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Coast Camp via Laguna Trail

Marin · Managed by Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS) · Region: Point Reyes National Seashore
Difficulty 9/100 · Easyout and back#coastal#beginner-friendly#beach#marin
Distance
3.6 mi
Total gain
800 ft
Net gain
400 ft
Net loss
400 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Coast Camp is Point Reyes's beach backpack: a 1.8-mile walk over a 400-foot ridge to a grassy camp 200 yards from Santa Maria Beach. It is the Bay Area's easiest coastal overnight — numbered sites, food lockers, and a sunset over Drakes Bay included.

Highlights

  • A grassy camp minutes from the sand of Santa Maria Beach
  • Sunset over Drakes Bay and the Point Reyes headlands
  • The shortest backcountry approach in the seashore
  • Food lockers and potable water — rare luxuries in the backcountry

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Laguna Trailhead · parking: Laguna Trailhead off Limantour Road; print your reservation confirmation for the dashboard
  • Water: Potable faucets at Coast Camp; treat as backup per signage.
  • Resupply: None; Point Reyes Station has services a short drive away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route

Permits

  • Agency: Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Designated sites only — 14 numbered sites at Coast Camp; reservations open 3 months (and some 14 days) in advance.
  • Reservation window: Reserve online through recreation.gov; no same-day or walk-up permits.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires prohibited. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at all Point Reyes hike-in campgrounds. Only gas stoves or canned heat may be used. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: March, April, May, September, October.

Snow: Year-round.

Heat: Fog can roll in any month — pack layers.

Bugs: Ticks and poison oak along the trail in warm months.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Reservations open 3 months out and weekends fill instantly
  • Gas stoves only — wood and charcoal fires are prohibited
  • No dogs on the trails or in the campgrounds
  • Watch for ticks and poison oak along the trail

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Coast Campground. Point Reyes National Seashore (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/coast-campground.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Laguna Trailhead coordinates and the 1.8-mile Laguna/Fire Lane route to Coast Camp over a 400-ft ridge; Coast Trail route 2.7 mi; Bear Valley route ~6 mi.
  2. Backcountry Camping. Point Reyes National Seashore (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/camping.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Reservation-only permits via recreation.gov, $30/night fees, fire prohibitions (gas stoves only), food lockers, four-night limit, and pet prohibitions.
  3. Coast Campground reservations. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233359. Accessed 2026-09-10. Online reservations for Coast Camp's designated sites.