Sky Camp
A hike-in campground in Point Reyes offering stunning ocean views, serene fog, and a peaceful escape into nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, less fog
Sky Camp
Best Time
Clearer skies, less fog
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hike-in campground in Point Reyes offering stunning ocean views, serene fog, and a peaceful escape into nature.
"Peak experience this weekend. Gorgeous well kept camp sites, great trails, listening to the waves from on top of the mountain, epic fog bank, beautiful sunset."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Sky Trailhead parking lot is small (approx. 10 cars). Get there early to secure a spot for your hike in.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
Camping under trees in foggy conditions can be damp. Bring appropriate gear and consider a site with better exposure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views & Starry Skies
Campsites
Wake up to stunning ocean vistas and fall asleep under a blanket of stars. A truly magical experience.
Serene Cloud Forest
Campground
Immerse yourself in a peaceful, misty environment with diverse microclimates along the hike.
Trail to Coast Camp
Trail from Sky Camp
A scenic 4.5-mile hike connects Sky Camp to Coast Camp and the beach, offering varied terrain and beautiful scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike In Required
Weather & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Sky Trailhead parking lot is small (approx. 10 cars). Get there early to secure a spot for your hike in.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
Camping under trees in foggy conditions can be damp. Bring appropriate gear and consider a site with better exposure.
📵 No Signal Zone
Expect zero cell service at the campground and on most trails. Download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
🥾 Hike to Coast Camp
The trail to Coast Camp is beautiful and offers a great day hike or a way to explore further.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Sky Trailhead parking lot is small (approx. 10 cars). Get there early to secure a spot for your hike in.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
Camping under trees in foggy conditions can be damp. Bring appropriate gear and consider a site with better exposure.
📵 No Signal Zone
Expect zero cell service at the campground and on most trails. Download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary.
🥾 Hike to Coast Camp
The trail to Coast Camp is beautiful and offers a great day hike or a way to explore further.
⭐ Site 10 for Best Views
If you're looking for prime views, Site 10 is highly recommended by campers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Campers rave about the serene atmosphere, stunning ocean views, and the unique experience of camping in the coastal fog. The manageable hike and basic amenities make it a great option for a quick getaway. However, the limited parking and lack of cell service are recurring points of consideration.
"About a 1.5 mile hike from the Sky Trailhead parking lot. Parking lot has maybe 10 car capacity, get there early or there may not be space at this trailhead.
Sky camp #3 was great, views were nice but some of the campsites definitely had better views. Drinkable water is available + 2 vault-style restrooms.
There is one trail that will lead from Sky Camp down to the Coast Camp + the beach, ~4.5 miles one way, it’ll take about 2 hours to complete
Service reception is very spotty/and calls may or may not get though— once at camp (AT&T), there is 0 signal while hiking on trail."
Alex Le
"Peak experience this weekend. Gorgeous well kept camp sites, great trails, listening to the waves from on top of the mountain, epic fog bank, beautiful sunset, I could go on. Site 10 is perfect. If you’re trying to decide to go - do it."
Shannon Delahunty
"Hike in from Sky trail trailhead is not too far to the camp ground. Parking lot at the trail head holds about 10 cars. Trail is dirt. The camp sites are lovely. Be aware camping under the trees when it is foggy will be damp. The place was pretty and quiet. Would do this again for a little getaway."
Sarah Bernard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sky Camp is a hike-in campground. You'll need to park at the Sky Trailhead and hike approximately 1.5 to 2 miles to reach the campsites. The parking lot has limited space, so arriving early is advised.
No, there is no direct vehicle access to Sky Camp. Parking is available at the Sky Trailhead, which can accommodate about 10 cars.
The hike is about 1.5 to 2 miles and is generally considered not too difficult, making it suitable for beginning backpackers. The trail is dirt and passes through varied microclimates.
No, Sky Camp is a designated hike-in campground. You cannot drive directly to your campsite.
Sky Camp is not accessible by car. It requires a hike from the Sky Trailhead parking lot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are typically required for camping at Sky Camp. It's best to check the official Point Reyes National Seashore website for booking information and availability.
Campgrounds are generally open for overnight stays. Check-in and check-out times will be specified upon reservation.
Point Reyes National Seashore does not currently charge an entrance fee. However, camping fees apply for Sky Camp.
Camping fees vary. It's recommended to check the official Point Reyes National Seashore website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Reservations function as your permit for camping at Sky Camp. Ensure you have your confirmation details with you.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
Sky Camp offers drinkable water and vault-style restrooms. Some campsites have better views than others.
Yes, there is a hidden water spigot providing drinkable water at Sky Camp.
Yes, there are two vault-style restrooms available at Sky Camp.
The campsites are described as lovely, well-kept, and offering beautiful views of the ocean. Some sites are under trees and can be damp.
Campfire regulations can change based on fire danger. It's essential to check with Point Reyes National Seashore for current fire restrictions before your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunsets over the ocean, misty cloud forest scenes, and incredible starry skies on clear nights. The hike itself also offers beautiful vistas.
On clear nights, Sky Camp offers excellent opportunities for astrophotography due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and starry skies. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light photography. Consider a rain cover for your gear due to potential fog.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other campers and the natural environment. Drone usage may be restricted within national park boundaries.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Midday can be beautiful for capturing the misty atmosphere, while clear nights are perfect for stars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and entertainment for the hike. Encourage kids to explore the natural surroundings and enjoy the unique misty environment. The trail to Coast Camp can be a fun day hike for older children, offering a chance to see more of the park. Ensure you have a reliable way to communicate in case of emergencies, as cell service is unreliable.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving: Pack all your own food and cooking supplies to avoid purchasing expensive options. Carpool with friends to share gas costs. Since there's no entrance fee for the park, your main expense is the campsite itself. This makes it a very cost-effective way to enjoy the beauty of Point Reyes.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Solo traveler advice: Inform someone of your exact itinerary and expected return time due to the lack of cell service. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the solitude. The well-maintained trails and clear campsite designations make it a safe and enjoyable solo experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike to Sky Camp
This hike is often described as beautiful and not too difficult, perfect for those new to backpacking or seeking a quick escape from the city. The anticipation builds as you ascend, with glimpses of the surrounding landscape hinting at the rewards to come. Remember to pack light to make the trek more enjoyable, as you'll be carrying all your camping gear.
Key takeaway: The hike is manageable and scenic, but parking is limited, so plan accordingly. Downloading offline maps is also a good idea, as cell service can be spotty along the trail.
Embracing the Coastal Fog
This dampness is a natural part of the coastal forest environment. Campers should come prepared with waterproof gear and consider how to best manage moisture in their tents. Despite the dampness, many find the misty ambiance to be a unique and charming aspect of the Sky Camp experience. It adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Pro-tip: If you're sensitive to dampness or prefer drier conditions, try to secure a campsite that is more exposed and less shaded by trees. However, even with fog, the views can be spectacular, offering a different kind of beauty than a clear day.
Connectivity and Safety
This lack of connectivity, while potentially inconvenient, also contributes to the feeling of being truly disconnected and immersed in nature. It's an opportunity to unplug and focus on the present experience. However, for safety reasons, it's paramount to have a plan in place for emergencies. Consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger if you're venturing into more remote areas or have specific safety concerns.
Safety first: Always let a friend or family member know where you are going, your expected return time, and check in with them upon your safe return. This simple step is vital when you can't rely on your phone for communication.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit