Point Reyes National Seashore · Hike-in campground
🦅 Wildcat Campground
Wildcat Campground is the longest hike-in campground in Point Reyes National Seashore — a 3-mile trek from Palomarin Trailhead to a ridge-top meadow with Wildcat Beach below and Alamere Falls a short side trail away. Reservations required on Recreation.gov; maximum stay 3 nights.
About Wildcat Campground
Wildcat Campground sits on a ridge-top meadow with sweeping coastal views and trails down to Wildcat Beach. The highlight is Alamere Falls — a tidefall that drops 40 feet directly onto the beach, accessible via a short side trail from the campground. This is the longest hike of the four campgrounds at 3 miles each way. The meadow setting means high exposure to wind.
Trail & Route Information
| Trailhead | Palomarin Trailhead (South Beach parking lot) |
|---|---|
| Hike Distance | 3 miles (one way) |
| Elevation Gain | 520 ft |
| Max Stay | 3 nights |
How to Get There
- Start at Palomarin Trailhead (South Beach parking lot). Parking is available, but arrive early on weekends — lots fill by 9 AM.
- Follow the trail for 3 miles (520 ft elevation gain). The trail takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on pace and pack weight.
- Check in at the campground. There is no ranger station at the site — self-register upon arrival.
Not sure when to leave? Use the hike time calculator with Wildcat Campground selected.
Amenities
- Potable water
- Pit toilets
- Bear boxes
- Picnic tables
- Established tent pads
- Beach access
Open year-round. Exposed ridge-top — expect wind. Alamere Falls side trail is steep but worth it. Longest hike of the four campgrounds.
How to Reserve Wildcat Campground
Book Wildcat Campground on Recreation.gov (facility 233359 — same listing as Coast, Sky, and Glen). Reservations open 6 months ahead; maximum stay is 3 nights. There are no walk-ups.
Reserve Wildcat Campground on Recreation.gov →
Step-by-step booking rules: Point Reyes camping reservations guide.
Wildcat Campground FAQs
Q: How long is the hike to Wildcat Campground?
Wildcat Campground is a 3.0-mile one-way hike from the Palomarin Trailhead (about 6 miles round trip), with roughly 520 ft of elevation gain. It is the longest approach of the four Point Reyes backcountry campgrounds.
Q: Can I reach Alamere Falls from Wildcat Campground?
Yes. Alamere Falls is about a 0.3-mile walk each way from Wildcat Campground via Wildcat Beach — much shorter than the 3-mile day hike from Palomarin. See the Alamere Falls trail guide.
Q: Do I need a reservation for Wildcat Campground?
Yes. All Point Reyes backcountry sites, including Wildcat, require advance booking on Recreation.gov. There are no walk-ups. See the reservations guide.
Q: Is Wildcat Campground windy?
Yes. Wildcat sits on an exposed ridge-top meadow. Bring a sturdy tent with good stakes and guylines, plus warm layers — coastal wind is common year-round.