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Sky Camp via Sky Trail

Marin · Managed by Point Reyes National Seashore (NPS) · Region: Point Reyes National Seashore
Difficulty 5/100 · Easyout and back#coastal#beginner-friendly#ocean-views#marin
Distance
2.8 mi
Total gain
500 ft
Net gain
500 ft
Net loss
500 ft
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires prohibited

Overview

Sky Camp is Point Reyes's ridgetop perch: a 1.4-mile climb from the Sky trailhead to a grassy camp at 1,000 feet with ocean views opened up by the 2020 Woodward Fire. The seashore's easiest ocean-view backpack.

Highlights

  • Panoramic views over Drakes Bay and the Pacific
  • A short, shaded climb through Douglas fir forest
  • Mount Wittenberg's ridge as a day-hike extension
  • Food lockers and potable water at camp

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Sky Trailhead · parking: Sky Trailhead on Limantour Road; print your reservation confirmation for the dashboard
  • Water: Potable faucets at Sky 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 — 12 numbered sites at Sky 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 is common year-round — pack layers.

Bugs: Ticks and poison oak 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
  • Fog can arrive without warning — pack layers

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. Sky Campground. Point Reyes National Seashore (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/sky-campground.htm. Accessed 2026-09-10. License: Public domain (US government work). Sky Trailhead coordinates (elevation 840 ft) and the 1.4-mile Sky Trail approach to Sky Camp; Bear Valley routes ~2.7 mi via Mount Wittenberg or Meadow Trails.
  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. Sky Campground reservations. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233359. Accessed 2026-09-10. Online reservations for Sky Camp's designated sites.