Best Campgrounds near Tiburon, CA
Camping near Tiburon spans from developed campgrounds to waterfront sites across the Marin Headlands and surrounding areas. Angel Island State Park, accessible only by ferry from Tiburon, offers ten tent campsites with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. The region includes additional campgrounds like Kirby Cove in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Steep Ravine at Mount Tamalpais State Park, which provides both tent sites and rustic cabins. Most camping areas require advance reservations, with Angel Island and Kirby Cove being particularly difficult to secure due to limited availability and high demand.
Advance planning is essential for camping in this region, particularly for the most scenic waterfront sites. Reservations often open six months ahead and fill within minutes for popular locations like Kirby Cove's five coveted sites. "There's only 10 sites on Angel Island, so we got a permit by going during the week," notes one camper who found weekday reservations more accessible. Weather conditions can be challenging year-round, with persistent fog, wind, and cool temperatures even during summer months. Most campgrounds in the area have limited or no drinking water available, requiring visitors to pack in their supplies. Cell coverage varies considerably between locations, with better service at elevated sites overlooking the bay.
Several visitors mentioned the unique experience of camping within view of San Francisco while feeling remarkably isolated. Kirby Cove receives consistently high ratings for its spectacular Golden Gate Bridge views despite limited amenities. According to one visitor, "You're clearly very close to everything (i.e. San Francisco), while feeling like you are away from everything at the same time." Wildlife encounters are common, with raccoons frequently mentioned at Kirby Cove and Angel Island featuring deer and other native species. Noise from foghorns can be disruptive, particularly during foggy conditions, with multiple campers recommending earplugs. Sites on the eastern side of Angel Island generally receive better protection from wind, while Kirby Cove's sites further back in the canyon provide more shelter from coastal weather patterns.
