Haypress Campground, near Sausalito, California, is a hidden treasure tucked away in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This hike-in campground offers a peaceful escape just a short distance from the bustling city, making it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind in nature.

The campground features five designated tent sites, each equipped with a picnic table and a food storage locker. Visitors appreciate the spacious layout, which allows for a bit of privacy despite the close proximity of the sites. As one camper noted, “The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light,” highlighting the serene atmosphere that makes this place special.

While there are no water sources or fire pits, campers are encouraged to pack in their own supplies and enjoy the simplicity of the outdoors. The nearby trails lead to stunning views and the picturesque Tennessee Beach, perfect for a day of hiking and exploration. Reviewers have mentioned the tranquility of the area, with one stating, “It can get windy - there is some shelter under the trees,” which adds to the charm of this secluded spot.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with easy access to hiking trails and breathtaking scenery, Haypress Campground is a fantastic choice. Just remember to bring your own water and gear up for a memorable camping experience!

## Overview

 Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach. 
## Recreation

 Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay. 
## Natural Features

 Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far. Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Group Site Cancellations and Modifications The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation. Refer to [Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies.][1] To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Muir Beach, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Muir Beach and user-submitted reviews.

Muir Beach

The Best Camping Near Muir Beach, California

This campground is about a 0.75 mile hike from the Tennessee Valley trail head. Very limited number of sites, so you’ll definitely need a reservation. No fires. Bring your own water and a camp stove.

There are owls perched in eucalyptus trees next to the campsite, and coyotes. Came across one on the way back from a sunset hike to the beach.

Tucked away

Nice spot. Gotta either bike in or hike in. 

Nice

  

Theses are limited  (5) hike in tent sites.  Not far in - less than a mile.  You are on your own here. Bring your own water.  No fires. You get a picnic table and a food storage locker, nothing else.  

  

Meadow sites against a row of trees. There is very little privacy between sites but the couple times I have been here it was not full.  It can get windy - there is some shelter under the tress.   

  

Here you can strike out hiking through Tennessee Valley to the beach and beyond!

  

Great for a close get-a-way and seclusion.

Hidden Gem

A hike-in campground in Tennessee Valley, a short 20 minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and the hustle and bustle of the City.  My family of three stayed here for one night in mid March.  It was a Sunday night, and three out of the five sites were occupied.  

  

The tent pads (a flat sandy area surrounded by wood beams) were fairly small - maybe 10' x 10'.  Each site had a picnic table and a large metal food locker.   The sites were well spaced and did not feel cramped.  Two vault toilets, fairly clean. The campground was located at the end of a 0.5 mile dirt road, which was about a quarter of mile down an old paved road from the TV parking lot.  A few folks walked into the campground that weren't staying there, but they weren't a bother, just going for a walk. The campers we saw varied from families, a solo bike-packer, and a couple just starting out camping.  I was worried that being so close to the city and the parking lot, it would be party central with groups hauling in a bunch of alcohol, but it wasn't the case at all. Neither the parking lot nor the campground had running water, so come prepared unless you want to drive into town.  

  

Pros:

\- Very quiet and peaceful.  The night had beautiful stars with no artificial light.  No road noise.

\- Small number of sites with great spacing.

\- Decent toilet facilities.

  

Cons:

\- No water.  We backpacked in from the Golden Gate Bridge.  There was no place nearby to fill up on water, and had to be extremely conservative in our use.  No springs or creeks running nearby this time of year either.

\- Would have been nice to have a fire.  

  

Overall, we had a pleasant camping experience and would recommend.

A no-frills but pretty campground in Marin Headlands

I first stayed here as a kid decades ago, but some things never change. Love having this close-in spot; the trailhead is only minutes from San Francisco. The walk to Tennessee Beach is very flat and level and doable for kids. The campground is off on a slight detour but it’s an easy starting spot for hike-in camping.

Mornings can get foggy here, so bring a sweatshirt regardless of the season. Pack in the water you need (if push comes to shove you can head back to the main trail to get more). Sites are level and well marked.

Photos of Haypress Campground — Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers