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

Wildcat Camp Reservation

Point Reyes National Seashore

Beachfront camping near Alamere Falls—one of only two tide-falls in California where a waterfall drops directly onto the beach.

“Camp beside a rare tide-fall where freshwater cascades 40 feet directly onto Pacific sand—accessible only by hiking through protected wilderness.”

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

Wildcat 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
11.2 miles
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
Route Type
Out & Back
Duration
1-2 days
Difficulty
Moderate
0

Highlights

  • •5.6 miles from Palomarin Trailhead via Coast Trail
  • •Direct beach camping with driftwood and sea stacks
  • •Alamere Falls accessible via 1-mile beach walk at low tide
  • •Potable water and pit toilets at camp
  • •Some sites (#6, #7) have best ocean views

Best Time to Visit

Fall (September-November) offers best weather. Spring has waterfall at peak flow but more fog. Check tides for Alamere Falls access—extreme low tides provide best viewing.

Hazards & Considerations

  • !Tides at Alamere Falls—can trap hikers against cliffs; time carefully
  • !Rogue waves—ocean is extremely dangerous
  • !Poison oak along trails
  • !Cliff erosion—stay back from edges

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 Risk2/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment2/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers seeking a moderate coastal backpacking trip with waterfall reward. Must understand tide safety.

Recommended Experience

Basic backpacking experience and tide awareness required.

Not Recommended For

Those unfamiliar with tide charts or uncomfortable near cliffs and ocean.

About This Permit

Wildcat Camp is a backcountry campground in Point Reyes National Seashore, situated directly on Wildcat Beach. The camp serves as the primary access point for Alamere Falls, located approximately 1 mile south along the beach.

The camp features 8 individual sites and 3 group sites with picnic tables, food storage lockers, charcoal grills, pit toilets, and potable water.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Alamere Falls is one of only two tide-falls in California—waterfalls that drop directly onto the beach. The 40-foot cascade and its surrounding wilderness beach make Wildcat Camp one of the most sought-after backcountry destinations in the Bay Area. The camp's isolation means you'll likely have this spectacular coastline to yourself.

The Feeling

After miles of coastal trail, you descend to Wildcat Beach—a long stretch of sand bookended by eroding cliffs. A mile south, Alamere Falls spills over the bluff, its mist mixing with sea spray. At low tide, you can walk behind the falls; at high tide, you're trapped and watching from above. Either way, it's unforgettable—a private waterfall on a private beach, yours for the night.

Trailhead Information

Palomarin Trailhead

260 ft elevation
Primary

Primary access to Wildcat Camp and Alamere Falls. Shorter approach than Bear Valley.

Restrooms
Water Available
No Service

Parking

Gravel lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. Break-ins occur—leave no valuables.

Getting There

From Bolinas, take Mesa Road to its end. Last 1.5 miles is unpaved gravel.

Nearest Services

Bolinas has limited services. Point Reyes Station (12 miles) has more options.

Rules & Regulations

  • •Reservation required via Recreation.gov
  • •Must check tide tables before walking to Alamere Falls—DANGEROUS at high tide
  • •No dogs allowed on trails or in campgrounds
  • •All food stored in provided lockers
  • •No ground fires; charcoal grills only

Gear Checklist

Required

  • Tide chart (essential for Alamere Falls visit)
  • Warm layers and rain gear (coastal weather unpredictable)

Recommended

  • Camera for waterfall photography
  • Binoculars for whale watching (December-April)
  • Swimsuit for brave souls—water is cold

Key Landmarks

↑
1,600ft
Gain
↓
1,600ft
Loss
⛰️
600ft
High
📏
6.5mi
Distance
📐
1.7%
Avg Grade
Click on a marker to view details•6 landmarks

Landmarks (6)

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

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

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🐻

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 →

Wildcat Camp FAQ

How do I get a Wildcat Camp permit?

Wildcat 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 Wildcat Camp?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Wildcat 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 Wildcat 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 Wildcat 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 Wildcat Camp
  • 📍Point Reyes scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

Can't Get a Wildcat Camp Permit?

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

Coast Camp

Same Area

Nearby camp with Sculptured Beach access. Shorter hike, similar experience.

Permit required

Tradeoffs

Misses Alamere Falls but easier access.

Other Point Reyes Permits

Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list

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
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