Camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Camping options near Golden Gate National Recreation Area range from established campgrounds to scenic waterfront sites with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Kirby Cove Campground in Sausalito provides tent camping with stunning views of San Francisco and the bridge, while Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park offers both tent sites and rustic cabins. Several RV-friendly locations exist near the recreation area, including Marin RV Park in Greenbrae with full hookups and San Francisco RV Resort in Pacifica overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The H. Dana Bower Rest Area provides a unique free overnight option for self-contained vehicles with views of the bridge and Alcatraz.
Weather conditions in the Golden Gate area can be unpredictable, with fog and cool temperatures common even during summer months. Most established campgrounds require reservations well in advance, particularly for weekend stays, as sites fill quickly due to limited availability and proximity to San Francisco. Kirby Cove features only five highly sought-after sites that become available on recreation.gov and typically book immediately when the reservation window opens. Several campgrounds in the headlands area are walk-in only, requiring campers to park and carry gear to their sites. "If you can get a reservation, you've got to experience Kirby Cove campground. The view of the City from here at night is incredible and otherworldly when the fog starts to set in," noted one visitor.
Many campers report the unique experience of feeling removed from urban life while being minutes from San Francisco. Wildlife encounters are common, with persistent raccoons frequently mentioned in reviews of Kirby Cove. Visitors appreciate the contrast between natural settings and city views, particularly at sites with Golden Gate Bridge vistas. Fog horns can affect sleep quality at waterfront locations, and several reviews recommend earplugs for overnight stays. The region's campgrounds provide access to numerous hiking trails throughout the headlands, old military installations like Battery Kirby and the Nike Missile site, and beaches along the coastline. Elevation and exposure to coastal weather create microclimates throughout the area, with temperatures dropping significantly at night even during summer months.
