Alice Eastwood Group Campground

For Californians seeking an exceptional group camping experience amidst some of the state's most iconic natural beauty, Alice Eastwood Group Campground stands as a premier choice. Nestled within the breathtaking Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, this specialized campground offers a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it perfect for family reunions, school groups, or any large gathering looking to connect with nature. Its proximity to the famed Muir Woods National Monument, with its towering old-growth redwood trees, adds an unparalleled layer of wonder to any visit.

Unlike individual campsites, Alice Eastwood Group Campground is designed specifically to accommodate larger parties, providing ample space, dedicated facilities, and a secluded atmosphere. Imagine your group gathered around a campfire under a canopy of ancient trees, with easy access to miles of scenic hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and even the distant Sierra Nevada mountains on clear days. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Alice Eastwood Group Campground, detailing its convenient location, the services it offers, its standout features, and why it's an ideal destination for California locals seeking a memorable and impactful outdoor adventure for their group.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground is located in Mount Tamalpais State Park, off Panoramic Highway, near the Mountain Home Inn, with its address generally listed as California 94941, USA. This places it in Marin County, just north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, making it remarkably accessible for residents of the Bay Area and beyond.

To reach the campground, visitors typically drive along Panoramic Highway, a scenic route that winds through the hills of Mount Tamalpais. Access to the group camp involves a "gate code," which is provided to reservation holders by phone from ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center 48 hours prior to arrival. This controlled access ensures privacy and security for the groups utilizing the sites. While the drive on Panoramic Highway can be "a little bit of a winding drive in," reviewers emphasize that it leads to a "gorgeous site." The campground's location allows for "private parking for those with reservations right next to the campsites," offering convenience for loading and unloading gear for a large group. Importantly, Alice Eastwood Group Campground boasts "great access to lots of hiking in the Muir Woods area," with trails leading directly from the campsite down into Muir Woods National Monument. This unparalleled access to one of California's most cherished natural landmarks makes it a highly desirable location for locals looking to explore the majestic redwoods without the hassle of public parking at Muir Woods.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground is well-equipped to support large gatherings, providing a comfortable and convenient base for your outdoor adventures. The services offered include:

• Two Large Group Sites: The campground features two distinct group sites, Alice Eastwood A and Alice Eastwood B. Site A can accommodate up to 50 people with 15 cars, while Site B is designed for up to 25 people with 10 cars, offering flexibility for different group sizes. A minimum of 9 occupants is required to book a group site.
• Spacious Tent Areas: Both sites offer "large tent camping areas" or "large tent space," ensuring ample room for multiple tents and group activities.
• Covered Pavilion/Shelter: One of the standout amenities is a "covered pavilion style eating space" or "large shelter with 4-5 picnic tables," providing protection from sun or light rain, ideal for group meals and gatherings.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are spread around the site, beyond those in the covered area, to facilitate dining and seating for large groups.
• BBQ Grills and Fire Rings: Each site includes "grills" and "fire pits," allowing for group cooking and communal campfires (fire restrictions apply based on conditions).
• Flush Toilets: A significant convenience for group camping, the campground offers "flush toilets," providing a more comfortable restroom experience compared to vault toilets found in many other primitive campgrounds.
• Running Water/Sinks: "Running water on site" and "water faucets with sinks" are available, making water access for drinking, cooking, and dishwashing straightforward.
• Food Storage Lockers: "Bear boxes for food storage" are provided, essential for protecting food from wildlife and ensuring a safe camping environment.
• Private Parking: Dedicated "private parking for those with reservations right next to the campsites" adds to the convenience, especially for large groups with multiple vehicles.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground is renowned for several exceptional features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience:

• Direct Access to Muir Woods Trails: A major highlight is its direct connection to "ample hiking trails ... accessible directly from the campsite," which "lead you down into Muir Woods National Monument." This means campers can explore the magnificent old-growth redwoods without the typical parking challenges at Muir Woods.
• Immersive Redwood Forest Setting: The campground is surrounded by "beautiful lush ravine with its waterfalls and old growth Redwoods," creating a "gorgeous site with old and gorgeous trees." This natural beauty is a profound draw.
• Panoramic Views from Mount Tamalpais: While not directly at the peak, the campground's location within Mount Tamalpais State Park grants access to over "50 miles of trails" that connect to a "much grander 200 mile trail system." Hikes to the peak of Mt. Tamalpais offer "stunning panorama views of the Bay Area," including San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and on clear days, even the Sierra Nevada.
• Accessibility Features: The campground boasts "wheelchair accessible facilities" for families with mobility needs, making it inclusive for a wider range of visitors.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Described as a "quiet reservation-only campsite," it provides a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle, allowing groups to truly relax and connect with nature.
• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Beyond hiking, Mount Tamalpais State Park offers "unparalleled options for road bikers," "mountain bikers," and "horseback riding" on designated trails. "Wildlife watching" is also a common activity, with diverse bird species and deer.
• Strategic Base for Bay Area Exploration: Its proximity to San Francisco makes it an excellent base for combining a natural escape with urban exploration, offering the best of both worlds for Californians.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground is part of Mount Tamalpais State Park. For reservations and detailed information, it's essential to contact the California State Parks reservation system.

Address: California 94941, USA (This is a general area address. The campground is specifically located off Panoramic Highway near the Mountain Home Inn.)

Phone for Reservations (ReserveCalifornia): 1-800-444-7275

Reservation Hours: 7 days a week, 8 AM to 6 PM PST.

Park Information (Pantoll Ranger Station): (415) 388-2070

It is highly recommended to book group sites well in advance, as they are popular and can be reserved up to six months prior to arrival. When calling to obtain the gate combination code, be prepared to provide your reservation number, camping dates, and name. Always check the official California State Parks website (www.parks.ca.gov) for Mount Tamalpais State Park for the most current regulations, fire restrictions, and trail conditions before your visit.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Californians, particularly those residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering an accessible and profoundly enriching outdoor experience. Its prime location within Mount Tamalpais State Park provides a swift escape from urban life, allowing locals to immerse themselves in nature without embarking on a lengthy journey. This convenience is invaluable for organizing group outings, making it a practical and appealing choice for school field trips, large family gatherings, or community-based events.

The campground's design specifically for groups, with two spacious sites accommodating up to 50 or 25 people, ample picnic tables, grills, and even a "covered pavilion style eating space," addresses a common need for larger parties that often struggle to find suitable camping accommodations. The presence of flush toilets and running water further enhances the comfort level, providing a more pleasant experience while still fostering a connection with the outdoors. Importantly, the "private parking for those with reservations right next to the campsites" streamlines the logistics for group arrivals and departures.

However, the most compelling reason for locals to choose Alice Eastwood Group Campground is its unparalleled access to the natural wonders of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. Being able to hike directly into the majestic old-growth redwood forest from your campsite is a unique privilege, allowing Californians to easily experience this iconic natural treasure. The extensive network of trails offering "stunning panorama views of the Bay Area" caters to diverse hiking preferences, from gentle strolls to more challenging treks. This combination of convenient location, group-friendly amenities, and direct access to world-class natural attractions makes Alice Eastwood Group Campground an ideal and cherished resource for California locals looking to create lasting memories in the heart of their beautiful state.

Alice Eastwood Group Campground

California 94941, USA