Within Angel Island State Park, Sunrise Campground offers one of California's most distinctive camping experiences, accessible only by ferry from Tiburon or private watercraft. The campground features just 10 walk-in sites scattered across this San Francisco Bay island, requiring campers to backpack their gear along paved perimeter roads to reach their designated spots.
The sites occupy exposed positions with unobstructed bay views, though this openness comes with persistent wind exposure that demands sturdy tent staking. "There's no better place to get views of the Bay," reports Brittany R., though she notes the complete lack of wind protection from trees or boulders. The three Ridge sites provide panoramic vistas stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge, with downtown San Francisco and Alcatraz visible between them.
Each site includes a picnic table, food locker, trash receptacle, and water spigot, though mechanical issues occasionally affect water availability. Free-standing barbecue grills accommodate charcoal cooking, while campfires remain prohibited. Vault toilets or modern restrooms serve different areas of the campground depending on site selection.
Ferry schedules from Tiburon dictate arrival and departure times, with the last boat leaving campers essentially alone on the island overnight. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia prove essential given the limited site count, and pets cannot accompany visitors to the island.
Description
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.
CAMPSITES
11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).
For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390
Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.
Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.
Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.
Reservation Info
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
To make reservations, visit the California State Park website at www.parks.ca.gov/camping Campsites not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Campers should check the ferry schedule 1-2 weeks prior to their arrival date. The park is only accessible by boat, and ferry schedules change every couple of months. Because you made your reservation up to 6 months prior to arrival, the ferry schedule most likely was modified.
Angel Island State Park is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Campers should check ferry schedule 1-2 weeks prior to arrival. Schedules change seasonally and may be limited during certain times of year. You may need to check both providers for service that works best for your trip.
Service from San Francisco: www.goldengate.org
Service from Tiburon: www.angelislandferry.com
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park is located in California
Directions
Access to the Island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon and seasonal service from Oakland and Alameda. There is limited weekday ferry service to Angel Island during the winter. (check with ferry provider)
Address
P.O. Box 318
Tiburon, CA 94920
Coordinates
37.861389 N
122.425278 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/14/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 26 min from San Francisco, CA
- 39 min from Vallejo, CA
- 46 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 51 min from Napa, CA
