There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars with the great Golden Gate glistening in front of you. Of course, you can also pitch your tent oceanside, or maybe even inside a redwood tree. Yep, that’s the sort of experience you can get camping in and around San Francisco.
- Kirby Cove
Flickr/Tom Hilton Get a nice long look at San Francisco from the other side of the water. This little cove sits at the bottom of the Marin Headlands, just west of the Golden Gate Bridge. Go for a hike and dip your toes in the coarse sand at one of the quaintest (and most in-demand) camping spots in California. You can reserve a spot up to 3 months in advance, but be quick—they go fast.
- Angel Island State Park
Flickr/Amy Chong OK, it’s not Hawaii or anything, but it is an island (the biggest in the Bay), and it offers some unparalleled views of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, all in a pristine and peaceful surrounding. You will need to hike in (at least 2 miles, depending where you’re pitching your tent)—and, remember, it’ll likely be a bit chilly and windy.
- Rob Hill Campground in the Presidio
Yelp/Rob Hill Campground You don’t even have to leave the city for this one, located in the expansive Presidio area. You’ll be surrounded by Cypress, with ocean views not far away (Baker Beach is just down the hill). The cost for each site is a bit pricey, so bring a lot of friends.
- Pantoll Campground at Mt. Tamalpais
Yelp/Johnathon F. First come, first serve at this popular, well-equipped Mt. Tam gem, so prepare to get in early. It’s centrally located, with trails in every direction leading you up the mountain, down to Stinson Beach, and through to Muir Woods.
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh There are numerous camping spots dotted throughout this expansive redwood forest, just south of San Francisco. And why not camp in a tree, if you can?!
- Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
Yelp/Ben M. You can either bring your tent or reserve one of the little cliffside wooden cabins at this location at Mt. Tam. Either way, you’re guaranteed incredible ocean views, and a good deal of privacy, too.
- Point Reyes National Seashore (Coast Camp)
Flickr/Scott Lowe The beach is only 200 meters from this campground in Point Reyes. You’ll have to hike in about 2 miles, but that means nothing once you see your oceanside home for the night.
- Bicentennial Campground
National Park Service This tiny spot (3 sites with a max of 3 people each) is near Kirby Cove, so expect more incredible views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. Even better—it’s all free.
- Butano State Park
California Department of Parks and Recreation Frolic in this 3,200-acre redwood park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can also catch some spectacular ocean views from the trails within. Be sure to bring layers: the trees keep it plenty cool.
- Haypress Campsite in Tennessee Valley
National Park Service Tennessee Valley sits in the northern end of the Marin Headlands, and is home to several great hiking trails. The facilities here are secluded, serene, and pretty basic—no drinking water is available, so be prepared.
So, where do you like to pitch your tent? Let us know some of your favorite spots to go camping around San Francisco.
Flickr/Tom Hilton
Get a nice long look at San Francisco from the other side of the water. This little cove sits at the bottom of the Marin Headlands, just west of the Golden Gate Bridge. Go for a hike and dip your toes in the coarse sand at one of the quaintest (and most in-demand) camping spots in California. You can reserve a spot up to 3 months in advance, but be quick—they go fast.
Flickr/Amy Chong
OK, it’s not Hawaii or anything, but it is an island (the biggest in the Bay), and it offers some unparalleled views of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, all in a pristine and peaceful surrounding. You will need to hike in (at least 2 miles, depending where you’re pitching your tent)—and, remember, it’ll likely be a bit chilly and windy.
Yelp/Rob Hill Campground
You don’t even have to leave the city for this one, located in the expansive Presidio area. You’ll be surrounded by Cypress, with ocean views not far away (Baker Beach is just down the hill). The cost for each site is a bit pricey, so bring a lot of friends.
Yelp/Johnathon F.
First come, first serve at this popular, well-equipped Mt. Tam gem, so prepare to get in early. It’s centrally located, with trails in every direction leading you up the mountain, down to Stinson Beach, and through to Muir Woods.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
There are numerous camping spots dotted throughout this expansive redwood forest, just south of San Francisco. And why not camp in a tree, if you can?!
Yelp/Ben M.
You can either bring your tent or reserve one of the little cliffside wooden cabins at this location at Mt. Tam. Either way, you’re guaranteed incredible ocean views, and a good deal of privacy, too.
Flickr/Scott Lowe
The beach is only 200 meters from this campground in Point Reyes. You’ll have to hike in about 2 miles, but that means nothing once you see your oceanside home for the night.
National Park Service
This tiny spot (3 sites with a max of 3 people each) is near Kirby Cove, so expect more incredible views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge. Even better—it’s all free.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Frolic in this 3,200-acre redwood park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can also catch some spectacular ocean views from the trails within. Be sure to bring layers: the trees keep it plenty cool.
Tennessee Valley sits in the northern end of the Marin Headlands, and is home to several great hiking trails. The facilities here are secluded, serene, and pretty basic—no drinking water is available, so be prepared.
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