Point Reyes National Seashore · Hike-in campground
🏞️ Glen Campground
Glen Campground (also called Glen Camp) is the most sheltered hike-in site in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California — 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.
Gear for Glen Campground
4.6-mile hike-in. These picks are based on this campground's exposure, climb and season, not a generic packing list.
No bear canister needed. Every campground has food storage lockers. Store all food, trash and scented items (toothpaste, sunscreen, bug spray) in them, not in your tent.
Sleeping Bag (30°F or lower)
Warmer than the coastal camps, but it is still a 4.6-mile carry. Pick a bag that packs small.
REI Co-op Trailmade 25 Sleeping BagHeadlamp
Campsites and trails are unlit. Glen's dark skies are its draw, and you will want light to walk around camp.
Black Diamond Spot HeadlampWarm Layers
Wind-sheltered valley, but it is a 710 ft climb over 4.6 miles, so you will shed and add layers.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece JacketWater Containers
Potable water at camp, which NPS says may need treating. Carry a bottle for the trail.
Nalgene Sustain Logo Wide-Mouth Water BottleLinks to REI may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
Get alerts when Glen Campground has openings / conditions change
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Glen Campground FAQs
Q: Where is Glen Campground in Point Reyes?
Glen Campground (often called Glen Camp) is a hike-in backcountry campground in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California — not to be confused with other campgrounds of the same name elsewhere. It is reached on foot from the Bear Valley Trailhead, 4.6 miles one way.
Q: Is Glen Campground sheltered from wind?
Yes. Glen sits in a wooded valley and is the most wind-sheltered and often warmest of the four Point Reyes hike-in campgrounds. Expect mosquitoes from late spring through summer.
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.