139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Sausalito range from tent-only walk-in sites with Golden Gate Bridge views to RV-friendly parks and rustic cabins overlooking the Pacific Ocean, all within the broader Bay Area. Camping near Sausalito offers a rare combination of iconic scenery and coastal terrain, with sites suited to tent campers, cabin stays, and RV travelers alike. Kirby Cove Campground offers tent camping with dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Steep Ravine Campground at Mount Tamalpais State Park provides rustic cabins and tent sites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The H. Dana Bower Rest Area, though not officially designated for camping, serves as a popular overnight parking spot for RVs and vans just north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, with sites at premier locations like Kirby Cove booking up immediately when the reservation window opens. "Nearly impossible to reserve, the five sites at Kirby Cove are large and spread out, giving the feeling of true isolation while being a two minute walk from the beach under the Golden Gate Bridge," noted one camper. Weather conditions often include fog, wind, and cool temperatures even during summer months, necessitating proper clothing and camping gear. Travelers should prepare for persistent wildlife encounters, particularly aggressive raccoons at Kirby Cove, by securing food in provided bear boxes.
Camping near Sausalito balances urban proximity with natural settings. Campers frequently mention the extraordinary views as a primary attraction, with sites offering vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and Pacific Ocean. A visitor reported, "The view is breathtaking! Little crowdy at day but peaceful at night, only the traffic's sound." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent-only walk-in sites at Pantoll Campground to RV-friendly spaces at Marin RV Park. The Sausalito camping area features diverse campgrounds with both coastal and inland options, allowing visitors to choose sites based on their preferred setting and amenities. The region's microclimates affect camping conditions significantly, with coastal sites experiencing fog and cool temperatures while inland locations may be warmer. Many sites lack drinking water or showers, requiring campers to bring adequate supplies for their stay.
"This campground is less than an hours drive from San Francisco. It is along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard which takes you through a bunch of very cute tiny towns."
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
from $35 - $225 / night
Check Availability"The walk to the beach was 60 seconds and the ocean can be seen from the site. Cool ww2 structures. You get a code to open the gate uptop and drive down to park for your stay."
"If you plan to leave your cooler outside of the bear box make sure it has a lock or secure latch. 3- you get a gate code and parking pass to drive down, but have to walk your gear the last 500-1,000 ft"
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"I decided to stay here, because it was the right location for my road trip, it was free, and I thought the view of the city would be excellent."
"Reasonably quiet on the side away from the road. Very safe, police patrols throughout the day/night. Good hiking areas nearby. Bathrooms and trash cans. Highly recommend as it is also completely free."
"1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground."
"The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Pantoll is a pretty campground located adjacent to the entrance to Mount Tamalpais. You can hike to, bike to, take the bus to, or even drive to this campground. "
"This is an ada compliant walkup campground situated near the top of Mount Tamalpais. Featuring 13 sites ranging from standard campground style to a few more secluded areas."
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability"30 mins away from the City. A bit pricy but that is to be expected in SF."
"Great location to the city and Muir woods. Good stores near by. Narrow sites. No room for awning. Close to gather. Sites are gravel and level. Nice area for pets with view."
from $99 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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. "
from $30 / night
Check Availability"There’s a dog park close by if you want to go get down to the sandy beaches within walking distance great hookups water pressure is a little high."
"If you want a great little place with quick easy access to San Francisco that has a great view of the ocean this place is great! And affordable!"
"All three sites here are next to each other and have no seperation, but if you’re okay with that it’s a wonderful place to camp Site 3 is closest to the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the trails connected"
"It has great hiking nearby and an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, and is a short drive into the city. you definitely want to reserve a space well in advance, especially during peak"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"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."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability
GuideThere are many spot. It's a parking lot and the spots are very snug. The edge by the ocean lost a few.
Staff is kind, helpful and responsive. Area is clean and very peaceful. It's a bit pricey. Our standard spot was $150.
GuideLike most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
TravelerNothing like camping under the redwoods with sounds of streams nearby. Restrooms and facilities are clean and well maintained. Park Rangers are extremely nice and helpful.
GuideWe came in around 9pm. There's a board with names and site numbers on the office building. These are snug spots but we have enough room to put the slide out. It is a level gravel parking lot. There's not alot of places in San Fran to even day park. This is just fine. They do fill up fast. Called the next day to extend through Sat, they are booked solid.
Dog walk is through the gate at the back of the lot where abandoned railroad tracks are. There's a pond with some ducks and a walking path.
GuideLots of beautiful campsites by the beach. It’s in Bodega Bay so all of the beach is pretty protected. Many are in the harbor and there’s a place to launch your watercraft. Dogs are allowed yon the beach on leash. The campground was full but the beach wasn’t crowded at all.
