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    Pantoll Campground

    4.3 (26 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Pantoll Campground Photos

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    Ranger Station map & details
    Lynn T.

    This campground has all the necessary amenities you need. There are no showers but it was easily manageable with the faucet at each site. I appreciate that the faucet water was a bit chilled. After reading a few reviews recommending campgrounds 10 & 11, I can now fully vouch for those sites. It's a nice private corner away from the public. It is a bit of a hike up but worth it for the privacy. Although each site can fit 5 people, it's doable but it'd be a tight squeeze. We secured 2 sites next to each other with 5 adults and it was a good amt of space to not feel cramped. I was surprised and glad that the noise level stayed within the campsite. Outside our site I couldn't hear my group's talking or music so the sound thankfully doesn't travel far. If you'd like to go last min camping this is a great first come first serve option. Arriving around 8:30-9am worked for us since that's around the time previous campers started moving out.

    Camping at Pantoll
    Sara S.

    So happy to have discovered this place! I recommend a spot toward the back due to noisy kids running around. Don't overpack if so because you have to go up a steep hill to get the best spots! Nice to have a bathroom nearby. Unending nature options everywhere. Kind rangers at their station. Can't wait to go back!

    Turkeys!
    Samantha L.

    Pantoll is first come first serve making it a great option for last minute camping trips. It's also so close to San Francisco! No need to trek deep into the mountains. First, the bad: the parking lot gets full fast. You'll also feel a lot of urgency to get there early and with good reason. There are definitely good spots and bad spots. Being close to the bathrooms and ranger station means you'll hear both car and foot traffic and flushing toilets all day and night. No privacy. Most of the sites are close to one another regardless. Bring ear plugs as it gets loud. The higher up the hill you venture, the quieter it is. If you use the grills or make any food other than a MRE, you'll encounter wasps. Bring something to repel them. The good: some camp sites have their own faucet which is handy for cleaning and washing off. There are picnic tables, fire rings and a food/storage locker. You can buy firewood at the station. The proximity to all the trails in Mt Tam is a huge plus. Wake up early and hike down to Stinson Beach for the day or head to Dipsea. Dogs are allowed as long as they're on a leash. Tip: bring a lock for the food locker! Someone stole food from us and we were gone for just 15 minutes to pack things away in our car

    Heading down the beginning of the steep ravine trail from Pantoll
    Jennifer N.

    Please note that this review is for the parking area and day use amenities. If you're interested in visiting Pantoll for those, read on...Pantoll is about 5 miles up Panoramic Highway after you leave Highway 1. It's a smaller size lot but there are a few overflow spots across the road and if you do a lap or two you might be able to snag the space of someone leaving. It's $8 for the day use parking-self registration and has some handy amenities such as clean restrooms, water fountains and a ranger station. It's a great spot to embark on several "must do" Mt. Tam hikes including the Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis and even a "back door" way in to Muir Woods via the Ben Johnson trail. Personally I've done all of these from this staging area. The rangers manning the kiosk are extremely nice and will help you map your route or recommend a trail based on your skill level. Weekends are crazy crowded here but I've been on a week day and parked easily. As a tip, if you have a California State Parks pass, you can use it for this lot and the nearby Bootjack parking area for day use fees. Scenic drive up, a multitude of hikes, well signed trails and clean restrooms-Pantoll isn't just for camping but a hiker's best friend when visiting the mountain.

    Our campsite, #6. Very private and on only one campsite adjacent
    Johnathon F.

    Just got back from a great weekend spent at Pantoll Campground and had a great time. I decided to go to Pantoll because it is one of the few campgrounds near San Francisco that allows dogs in the campground and I think its ridiculous to go camping and leave the pup at home. The campground is first-come first-served and there are only 16 campgrounds available. You can call the ranger station located at the campground and call ahead to see if there are spots still available, but they won't hold one for you. As far as the campground goes, it is very clean, has a picnic table, food locker, fire ring and grill at every campsite and there are plenty of water spigots located throughout the campground. Additionally, there are two sinks where you can wash dishes which is a rare thing in state parks. At the base of the campground there are 4 bathrooms but no showers. One thing that I really liked was that the camgprounds are all walk-in, meaning that you leave your car in the parking lot and walk to your site. This makes it feel like you're a little more in the woods instead of a loop with asphalt, RVs and your car five steps away. The cost is $25 per night. Unfortunately, Mt. Tamalpais State Park does not allow dogs on any of the trails (nor do any CA State Park), however, there is some great hiking nearby in the Marin Water District land. A great starting point is the Rock Springs parking lot which is only a mile from the Pantoll campground and has plenty of parking even on warm weekends.

    William L.

