Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938
Overview
Located in Marin County, California, Samuel P. Taylor State Park has a diverse set of camping options. There are 51 individual sites, cabins, a horse camp, a hike-and-bike site, and group camps of varying sizes.
The main campground loops at Creekside and Orchard Hill can accommodate RVs/trailers and tents. There are also 22 tent-only campsites. Amenities include potable water, paid showers, fire rings, and flush toilets. There are no hookups available.
The campground is open all year for group sites and Orchard Hill. Creekside campsites are closed from December 1 through March 1 due to flooding.
Dogs are allowed as long as they’re properly leashed, but they’re limited in where they can go in the main park.
Best Campsites at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Best Accessible Campsite: #37, #39
- Easy access to accessible bathroom and showers
- Farther from highway/road noise
- Short distance to Ox Trail and dog-friendly Cross Marin Trail
Best for Hikers: #26, #27, #59
- Close to Ox Trail, Cross Marin Trail, and South Creek Trail
- Next to restrooms and showers
- Downside: closer to potential highway noise
Unique Experiences
- Hike to the top of Barnabe Peak for sweeping views of the surrounding redwoods and lush grasslands.
- Bring your camera along to the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point to see these beautiful creatures out in the wild.
- Head into nearby Petaluma to pick out artisan cheeses at Marin French Cheese Company or stock up on supplies for a lovely afternoon picnic in the campground.
- Hit the bike path on Cross Marin Trail to take in the fresh air of the wilderness and truly immerse yourself in nature.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground Campground Rules
Pet Friendly
YesMax Trailer/RV Length
TrailersMax People per Site
6Max Vehicles per Site
2Fires Allowed
YesSamuel P. Taylor State Park Campground Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
Required for group sites and cabinsReservations are available through reservecalifornia.com’s online platform or by calling 1-800-444-7275. All reservations will be assessed a nonrefundable $7.99 fee. The nightly rate includes half the number of vehicles allowed per site (i.e., 1 vehicle for an individual site).
Individual sites are $35 and can accommodate 6 people and 2 vehicles. Cabins are $100 per night and include electricity and an electric heater. They can fit up to 5 guests and 6 vehicles.
Group Camping Reservations
Group camping reservations are also available on www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275. Group sites are subject to the $7.99 reservation fee. Small group sites can fit 15 people and 6 vehicles for $105, but only 3 vehicles are included in the price. The large tent-only site at Madrone is $225 per night for up to 50 guests and 30 vehicles.
The tent-only sites at Devil’s Gulch will fit 10 guests and 3 vehicles, all of which are included in the price. The horse camp accommodates up to 12 horses, 20 people, and 4 vehicles for $100 per night. Specialized amenities include water troughs and 11 corrals.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations must be submitted through the online portal at www.reservecalifornia.com or requested by phone at 1-800-444-7275. All cancellations will be charged an additional $7.99 fee, and the initial reservation fee is nonrefundable. Any cancellations after 6 p.m. the night before arrival will also be charged the cost of a single night’s stay.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground Campground Cost
Single Sites
$35Cabins
$100Small Group Sites
$105Tent Sites
$50Large Tent Only Group Sites
$225Equestrian Sites
$100Activities
Bike Trails
Fishing
Hiking
Historic Sites
Wildlife Viewing
Backpacking
Stargazing
Picnicking
Horseback Riding
Photography
Nature Trails
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Alcohol
Amphitheater
Grills
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Wood for Sale
Campground Host
Potable Water
Ranger Station
Restrooms
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a diverse set of campsites, especially for groups that exceed the usual 6-person capacity of individual sites. The horse camp is also unique since it’s uncommon for nearby campgrounds to be able to accommodate horses and large groups.
The main campground also covers basic amenities well between fire rings, showers, potable water, and flush toilets. However, campers who are looking for a more luxurious experience may wish to stay in campgrounds with additional amenities such as hookups or a dump station.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in this forest environment for guests who appreciate this type of experience in nature. Access to the creek is restricted from December 1 through June 15, so prospective guests who prefer the ocean, water sports, or swimming should consider staying elsewhere.
Mount Tamalpais State Park Campground
Mount Tamalpais is very distinct from Samuel P. Taylor due to its surroundings and layout. There are two campgrounds with first-come, first-served policies, cabin rentals, a group site, and a seaside environmental campground. Although there aren’t as many group camping options, this provides more flexibility for individuals or families. RVs and trailers are not allowed. Pricing is also cheaper at $25 per night for basic amenities including water and flush toilets.
China Camp State Park Campground
China Camp State Park offers 33 campsites with similar amenities to Samuel P. Taylor. However, China Camp has access to a beach for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Dogs are allowed on the beach, making this a more dog-friendly location. There is also a historic cafe within the park.
Angel Island State Park
Angel Island has ocean views and opportunities for kayaking, but the island itself is small and has few places to hike compared to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. There are 8 campsites and a single group site that can fit up to 30 people for $90. Amenities are more basic and only include vault toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the island.
Bodega Dunes
Bodega Dunes has beach access, so the environment is different from the forests of Samuel P. Taylor. There are 99 campsites for either RVs or tents, and the major difference in amenities is that Bodega Dunes has a dump station and a Campfire Center. There are no group sites at this campground, and dogs are not allowed in the park itself.
