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Kayak Camping in Point Reyes

Inverness, California

4.9/5
based on 4 reviews

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Sunsets, bonfires, oysters, and camping on the beach. What else do you really need? Kayak to one of Tomales Bay's main boat-in campsites. Pick up oysters and bbq them at your beach bonfire.

Like camping in remote locations? Love oysters? This is it! Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula.

We departed from Chicken Ranch Beach, which is on the west side of Tomales Bay. We jumped in our kayaks and headed north in the bay for a quick breather at Heart's Desire Beach. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. One thing that we learned for next time, it's best to start the paddle in the morning or in the early evening, once the wind has died down.

Once we were ready to take off from Heart's Desire, we headed up to Tomales Beach. This is one of two campsites, Marshall being the other, which offers restrooms at the campground. Be sure to catch the amazing sunsets from the northern most point of the beach.

If you need a kayak, we recommend renting kayaks from Blue Waters Kayak. If you reserve them far enough in advance, you may be able to depart from Blue Water Shop on the east side of the bay, which is closer to the campgrounds. Another plus side is that it's located right next to The Marshall Store. Stop here, pick up a dozen or 2 of raw oysters (can't go wrong with the Kumamotos), pack up the kayaks, and paddle across the bay. It's best to get an early start on the day to avoid potential headwinds.

Unfortunately, these campgrounds aren't dog friendly, so keep that in mind when planning future camping adventures.

Here's a map to give you a better lay of the land.

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Features

Camping
Kayaking
Adult Beverages
Bathrooms
Beach
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic

Kayak Camping in Point Reyes Reviews

When paddling there, if you can get on the water early, before the wind, you'll be glad you did. We camped at Tomales Beach, which gets a little crowded, but was best for the group because it has a bathroom. Also, rent your kayaks as far in advance as possible to try to secure them from the Blue Water shop in Marshall. They has a second shop in Inverness, which we took off from, but it adds about an hour and a half to your paddle time. Oh and the sunsets on the beach are unreal!

Do this during the summer when you can see the bioluminescence at night.

Most years from June to early October there is bioluminesce in the Eelgrass patches. Contact a kayak guiding service if you are not familiar with tides & currents, compass navigation, or kayaking after dark. A VHF radio and float plan is a must!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore the S.S. Point Reyes Shipwreck

Hike the Estero Trail

Abbotts Lagoon Trail

Sky Campground via Sky Trail

Sky Trail Loop

Marshall Beach Trail