Within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Bicentennial Campground operates as a walk-in facility managed by the National Park Service. This three-site campground requires campers to park at the top of a service road and carry gear approximately 200 feet downhill to reach the camping areas. All sites sit close together without natural separation, making this better suited for solo campers or groups comfortable with minimal privacy.
The campground provides water hookups and basic amenities including portable toilets at the sites, plus a standard restroom facility at the upper parking area. Site 3 offers the most shade and positions closest to views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while site 2 receives full sun exposure throughout the day. Nicole notes "lapping sounds of the ocean below" add to the coastal atmosphere. Cell service reaches the area, and trash collection keeps sites maintained.
Fog horns from the nearby Golden Gate Bridge sound regularly at night, particularly during foggy conditions. The forested setting provides hiking trail access directly from camp, with additional trails connecting throughout the broader places to camp around Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Wind conditions can make tent setup challenging during certain weather patterns.
Reserve well ahead, especially for peak season visits, as the limited number of sites fills quickly despite the $25 nightly fee.
Description
Overview
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.
Recreation
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
Facilities
From the parking area, Bicentennial Campground is 200 yards down a moderately steep, packed dirt trail. Many campers carry supplies down from their vehicles in carts or wagons. Bicentennial Campground has three campsites each accommodating up to three guests. Barbecue grills, food lockers and picnic tables are provided. There is no water available at Bicentennial Campground - campers need to bring any water necessary for drinking/cooking/etc. The campground has a portable restroom on site and a pit toilet is located 0.5 miles away at Bicentennial Picnic Area.
Natural Features
The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.
Nearby Attractions
Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations.__To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBicentennial Campground is located in California near Sausalito
Directions
From San Francisco (travelling north): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take exit 442 onto Alexander Avenue. This will be the exit after the Vista Point. Continue straight for a few hundred feet, and then turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight for approximately 2 miles on Bunker Road. Turn left onto Field Road, and drive less than 0.5 miles uphill and make a left turn onto Rathbone Road. There will then be an immediate right onto a one-way road. You will see signs for Bicentennial Camground. Parallel park on the road or park in the small dirt pull-out to the left. From Marin (travelling south): From US-101 South, take the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign and continue straight for about a quarter mile, until you can turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight for approximately 2 miles on Bunker Road. Turn left onto Field Road, and drive less than 0.5 miles uphill and make a left turn onto Rathbone Road. There will then be an immediate right onto a one-way road. You will see signs for Bicentennial Camground. Parallel park on the road or park in the small dirt pull-out to the left.
Address
Bicentennial Campground
Marin Headlands
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Sausalito, CA 94965
Coordinates
37.8308917 N
122.5246639 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/26/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/26/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/26/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/26/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/26/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/26/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 19 min from San Francisco, CA
- 43 min from Vallejo, CA
- 50 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 55 min from Napa, CA