    I read all of the reviews before going and was worried about the wasps. but to be honest over 3 days i saw maybe 4. We used mock wasp nests we found online and not sure if this was the reason but they were not an issue. We arrived on Friday morning and most of the spots were taken but people dont have to be out until 12 pm so wasnt surprised. we chose campground #1. I wasnt happy with it at first because it was near the parking lot but in the end it was the best spot to have. I had full access to the ranger station and the restrooms. I didnt hear any flushing. The hill you have to climb to get to the other camp grounds is substantial 45 degree incline then it goes to about a 70 degree incline. I saw lots of people come by on several trips to the bathroom and to load and unload the cars and was glad to be so close. There is wood for sale and and it takes the crispness out of the morning and early evening air so well worth it. You will need more than 1 bundle though. Also if you pay for a campsite parking is included, dont pay both like I did.

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    2 months ago

    I was able to.get a spot early friday morning, but they fill up fast!! Spot 5 stays shaded almost all day.

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    10 months ago

    My husband and I have camped here many times and adore it. Highly recommend. It's gorgeous and very peaceful.

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    6 years ago

    Great campsite! Ceasar the ranger was SO helpful when we were figuring out our campsite and where to watch the sunset. He was amazing!

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    Ask the Community - Pantoll Campground

    Is this a first come first serve camping grounds?

    Yes

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    Review Highlights - Pantoll Campground

    This is a Backpacker's camp behind a Ranger station, so, it's theoretically supposed to be a safe enough place to do this.

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    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.8(435 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Just past SF this park has so many different trail options perfect for all hiking levels. The…read moredownside is this place gets PACKED! My sister and I arrived before 8am at the Watershed parking lot and barely found a space. We did the trail that took us to the West Point Inn for the pancake breakfast and round trip was close to 5 miles so it was a great workout. There's gorgeous views and well! On the way back to the 101 however it's a mess. The road on the way down is crowded with parked cars, which makes driving through challenging. That's the only thing about this park, other than that I'd love to come back in spring when everything is green and vibrant!

    My first association of Mt Tam is from Cowgirl Creamery's best seller, Mt Tam Triple Cream with…read moreHeart cheese. Ever since then, I've wanted to hike this peak, today I have achieved my wish. Early June with mild coastal temp, 50s-60s. Started up Matt Davis Trail in the foggy forest, to Pantoll Campground, to West Point Inn where we can look down to the top of the fog layer, to the Fire Lookout building at the Peak. Then we came down reverse but split off to Steep Ravine and Dip Sea trail after the campground. I've also always wanted to climb that ladder. This hike provided views of the Pacific ocean on the West as well as views of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on the East side. I thoroughly enjoyed the cool lush forest, but actually my favorite section was the single track along the slope of the open area after the Mt Tam State Park sign.

    Photos
    Mount Tamalpais State Park - Yummy time for critters

    Yummy time for critters

    Mount Tamalpais State Park
    Mount Tamalpais State Park

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    Muir Woods National Monument - Banana Slug, Fern Creek Trail

    Muir Woods National Monument

    4.6(1.9k reviews)
    0.7 mi

    Muir Woods is a must-see oasis in the midst of the Bay Area! Arriving to this specific National…read moreMonument is no easy fiat; it requires you to go thro some windy ups-and-downs to eventually reach the spot. If you suffer from motion-sickness, just drive slowly and mindfully. After arriving, there are several parking lots in which workers will guide you. ATTN: THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE IN THIS AREA & YOU WILL NEED A PARKING RESERVATION BEFORE COMING. Once you past all that --- the best part: the quietness of nature! I was informed the entire trail is about 1 1/2 miles around --- and that if you truly took your time, you could spend 1h30min+ here. I DID! There's something so soothing about the stillness of nature against the backdrop of the busyness of the city just below it. Looking at how grand these Redwoods are, make you realize how small "we" are in the grand scheme of things. It's a perfect visual and reminder that we are part of the great ecosystem of life, and should play our role in it --- to help preserve them & maybe ourselves in the process as well. Definitely recommend!

    From city noise to ancient redwood silence in under an hour…read more You'll find flat boardwalks winding through the groves and longer hillside trails if you want a bit more adventure. Redwood Creek runs through the canyon, home to salmon and trout. You can see the highlights in a few hours or stay longer. I always recommend exploring Canopy View to Lost Trail, and Fern Creek for quieter, less-traveled pockets of forest. How lucky are those who live anywhere near this place. I love driving up early in the morning for the most magical fog. Arriving always feels like stepping into a living time capsule from the Middle Ages. Some of the tallest trees on Earth stand here, roughly 1,000 years old and rising over 250 feet. The air shifts as you enter: cooler, darker, scented with earth, cedar, and rain. Standing beneath trees that have survived centuries of storms, wars, fires, and human chaos makes your own worries feel smaller. It's humbling and grounding. Things to know before you go: You need a parking reservation, no exceptions. Entrance and parking fees apply (America the Beautiful Pass is accepted). A shuttle from Sausalito is an option if you prefer not driving on narrow roads. Cell service disappears, so save anything you need beforehand. It's always cooler here, usually 10-20 degrees, so bring a layer. Bathrooms are only at the entrance. Food is extremely limited (one small cafe) so bring water, snacks/lunch. Pets aren't allowed. And always take a moment by the creek, it's the quiet heart of the entire ecosystem.

