How much does camping cost at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Camping fees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground range from $7-$43/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground is open Peak season is summer months when campsites typically fill. Reservations are recommended year-round for weekends.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Yes, Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Cell phone service at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground have?

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground has 60 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

Fire policies at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground: Fires allowed in designated rings only. Firewood sold by hosts. Fireworks prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.53

140 reviews

8889 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Lagunitas, CA 94938

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

266 ft

Price

$7 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Creekside Loop is cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

266 ft

Price

$7 - $43/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Creekside Loop is cl...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

$7.00 - $43.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservations for campsites start at $35 plus an $8.25 reservation fee. Cabins are priced higher. Walk-up bike/hike campsites cost $7 per person....

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$7.00

Group Site Fee$225.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(415) 488-9897BayAreaDistrictOffice@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8889 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Lagunitas, CA 94938

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

8889 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Lagunitas, CA 94938

Nearby places

San Rafael (15 miles, ~30 minutes), Point Reyes Station (8 miles, ~15 minutes), Lagunitas (3 miles, ~5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies can be found at local stores in Lagunitas (~3 miles) or Point Reyes Station (~8 miles). Firewood is sold at the campground entrance and by camp hosts.

Weather at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

Current alert: Creekside campsites closed December 1 to March 1 due to flooding. Devil's Gulch group campsites closed until February. Pioneer Tree Trail inaccessible due to fire damage.

Best Time to Camp at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the upper 60s to low 80s, with mornings and nights in the 50s to 60s. Fog often rolls through early, burning off by midday. Winter temperatures can drop to freezing, and rainfall increases significantly. The Devil's Gulch area closes in mid-August. Book early for summer weekends when trails and campsites see the heaviest use.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Most reliable conditions, interpretive programs and peak season campsite availability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is summer months when campsites typically fill. Reservations are recommended year-round for weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Creekside Loop is closed for camping December 1 to March 1 due to seasonal flooding. Devil's Gulch campsites are closed from mid-August to February.

About Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers 60 sites under coast redwoods along Lagunitas Creek, 15 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Options include tent and RV sites, cabins, and group camps accommodating up to 50 people. Fees range from $7 to $43 per night. Reservations fill quickly during Bay Area holiday weekends.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers diverse camping options including standard campsites, group sites, hike-and-bike sites, cabins, and equestrian group sites.

Historical Significance

Samuel P. Taylor built the West Coast's first paper mill here in 1856, using Lagunitas Creek to power the operation. He later converted the site into Camp Taylor Resort, one of California's early camping destinations for city residents. The park preserves this transition from industrial use to recreation.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the upper 60s to low 80s, with mornings and nights in the 50s to 60s. Fog often rolls through early, burning off by midday. Winter temperatures can drop to freezing, and rainfall increases significantly. The Devil's Gulch area closes in mid-August. Book early for summer weekends when trails and campsites see the heaviest use.

ElevationYour camping adventure unfolds in a dramatic landscape where wooded lowlands cradle Lagunitas Creek, while the surrounding hills rise like gentle giants around you. The majestic Mount Barnabe dominates the skyline at 1,466 feet, offering ambitious hikers panoramic rewards for their efforts. This varied topography creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, from shaded creek bottoms to sun-drenched ridgelines.

Natural Features and SceneryCoast redwoods dominate the campground at 266 feet elevation, creating a shaded canopy over most sites. Lagunitas Creek runs through the property, audible from many campsites. Beyond the redwood groves, oak woodlands cover the surrounding hills. The interplay of marine fog from the coast and inland warmth shapes the local climate, keeping mornings cool even in summer. Some sites sit close enough to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard that road noise intrudes on the forest quiet.

Geological RegionLagunitas Creek

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy picturesque views of redwoods and serene forest landscapes. Barnabe Peak offers sweeping views including Tomales Bay and Mount Tamalpais.

Lodging & AccommodationsFour cabins are available in Madrone, each accommodating up to five people. Cabins have electricity, platform bunk beds, a small electric heater, and covered porches. Accessibility features exist for two cabins. "Cabins do not have bathrooms, but a separate restroom building with coin-operated hot showers is a short walk away."

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs focus on the park's natural history and its legacy from the 1800s. "Junior ranger programs for visitors aged 7 to 12," are offered during peak summer months.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM for campsites
3:00 PM for cabins.

