🎒 Quick Pack: Point Reyes Essentials
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📡 Current Conditions
Updated July 15, 2026⌛ Refreshed every 60 minutes from NPS, NWS, and local news sources
⚠️ Active Alerts
Drakes Beach Elephant Seal Colony — year-round closure remains at the western end of Drakes Beach. The seasonal southern portion closure (December 15–mid-June) has now ended (past mid-June as of June 23). The NPS alert remains in their system though its stated closure window has passed — visitors should verify current status before visiting. The year-round elephant seal colony closure at the far western end remains permanently in effect. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife.
Official details on NPS.gov →Harbor Seal Pupping Closures in effect March 1–June 30 — NOW ENDED as of July 1. Drakes Estero, Estero de Limantour, and Double Point were closed to protect harbor seal pups through June 30; all areas now fully accessible. Duck Island and east side of Hog Island remain closed year-round.
Official details on NPS.gov →Western Snowy Plover protections in effect March 1–September 30 — No pets allowed on Point Reyes Beach from North Beach parking lot to Kehoe Beach. Beach between North Beach and South Beach closed to all pet use March 29–July 20 (5 days remaining). Abbott's Lagoon breeding areas: all public use prohibited on weekends and holidays through Labor Day. Weekend beach closure between North Beach parking lot and mouth of Abbott's Lagoon in effect Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kiteboarding and kite flying restrictions also in effect.
Official details on NPS.gov →California Department of Public Health annual mussel quarantine in effect May 1–October 31 — applies to all sport-harvested mussels along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries. Additionally, CDPH advises against consuming sport-harvested bivalve shellfish from Marin County due to detection of dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.
Official details on NPS.gov →🥾 Trail Updates
Based on the most recent official advisories and recent hiker reports:
- Kule Loklo Trail is now OPEN — NPS trail advisories page (updated November 19, 2025) lists Kule Loklo as OPEN. Previously reported as closed due to hazard trees on the NPS closures page (May 29, 2026). The trail advisories page is the authoritative source for trail status. Verify current conditions before visiting.
- Peter Behr Overlook Trail and Peter Behr Overlook at Drakes Beach — NPS closures page (last updated May 29, 2026) no longer lists this closure in active content. Previously listed as closed until further notice. Visitors should verify current status before planning a visit.
- Point Reyes Trails Forever initiative underway — the most ambitious trail-planning effort in park history aims to reimagine the entire 150+ mile trail system. Public survey open through late 2026.
- More than 50 miles of internal fencing on former ranchlands to be removed as part of Trails Forever planning, opening new areas for potential future trail access.
- All campgrounds now open — including Sky Campground (previously closed due to Woodward Fire). Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Book well in advance — summer weekends sell out quickly.
- Palomarin Beach Trail (0.6-mile trail from Coast Trail to Palomarin Beach) closed until further notice due to unsafe, failing trail sections.
- Tomales Point Trail: last 1.7-mile northernmost section remains unmaintained with vegetation overgrowth and social trails. Bluff collapse risk at northern end — stay back from cliff edges.
- Alamea Trail closed due to active yellowjacket nests and several large downed trees (as of November 2025).
- Kelham Beach Trail decommissioned — lowest 12 feet of steps eliminated by erosion. Route unstable; strongly unadvised.
- Sculptured Beach Trail decommissioned — lower section of steps eliminated by erosion from large winter storms. NPS will no longer maintain this trail. Access the beach from Coast Camp instead; using this former route is hazardous.
- Report trail hazards to Bear Valley Visitor Center (415-464-5100 x2 x5).
