Near the Park
The four towns in and around the Point Reyes National Seashore boundary -- Olema, Point Reyes Station, Inverness Park, and Inverness -- are so close together that it really doesn't matter where you stay, because you'll be within a stone's throw of the park. Although the accommodations in Point Reyes are excellent, they're also expensive, with most rooms averaging $200 per night. Make reservations far in advance during the summer and holidays, and dress warmly: Point Reyes gets darn chilly at night.
We like Point Ryes Seashore Lodge and Restaurant, 10021 Hwy. 1, Olema (wwww.pointreyesseashore.com; tel. 800/404-5634 or 415/663-9000), with double rooms for $135 to $245 and cottages for $295; and the family-friendly Inverness Valley Inn, 13275 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Inverness (www.invernessvalleyinn.com; tel. 800/416-0405 or 415/669-7250), tucked away with its own farm and double rooms with kitchenettes from $159 to $209.
Note: If you're having trouble finding a vacancy in Point Reyes, check the website of the Point Reyes Lodging Association (www.ptreyes.com) for information on available lodgings or look into a rental home with the West Marin Network (www.westmarinnetwork.com; tel. 415/663-9543).
Camping
Camping within the park is limited to four hike-in camps. Wildcat Camp, near Alamere Falls, is a 6.7-mile hike from Bear Valley trail head. Coast Camp is on an open bluff, 2.3 beach miles west of the Limantour Beach parking lot. These camps near the sea are often foggy and damp, so bring a good tent and sleeping bag. Sky Camp (1.2 miles from Sky trail head on Limantour Rd.) and Glen Camp (4.6 miles from the Bear Valley trail head) are in the woods away from the sea, more protected from the coastal elements.
In all camps, individual sites hold up to six people and have picnic tables and food lockers. Pit toilets are available. Stays are limited to 4 nights. Sites can be reserved up to 3 months in advance by calling tel. 415/663-8054 Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm.
Just outside the park is the Olema RV Resort & Campground (www.olemarvresort.com; tel. 415/663-8106), which accommodates tents and RVs and is close to restaurants and a grocery store. It's about a half mile north of downtown Olema on Highway 1. Reservations are recommended. Credit cards are not accepted in person, but they are on the website.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