Check-out

12:00 PM for campsites
11:00 AM for cabins.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people maximum per standard campsite.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 50 people. Devil’s Gulch includes equestrian-friendly amenities such as a corral and water troughs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo main loops, Orchard Hill and Creekside, organize the campground. Standard sites accommodate tents and RVs. Cabins measure 12x20 feet. Spacing varies, with some sites packed tight and others more spread out. Fire rings show rust from age and coastal moisture. Food lockers need maintenance but still function for raccoon protection.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability exists for hike/bike campsites and unreserved standard sites. Summer weekends rarely have walk-ups available.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are unspecified; contact the park for details.

AccessibilityCampsites 15, 21, 30, 37, 39, and 58 are reserved for visitors with disabilities. Accessible restrooms, showers, and parking are located near these sites. Accessible trails and cabins exist to ensure inclusivity.

Site SizeStandard campsites are available, along with group sites and cabins accommodating up to 50 people. Cabin dimensions are specified as 12x20 square feet.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some campsites are spaced out and offer seclusion, while others are reported to be close to neighbors: "Campsites are private and quiet. We love it!" Conversely, "Some sites are close together; hope you get nice neighbors.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesCreekside Loop sites like 7-20 are near the creek and offer soothing sounds of water. Orchard Hill sites are quieter and away from roads.

Best CampsitesSites 13, 14, 21, 25, 27, 40, 42, 55, and 59 get consistent recommendations from reviewers. Privacy varies across the campground. Some sites offer seclusion and distance from neighbors, while others sit close enough that you'll hear adjacent campers.

Need help booking Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The park dump station is out of service. RVs/trailers will not be able to fill their water tanks at the park. This service reduction will continue indefinitely due to budget restraints.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Seasonal opportunities include observing salmon spawning in Lagunitas Creek. Interpretive programs are available during Memorial Day to Labor Day providing educational insights.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison oak, ticks, yellowjackets, and raccoons are common. Mountain lions have been rarely sighted. Store food securely to avoid wildlife encounters.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available at campsites but are not entirely critter-proof.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires allowed in designated rings only. Firewood sold by hosts. Fireworks prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in San Rafael (~15 miles). For emergencies, dial 911.

Trash & RecyclingTrash pickup occurs regularly: "Big garbage truck driving around the campgrounds picking up huge dumpsters," noted one reviewer. Recycling details are absent.

Water FeaturesLagunitas Creek runs through the park, offering scenic spots and seasonal salmon sightings.

Camp HostHosts sell firewood and assist with campsite inquiries. Hosts are friendly and maintain facilities like cabins.

Cell Coverage"Cell phone service is available," as confirmed by users: "Clean restroom, wooded area, creek sounds, and cell phone service are among the positive attributes."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

140 reviews

Top-Rated

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews favor the park for its scenic beauty within redwood groves, clean restrooms, accessible trails, and friendly staff. Complaints focus on campsite upkeep and noise disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 140 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include majestic redwoods, clean facilities, accessibility, and family-friendly hiking trails. "A very nice park that has a lot to offer."

Based on 140 reviews

Common Concerns

"Some sites close to neighbors," and "fire rings rusted out with giant holes." Other concerns involve noise issues and inadequate enforcement of quiet hours.

Based on 140 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

"Best campsites: 13, 14, 21, 25, 27, 40, 42, 55, 59."

Based on 140 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Secure food against raccoons, bring extra kindling for fire pits, and book reservations well in advance during peak seasons.

Based on 140 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews praise interpretive programs and creek access while off-season reviews highlight tranquility but note restroom closures due to water shortages.

Based on 140 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Raccoons are very common at the campsites. Be aware," and "Enjoyed a comfortable night tent camping with the youngest grandchildren. Very nice area with a good walking trail through some big...

Based on 140 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Accessible campsites are well-maintained. Bathrooms are clean and allow wheelchair access."

Based on 140 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

"Dogs allowed in camping areas but must be leashed. Pets are prohibited in cabins and certain trails."

Based on 140 reviews

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Go if

Families and bikers get the most out of this place. The paved Cross Marin Trail runs 3 miles from camp, the Barnabe Peak hike rewards the fit, and summer interpretive programs run through Labor Day. Aim for sites 13, 14, 25, or 42 for the best spacing.

Skip if

No hookups, no dump station (indefinitely), and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard cuts close enough to several sites that you'll hear cars after dark. Rusted fire rings and porta potties standing in for bathrooms have frustrated recent visitors, and quiet hours enforcement is inconsist

Nearby Campgrounds

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2.7

(7)

Devil Gulch Group Campground

8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938

Devil Gulch Group Campground sits within Samuel P. Taylor State Park at 935 feet elevation, offering three group sites for gatherings of 10 to 20 people. Two tent-only sites accommodate up to 10 campers each, while the equestrian site handles up to 20 riders and 12 horses. Sites run $8-$35 per night and include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water.