📰 Recent News
🌿 Seasonal Note
Summer solstice (June 21). Summer fog season — mornings are often overcast, afternoons may clear. Harbor seal pupping closures ended June 30. Elephant seal seasonal southern Drakes Beach closure (December 15–mid-June) has ended as of June 23; NPS alert still in system. Year-round western-end elephant seal colony closure remains permanently. Snowy plover nesting closures in effect: weekend beach closure through Labor Day; pet closure between North Beach and South Beach through July 20 (5 days remaining). All campgrounds open — book well ahead for weekends. ⚡ NWS Beach Hazards Statement expired July 10 — not renewed. 🌊 Coastal Flood Advisory expired July 15 at 4AM PDT — no active NWS alerts for the Point Reyes area. Kule Loklo Trail is now OPEN (NPS trail advisories page confirms open status). Peter Behr Overlook Trail no longer listed as closed on NPS closures page (verify before visiting). Lighthouse area drinking water alert still appears on NPS conditions page but is not in the active NPS alerts feed — conditions page last updated November 2025, alert likely stale. Bring water to be safe. 🏃 America 250 Coast-to-Coast Relay launched July 1 from Point Reyes — 6,800-mile relay carrying Declaration of Independence now underway; crossed the Golden Gate Bridge on July 4. Trails Forever public survey open for community input. The Nature Conservancy and Marin RCD stewarding 17,000 acres of former ranchland. 🦦 New rewilding report: 7 native species (sea otters, beavers, pronghorn) identified for potential reintroduction to Point Reyes. Avian flu outbreak subsided — no active health warnings. Ranchers relocating to Sonoma County with county funding. 🏠 Temporary housing for displaced ranch workers opens at 'Calf Lot' in downtown Point Reyes Station — tenants move in as TNC/WMCS wraps up relocation payments to ~30 displaced households. CLAM + Marin County planning permanent affordable housing. CDPH annual mussel quarantine in effect May–October. NPS permit fees increased June 1: application fee now $100, plus new administrative fees for events/filming. Beach safety: stay off rocks and out of water during high-surf events. 🌕 Next full moon: July 28 (Buck Moon) — very low tides expected. 🌑 New moon July 14 brings extreme tides — very low near sunrise, ~7 ft at midnight. Tomales Bay beach campers: set tents high above wrack lines. Check tide charts before beach walks. 🏖️ Summer sand has returned — winter-exposed rock formations now covered again on local beaches (Nature Notebook, July 9). 🌊 El Niño declared June 2026 — marine heat wave + El Niño convergence may bring warmer ocean temps through summer. 🐟 Salmon season now open — plentiful catches reported off Dillon Beach. 🦅 Brown pelicans splashing in bays; humpback whales visible from Great Beach and the lighthouse.
Last synced: 7/15/2026, 12:00 PM PT
Campgrounds
Point Reyes National Seashore offers four developed campgrounds, each with its own unique character:
| Campground | Hike In | Key Features | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Campground | 1.5 mi | Ocean views, sunsets, exposed to wind | Families & beginners wanting views | Sturdy tent required; dramatic but windy |
| Sky Campground | 1.4 mi | Forest, sheltered, eucalyptus grove | Those wanting protection from wind/fog | Cooler, quieter, above the marine layer |
| Glen Campground | 1.6 mi | Creekside, family-friendly, sheltered valley | Families and those seeking solitude | More protected; good hiking access |
| Wildcat Campground | 3.0 mi | Ridge-top, beach access, backpacking | Experienced hikers, Alamere Falls access | Longest approach; best for longer stays |
All campgrounds require reservations via Recreation.gov (facility 233359). Max 3 nights.
🥾 When to Leave?
Calculate hike time for your campground, pack weight, and start time.
Full calculator → includes sunset deadlines and gear recommendations.
Coast Campground
Perched on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Popular spot for watching sunsets and listening to the waves. Accessible via the Coast Trail from the South Beach parking lot.
Season note: Dramatic when the fog lifts for sunsets. Very exposed — secure your tent well.
Sky Campground
Forest camping on an inland ridge. Sheltered from coastal winds with options for longer hikes through Bishop Pine forests.
Season note: Often above the fog layer. Cooler and more comfortable than coastal sites.
Glen Campground
Creekside valley camping — the most secluded of Point Reyes' four backcountry sites. Great for spotting wildlife and stargazing away from coastal fog.
Season note: Protected valley feels less foggy. Good choice for families in summer.
Wildcat Campground
Ridge-top camping with beach access. A favorite for its panoramic views and proximity to Alamere Falls.
Season note: Long daylight hours for the backpack in. Beach is beautiful when not foggy.
Reservations: All campgrounds require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Sites book up quickly, especially for summer weekends.
Gear Essentials
Point Reyes coastal weather is unpredictable — come prepared! Hikers regularly report sudden fog and wind shifts even on clear days.