The shower was coin operated. The dial didn’t change the temperature or volume of water at all. ☹️
GuideThere aren’t a lot of options for camping on the coast in California outside of busy campgrounds. But as those go, Doran Beach is ok. Try to get a site that backs up to the harbor for more privacy and an almost private beach to walk. But be aware there are lots of sounds going on all day and night, including people talking, sea birds squawking, sea lions barking, and a 24/7 foghorn (whether there’s fog or not). Sites are close together but pick wisely and you can get one that affords you a little more privacy.
TravelerThis is a fun place for you and the fam either to camp or for the day.
The tide comes in and out here as it’s a low level island and the approach to access sometimes will be under water from the tide. It is just like that, not poorly maintained, just one short section that can get 6inches deep and is not an issue for anybody.
I stayed in a tent camper fold-out. I hugged the hedge next to a teardrop. Everyone was nice and it was a relaxing stay. Can launch boat/kayak or do all the wind surfing type sports they talk about.
GuideHard to get reservations but worth it. Super close to beach. Some spots have trees with shade.
TravelerI stayed here for one night and overall had a good experience. The location is beautiful and very convenient, with the beach right across the road and the water nearby. It was calm, scenic, and there were lots of birds around. The bathrooms and showers were clean, and the shower had warm water.
The sites are very close together, though, so there is essentially no privacy between campsites. The shower was also a little expensive at around $2 for only a few minutes of water.
The biggest issue for me was the foghorn. I actually timed it, and it went off roughly every 10 seconds, apparently 24/7. It was extremely loud and continued day and night, whether there was fog or not. Some people may find it soothing, but I found it impossible to ignore, especially at night. Honestly, this is the main reason I wouldn't stay here again.
Overall, it's a nice campground in a great location, but the lack of privacy and especially the constant foghorn are significant drawbacks.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options in a redwood forest setting 15 miles northwest of Sausalito. The campground sits at 100 feet elevation along Lagunitas Creek, creating a cool microclimate where summer temperatures average 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby inland areas. Campers should prepare for persistent evening fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, particularly during summer months.
Explore historical sites: Visit Battery Kirby at Kirby Cove Campground, an artillery battery active from 1898 to 1934. "You will pass Battery Kirby on the way to the beach. There are only five sites at this campground so you will be secluded," explains Nick M.
Hike to Tennessee Beach: From Haypress Campground, take the flat and easy trail to the ocean. "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," notes Allison W.
Ferry to San Francisco: Stay at Marin RV Park and leave your vehicle behind. "A short 10 minute walk from the RV park is the ferry that will drop you off downtown San Francisco. We spent a week here and only drove when we wanted the experience driving down Lombard St," reports Jeff T.
Secluded camping close to the city: At Steep Ravine Campground, you can feel far away while being minutes from urban areas. "The wildlife is off the hook..I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day," shares Nikata L.
Sunrise views of San Francisco: Wake up early at Angel Island State Park for unique perspectives. "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!" explains Randy B.
Natural quiet after dark: Once day visitors leave, campers often have Angel Island nearly to themselves. "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," notes Bryan R.
Weather conditions vary dramatically: Prepare for unexpected cold even in summer. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C. at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Reservation competition is fierce: Many campgrounds book immediately when reservation windows open. "If you can get a reservation, you've got to experience this campground. The view of the City from here at night is incredible and otherworldly when the fog starts to set in," says Christy S. about Kirby Cove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Sausalito, CA?
While Sausalito itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within a short drive. Kirby Cove Campground offers breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline, with just five sites that book up months in advance. Bicentennial Campground provides walk-in tent camping in the Marin Headlands. For those willing to drive a bit farther, Angel Island offers boat-in camping with panoramic bay views, while Mount Tamalpais State Park features several campgrounds with stunning coastal vistas. Most sites in the region require reservations well in advance, especially during peak season.
What amenities are available at Sausalito camping areas?
Camping areas near Sausalito typically offer basic amenities with varying levels of services. Haypress Campground provides primitive camping with vault toilets but no potable water or showers, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. Spring Lake Regional Park offers more developed facilities with newer bathrooms, shower facilities, and convenient access to water-based activities. Many nearby campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. For those seeking RV accommodations, facilities like Petaluma Lake Area Camps provide full hookups, though some require military affiliation for access. Always check specific campground regulations before arriving.
What are the best times of year for camping in the Sausalito area?
The best time for camping near Sausalito is typically late spring through early fall (May-October), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. Bodega Dunes Campground is particularly pleasant during summer months when its central peninsula location provides access to beautiful beaches. Wright's Beach Campground shines in fall when crowds thin but temperatures remain comfortable. Winter camping (November-March) can be challenging due to increased rainfall and cooler temperatures, though the area rarely experiences freezing conditions. For the mildest weather and fewer crowds, consider camping mid-week during September or early October when summer fog patterns typically diminish.
Keep Exploring
