Point Reyes National Seashore · Hike-in campground
🏞️ Glen Campground
Glen Campground is the most sheltered hike-in site in Point Reyes National Seashore — a 4.6-mile trek from the Bear Valley Trailhead into a wooded valley away from coastal wind and fog. Reservations required; max stay 4 nights.
About Glen Campground
Glen Campground sits in a wooded valley deep in the wilderness, protected from ocean breezes. It's the most sheltered and often warmest option. The valley can be buggy in late spring and summer. The Glen Trail connects to the Coast Trail network, allowing loop hikes back to Sky or Coast. Stargazing here is excellent due to the valley's dark skies.
Trail & Route Information
| Trailhead | Bear Valley Trailhead |
|---|---|
| Hike Distance | 4.6 miles (one way) |
| Total Climb | ~710 ft |
| Max Stay | 4 nights |
How to Get There
- Start at Bear Valley Trailhead. Parking is available, but arrive early on weekends — lots fill by 9 AM.
- Follow the trail for 4.6 miles (~710 ft of climbing). The trail takes approximately 3 to 4.5 hours depending on pace and pack weight.
- There is no check-in. Carry your Recreation.gov confirmation (printed or on your phone) to show rangers, and leave a printout on your dashboard if you park overnight.
Not sure when to leave? Use the hike time calculator with Glen Campground selected.
Amenities
- Potable water
- Pit toilets
- Food storage lockers
- Picnic tables
- Established tent pads
Open year-round. Most sheltered option. Creek can be heard from sites. Mosquitoes present late spring through summer. Warmer than coastal campgrounds.
How to Reserve Glen Campground
Book Glen Campground on Recreation.gov (facility 233359 — one listing covers all four campgrounds). Most sites open 3 months ahead to the day and the rest 14 days ahead, at 7 AM Pacific; camping is limited to 4 nights per visit. There are no walk-ups.
Reserve Glen Campground on Recreation.gov →
Step-by-step booking rules: Point Reyes camping reservations guide.
Glen Campground FAQs
Q: Do I need a reservation for Glen Campground?
Yes. All Point Reyes backcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov (facility 233359). There are no walk-up sites. See the reservations guide.
Q: How long is the hike to Glen Campground?
Glen Campground is a 4.6-mile one-way hike from Bear Valley Trailhead, with roughly 710 ft of total climbing. Camping is limited to 4 nights per visit.