    Photos
    Muir Woods National Monument - Little mushroom

    Little mushroom

    Muir Woods National Monument - Mushrooms, Fern Creek Trail

    Mushrooms, Fern Creek Trail

    Muir Woods National Monument - Mushrooms

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    Mushrooms

    Dawn Falls - Dawn Falls Trail

    Dawn Falls

    4.5(48 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    Dawn Falls Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Larkspur, California. It's considered to…read morebe a moderately challenging route. It will take about an hour to walk through this beautiful redwoods round trip to the Dawn Falls. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. The best part of the Dawn Falls trail is that it's not crowded but you may still see a few other people while exploring. This trail is open year round but the best time is from January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. However, I do see local dogs roaming without their leashes. Only a few parking spots deter many visitors. However, if you will be willing to be patience, there will on a parkingspot for you. This trail is maintained so clean here, so please no littering! Enjoy!

    *****pay attention *****…read more Word, to the ignorant drivers who have never been on switchbacks DO NOT come here. As you blast down the very single car lane, not paying attention and laughing away isn't cute. Be mindful of cars and pediatricians. Believe it or not its not all about you! The road to the trail is all kinds of messed up. It's a single lane through a neighborhood with very little turnouts. Believe it or not, there are huge redwoods along this road. If you have never been on a road like this, please park at the bottom of the road!!! PLEASE! Even the folks who were walking up the road to the trail aren't alert. It's sooo fun to be surrounded by people who believe it's all about them yes, im being harsh, but it was that bad!

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    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls

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    Cataract Falls Trail - 1.10.26

    Cataract Falls Trail

    4.7(257 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    I had forgotten just how gorgeous this hike is--the scenery is incredible the entire way. Be…read moreprepared for a steady climb through most of the route, with plenty of wooden stairs, gnarly roots, and rock steps, but the stunning views make every bit of effort worth it. There are many great spots to stop for photos, take a break, or enjoy a picnic--we did all three. Thanks to the recent rain, there was still plenty of water flowing, which made the trail even more beautiful. The picnic area at Laurel Dell is especially serene, with a babbling brook nearby. There's even an outhouse, which is always a welcome sight. I actually found climbing up much easier than descending as one has to really pay attention to their footing. We were happy seeing Alpine Lake again knowing we were close to end of hike.

    Went here with a friend and her dog and had such a great time. Such a beautiful, peaceful hike and…read moredefinitely one of my favorites on Mount Tam. The drive in was beautiful too, the views of Alpine Lake along the way made the whole trip feel extra special before we even got to the trail. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, so it can definitely get your legs working, but the waterfalls make it completely worth it. Hearing the water and being surrounded by all the greenery made the whole hike feel so calm and relaxing. The views throughout the hike are gorgeous, and it's such a nice escape if you're looking for something peaceful and scenic. Definitely recommend checking out Cataract Falls if you're up for a little workout with a really rewarding payoff. Definitely will be coming back :)

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    Cataract Falls Trail
    Cataract Falls Trail
    Cataract Falls Trail - So pretty and green

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    So pretty and green

    Steep Ravine Trail

    Steep Ravine Trail

    4.9(48 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    I just hiked most of this trail yesterday, and it was lit…read more I hiked the section from Pantoll Ranger Station to Dipsea, and to Stinson Beach from there. I looped back up on the Matt Davis Trail. Steep Ravine is famous, or at least locally famous, for its ladder up the side of a waterfall. On this occasion, it was slippery and wet, and was missing two of its rungs. Last time, I went up, but this time, I went down, which I think was way scarier. I would definitely not want to do this in the rain. As it was, I clung to the ladder with my whole body, and still felt like I was gonna slip. I became covered in mud, as a warning to all the other hikers passing in the other direction of what was to come. There are so many gorgeous little waterfalls on Webb Creek on this trail. Hiking through this forest almost feels like traveling back in time. It's so beautiful. I thought a heard a few fish splashing up the creek, but didn't see any. It looks like a salmon paradise, with hundreds of shallow pools connected by tiny cascades. Very hard but very rewarding trail. Make sure to bring food and water, since there isn't any water on the trail, and the only food is in Stinson Beach.

    This time we started with the Steep Ravine and came back via the Dipsea Trail- great choice! Beauty…read moresurrounds you the entire hike. Be prepared to hike up many, many steps on Dipsea. So many gorgeous spots for photos and a lunch break. Fantastic map of area at the Pantoll Ranger Station (he was super nice & kind of cute). The entire area is very well maintained (Support your Parks!). Next time I think we shall start our hike at Stinson Beach.

    Photos
    Steep Ravine Trail
    Steep Ravine Trail
    Steep Ravine Trail

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    Pantoll Campground - hiking - Updated May 2026

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