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.

Sunrise - Angel Island State Park

I camped on Angel Island with a large organized group of 200+ campers at Fort McDowell. To get to the island, you have to take a short ferry trip that leaves from Tiburon, CA. From there you will backpack with your gear until you reach the campground that you will be staying at.

The island is well equipped with various bathrooms that include flush toilets and sinks. This is a great place to visit to get views of the Bay that you cannot get anywhere else. There is plenty of hiking, beach access, paved roads for biking, and tours of the history of the island.

Be aware that it gets very windy and chilly at night, so come prepared with a sturdy tent and warm clothing. Dogs are not allowed on the island.

Campout at Fort McDowell

There are only 10 sites on the island and being so accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area (only a ferry ride away from Pier 39), you can see why it is in so high demand. When I got an invite last minute from a friend I reconnected with, I had to go. I am so glad I did! The upside of being patient with how far out you make your reservation is that once the last ferry leaves, you have the island practically to yourself. It is pretty awesome.

We lucked out and the weather was perfect for our visit. We hiked around the island and explored a couple cool areas. It used to be intake for immigration and even had some military presence on the island back in the day. Lots of old buildings to explore, in addition to the awesome views of the San Francisco Bay Area from the various vista points and beaches around the island.

I definitely recommend visiting - just make sure you are aware that some sites can get windy and cold at night.

Great view of the city on a quiet island in the bay

There are only 10 campgrounds on Angel Island, so permits are limited! I had the flexibility to go during the week and luckily there were permits available. You have to take a boat to get out to Angel Island so you have to drive up to Tiburon and park your car and get onto one of the Ferry Boats! One of the great things about the island is they have a Immigration museum (think Ellis Island but for the west coast!)

The island itself is about a 5 mile hike from one end to the other with a very modest elevation gain so it's definitely worth doing. Try to get a campsite towards east ridge so you can get a view of Alcatraz and both the Bay and Golden gate bridge. I would definitely suggest this as a tourist many locals tried to show me the best view of the city (Coit Tower, Golden gate bridge and Marin headlands) but in my opinion the best view is to camp out and see the view at night and in the early morning!

Best view of the city

Angel Island is a California State Park, but it's surprising how many visitors do not know of the 10 campsites scattered around the island! Regular campers probably appreciate this, though more and more people are learning of their existence. Campsites are all reservable on the reservecalifornia website and they are highly recommended due to the small number of sites available. Most visitors use the ferry from Tiburon or San Francisco to get to the island, though boaters and kayakers can make the trip on their own as well. A paved perimeter road surrounds the island and campers must hike into their sites, bringing everything they need with them. All of the sites offer differing views of the bay, with the three "Ridge" sites giving campers views that stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge with the city and Alcatraz in between! Sites are pretty primitive but depending on your site choice you will have a vault toilet or modern bathroom at your disposal. Drinking faucets are available at each site as are trash cans and food lockers. Picnic tables are also present. No fires are allowed but the sites have a free standing small bbq, and charcoal fires are permitted within them. If you are looking for an exciting and unique place to pitch your tent then Angel Island is a must see!

Unique and private campsites overlooking SF Bay!

Load your backpack, get on a ferry in Tiburon and head to Angel Island.

  

Campsites are walk in throughout the island.  Remember there will be fog and there will be wind.

  

We try to get what they call the "group" kayak site.  There is ample room here and there is direct access to the water.  It is on Racoon Straits side of the Island. Some of the sites throughout the island do not have the water access - but those higher up have better views.

  

You can hike throughout the island to with great bay views and bridge views on all sides.  Then there is the history there from the Civil War sites to the immigration sites  - so there is much to see and do beyoond hiking.  Great sunrise and sunsets depending on your site choice.