Are you looking for the best last-minute campground close to the East Bay Area? Look no further than Olema Campground, a private campground just minutes away from Point Reyes Station and the Point Reyes National Seashore.
This campground has 107 tent and 87 RV camp sites, clean bathrooms, and a playground. We love this campground because it almost always seems to have available campsites when I am trying to book a camping trip within a month of our desired travel date.
Spend the weekend seeing the wildlife around you in Point Reyes from your easy-to-book and conveniently located campsite. Below are a few reasons why we always stay at Olema Campground at least once per year, and a few tips we’ve learned in our many visits.
The lands in and around Olema are the stolen and occupied ancestral homelands of the Coast Miwok Tribe.
Before you go
- Reserve a campsite. Check out their websites or call to reserve. See below for our favorite campsites to book.
- Book two sites together for a larger group. Each campsite allows a max of six people. Book two campsites together to benefit from the greatest amount of shared space.
What we packed
- Standard diaper bag essentials
- Camping essentials (tent, sleeping bags, pillows, firewood)
- Sunscreen and hats
- S’mores ingredients and roasting sticks
- A cooler with food for dinner and breakfast
- Baby carrier
- Wagon
- Fun campground activities (butterfly wings, bubbles, etc)
- BASE COST
- Campground reservations are $57-75/night for a tent site with two occupants and one car. Add $5 per additional camper and car.
- Add-Ons:
- Meals from town (if not bringing your own)
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Book a campsite in the Fir or Elm loops
If you have an option when you book, I recommend reserving a campsite in the Fir or Elm loops (see a campground map here).
The campsites in these two loops are our favorites because they feel more spread out, have trees to add separation between the sites, are bordered by the Olema Creek to the west, are close to the bathrooms and, because of the nature of the cul-de-sac, have very little traffic. We even recently enjoyed a rare sighting of the northern lights from the comfort of our camp fire!
If you’re unable to reserve one of those sites, just be aware that the tent sites in the 100 Meadow and 300-400 area are closer together with very little privacy.
Check in at the camp store
You will need to check in at the front desk located inside the camp store when you arrive at the campsite. Be aware that there may be a line. While you’re there, grab any last-minute snacks, camping items (limited selection), or firewood.
There is also a laundry facility next door to the camp store. I would only use this if in a pinch.
Visit the playground
The small campground playground is only for campsite guests. Our kiddos loved sliding down the slides and playing in both the bigger and smaller playground structures.
The playground is fenced to keep little bodies inside and a short walking distance from all campsites.
Be aware of extra fees
The campsite cost ranges from $57-$79 per night depending on the site.
Even though the campsite capacity is 6 people and two cars, the base campsite cost only includes two campers and one car. There is an extra charge for each person over two years old ($5 per person) and for each vehicle ($5 per vehicle).
Be aware of these extra fees in case you have a slightly bigger party.
Take advantage of the amenities
Camping at Olema doesn’t feel too much like you’re “roughing it”—there is warm running water, free showers, a dishwashing station, and even a compost bucket! Be sure to take advantage of these amenities with your family.
One of our favorite things to do at Olema Campground is bring our bikes for a ride through the gravelly loops.
Visit the nearby towns
I know, I know, just the mere fact that you packed up your family and managed to get settled at the campground deserves a gold star.
If you are curious to venture beyond the campground, check out our post about our favorite things to do at Point Reyes. For example, there is delicious buffalo milk ice cream at the Point Reyes Market, and many hiking trails and beaches to explore at Point Reyes National Seashore. There is so much to do!
Olema Campground is one of our favorite campsites to recommend to families with little kids because it is a short drive from the East Bay Area, likely to have available sites to book within a month of your desired departure date, and is the perfect jumping off point to further explore Point Reyes. The campsite itself isn’t the most scenic, but the location—just minutes from the beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore—cannot be beat.
The town of Olema where the campground is located was named after the Coast Miwok Village of Olemaloke, which means Coyote Village. There were over 110 Miwok villages in the Point Reyes Peninsula alone before the logging industry and white settlers took over the area along the Inverness ridge in the 1800s.
Point Reyes National Seashore has partnered with the Coast Miwok people through the Federated Indians of the Graton Rancheria to host events and learning opportunities throughout the year. I appreciate how they have established a partnership with the rightful owners of the land in which the park is located. Check out the National Park Visitor Center to learn more.
How do you connect to the people from the land you’re visiting? Tell us in the comments below.
Puerto Rican & Indigenous mama of two. Bay Area native. Salsa dancer. Backpacker. Doula. Angel (she/her/hers) is a co-founding member of the Beautiful Brown Adventures team. She has traveled to over 30 countries and loves to explore the world with her two daughters & partner - one ice cream shop at a time.
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Are there really now restrooms in the 300-400 area
The closest restrooms look to be over the bridge, closer to the 310s. I don’t think we’ve noticed any bathroom structures in that area otherwise.