Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping
1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA, 94956
National Park ServiceLast Updated: November 5, 2025
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Campground Overview
Tomales Bay boat-in camping is allowed on west-side National Park beaches north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern border (i.e., north of Indian Beach and Duck Cove). These beaches are tidally influenced and generally are small sandy coves backed against steep cliffs. Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches. Twenty permits are available each day—9 for parties of 1 to 6 people, 8 for parties of 7 to 14, and 3 for parties of 15 to 25.
Reservation Info
Camping is by permit only. Camping permits must be obtained before starting your trip. Visitors may make online reservations for a Tomales Bay boat-in camping permit at Recreation.gov. Boat-in camping permits/sites are available three months to the day in advance. Print your Recreation.gov confirmation email and be prepared to show it to park rangers while on the water or on the beach.
Rules
Fire/Stove Policy
Gas camp stoves are the preferred means for cooking. Visitors planning to cook food over a beach fire or barbecue briquettes should come prepared with an alternative means of cooking (i.e., self-contained gas stove) in the event of a Spare the Air Alert or high, very high, or extreme fire danger conditions. If you wish to build a fire, obtain a free fire permit at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or from our Beach Fires web page at https://nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beachfires.htm. The collection of wood (whether driftwood or downed wood) for fires (or otherwise) is prohibited on Tomales Bay. You must bring firewood from outside of the park—but wait until you are in West Marin before purchasing firewood. Don't Move Firewood: Buy it where you burn it. Build the fire below the high tide line & not near any large driftwood logs or vegetation nor under overhanging tree limbs. Charcoal fires are only allowed in camper-provided self-contained barbecue grills. Visit the park's Beach Fires web page for more details.
Regulations Overview
Visit our park's A Guide to Low Impact Boat Camping web page to learn about the rules and regulations. Basic rules and regulations include: * Permits are required. * Camp only on beaches indicated on our Tomales Ba Boat-in Camping map. * Dogs and/or other pets are prohibited. * Drones are prohibited. * Glass containers are prohibited within 50 feet of the beach, or on the water, or in a vessel; i.e., leave glass containers at home or in your vehicles. * Follow Leave No Trace principles. * Store your food and other scented items properly in bear cannisters. * Properly dispose of human waste. * Beach Fire Permits are required for wood fires. * Fireworks are prohibited. * Most types of weapons are prohibited. * Hunting is prohibited. * Quiet hours are from sundown to sunrise. * Check-out is at noon on your day of departure.
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