Point Reyes National Seashore · Hike-in campground
🦅 Wildcat Campground
Wildcat Campground is the longest hike-in campground in Point Reyes National Seashore — a 5.5-mile trek from the Palomarin Trailhead to a bluff-top meadow above Wildcat Beach, with Alamere Falls a 1.1-mile low-tide beach walk away. Reservations required on Recreation.gov; maximum stay 4 nights.
About Wildcat Campground
Wildcat Campground sits in an open meadow on a bluff with sweeping coastal views and a short walk to Wildcat Beach. The highlight is Alamere Falls — a 40-foot waterfall onto the beach, about 1.1 miles south of camp along the sand, passable only at low tide. This is the longest hike of the four campgrounds: 5.5 miles from Palomarin or 6.3 miles from Bear Valley. The meadow setting means high exposure to wind.
Trail & Route Information
| Trailhead | Palomarin Trailhead (end of Mesa Road, near Bolinas) |
|---|---|
| Hike Distance | 5.5 miles (one way) |
| Total Climb | ~860 ft |
| Max Stay | 4 nights |
How to Get There
- Start at Palomarin Trailhead (end of Mesa Road, near Bolinas). Parking is available, but arrive early on weekends — lots fill by 9 AM.
- Follow the trail for 5.5 miles (~860 ft of climbing). The trail takes approximately 3.5 to 5.5 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 Wildcat Campground selected.
Amenities
- Potable water
- Pit toilets
- Food storage lockers
- Picnic tables
- Established tent pads
- Beach access
Open year-round. Exposed bluff-top meadow — expect wind. Walk to Alamere Falls along the beach only at low tide, and skip it if waves reach the base of the bluffs. Longest hike of the four campgrounds.
How to Reserve Wildcat Campground
Book Wildcat 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 Wildcat Campground on Recreation.gov →
Step-by-step booking rules: Point Reyes camping reservations guide.
Wildcat Campground FAQs
Q: How long is the hike to Wildcat Campground?
Wildcat Campground is a 5.5-mile one-way hike from the Palomarin Trailhead on the Coast Trail (11 miles round trip), with roughly 860 ft of total climbing, or 6.3 miles from the Bear Valley Trailhead. It is the longest approach of the four Point Reyes backcountry campgrounds.
Q: Can I reach Alamere Falls from Wildcat Campground?
Yes — Wildcat is the safe way to reach Alamere Falls. From camp, walk about 1.1 miles south along Wildcat Beach, only at low tide. If waves are reaching the base of the bluffs, do not attempt it. Avoid the unmaintained "Alamere Falls Trail" shortcut, where NPS reports frequent injuries. See the Alamere Falls trail guide.
Q: Do I need a reservation for Wildcat Campground?
Yes. All Point Reyes backcountry sites, including Wildcat, require advance booking on Recreation.gov. There are no walk-ups. See the reservations guide.
Q: Is Wildcat Campground windy?
Yes. Wildcat sits in an open meadow on an exposed bluff above the ocean. Bring a sturdy tent with good stakes and guylines, plus warm layers — coastal wind is common year-round.