilderness with views.

Recommended experience: None required.

Not recommended for: Those uncomfortable with wind exposure.

Trailhead information

Sky Trailhead (Limantour Road)

Primary

930 ft elevation

Shortest approach to Sky Camp. Parking area at Sky Trailhead off Limantour Road.

  • No 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).

When to hike Sky Camp

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.

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (100 ft)

Today

☀️

81°

60°

Wed

☁️

80°

65°

Thu

🌫️

76°

65°

Fri

☁️

85°

73°

Sat

☀️

92°

80°

Sun

☀️

93°

82°

Mon

☀️

94°

82°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Sky Camp rules, gear and safety

Rules & regulations

  1. 01Reservation required via Recreation.gov
  2. 02Pick up permit at Bear Valley Visitor Center
  3. 03No dogs allowed
  4. 04Store all food in provided lockers

Hazards & considerations

  • Exposed ridgetop: can be very windy
  • Poison oak along some trails
  • Deer mice: seal tent zippers to prevent entry

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Sky Camp.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Sky Camp · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Sky Camp FAQ

How do I get a Sky Camp permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Sky Camp cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Sky Camp permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Sky Camp?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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.

Sky Camp trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Trip Reports

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Alternatives to a Sky Camp permit

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