Warm Layers
Fleece or wool layers are essential. Coastal fog and wind can drop temperatures quickly, even in summer.
💡 quick temp swings
Rain Gear
Waterproof jacket and pants. Weather can change rapidly—be ready for rain any time of year.
💡 unpredictable coast weather
Headlamp
Essential for nighttime navigation. Campsites and trails are unlit, and fog can roll in fast.
💡 no lights at campsites
Wind-Resistant Tent
Coastal winds can be strong. Bring a tent with good stakes and guylines.
💡 coastal gusts 30+ mph
Sleeping Bag (30°F or lower)
Coastal nights get cold. A bag rated for 30°F or lower is strongly recommended.
💡 nights dip into 40s
Water Containers
Potable water is available at campgrounds, but bring extra capacity for hikes and backup.
💡 carry extra for hikes
Bear Canister
Required for food storage in many areas. Mountain lions and bears are present.
💡 required by NPS
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📋 Camping Tips
- Reservations: Open 6 months in advance and fill fast, especially for summer weekends.
- Water: Bring water containers. Potable water is available, but bring extra capacity for the duration of your stay and hikes.
- Pack Out: All trash. Leave No Trace—carry out everything you bring in. There are no trash services at most sites.
- Fog: The marine layer is common, especially in mornings and evenings during summer. Prepare for it.
- Tides: Check tide charts. Some trails (like to Wildcat Beach) require low-tide passage and can be dangerous at high tide.
- Fires: No fires or charcoal grills are permitted in most areas of Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Wildlife: Store food properly in bear canisters or vehicle. Mountain lions and black bears are present in the area.
More info: Visit the National Park Service website for official regulations and updates.
📸 Scenes from Point Reyes
Point Reyes Lighthouse overlook Coast Campground at Point Reyes 
Gulls on a Point Reyes beach 
Drakes Bay view 
Historic barn wetlands 
Point Reyes Lighthouse steps Images: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Point Reyes Camping — What You Need to Know
Q: What are the best campgrounds at Point Reyes?
Point Reyes National Seashore offers four hike-in campgrounds: Coast Campground (ocean bluffs, 1.5-mile hike, 3-night max), Sky Campground (forested ridge, 1.4-mile hike, 3-night max), Glen Campground (creekside valley, 1.6-mile hike, 3-night max), and Wildcat Campground (ridge-top with beach access, 3.0-mile hike, 3-night max). All require advance reservations through Recreation.gov.
Q: When is the best time to camp at Point Reyes?
Fall (September–October) offers the clearest, warmest weather with fewer crowds. Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers and whale migration but more fog. Summer is popular but often foggy and windy. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers with proper gear — you'll have the park nearly to yourself.
Q: What gear do I need for Point Reyes camping?
Essentials: warm layers (fleece/wool), waterproof rain gear, headlamp, wind-resistant tent with strong stakes, sleeping bag rated 30°F or lower, water containers, and a bear canister (required for food storage). Coastal weather changes rapidly — always pack for wind, fog, and rain regardless of forecast.
Q: How do I make reservations for Point Reyes campgrounds?
All four campgrounds require advance reservations through Recreation.gov (recreation.gov). Reservations open 6 months in advance and fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Each campground allows a maximum stay of 3 nights. There are no first-come, first-served sites.
Q: What gear do I need for Point Reyes camping?
Essentials: warm layers (fleece/wool), waterproof rain gear, headlamp, wind-resistant tent with strong stakes, sleeping bag rated 30°F or lower, water containers, and a bear canister (required). Coastal weather changes rapidly — always pack for wind, fog, and rain regardless of forecast.
Q: Do I need a bear canister at Point Reyes?
Yes. Black bears and mountain lions are present in Point Reyes National Seashore. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be stored in an approved bear canister or in your vehicle. Bear canisters are available for rent at the Bear Valley Visitor Center if you don't own one. The BearVault BV500 is the most popular choice among Point Reyes campers.
Q: Are campfires allowed at Point Reyes?
No. Campfires and charcoal grills are not permitted at any Point Reyes backcountry campgrounds. Use a backpacking stove for cooking instead. This policy protects the sensitive coastal ecosystem and reduces wildfire risk.
Explore by Season
Tailored advice for different times of year: