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. 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.
$35 - $225 / night
"Beautiful trees and wonderful California charm. The campsites were decently located. Above the Mendocino coast the mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place"
"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."
$40 - $75 / night
"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"
$25 - $100 / night
"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."
$7 - $25 / night
"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."
"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."
$30 / night
"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. "
$99 - $115 / night
"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."
$25 / night
"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"
"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!"
"Very nice park for an on the water location, I've been to some where you can't even turn without hitting someone."
$25 - $75 / night
"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."
GuideThis is not a practical over night spot. You will not get sleep. It’s a hot spot for locals and tourists to come get wasted. It’s not safe either. Visit for the view, and find somewhere else to sleep.
GuideSites are jammed together and lots of families with screaming kids. If you’re old and cranky, it probably isn't the vibe you’re after. If you have kids, maybe this would work for you. Bathrooms are old and dirty—a park service employee came by at one point on a Saturday but the women's bathroom was still out of soap and paper towels when she left.
ScoutThere's a lots of variety of the sites including grassy areas and then also kind of parking lot areas. There's lots of amenities at one end of the RV camping area with a store. Lots of water and nice toilets and showers! Lots of water and nice toilets and showers!
The sites that are closer to the entrance of the RV park are a little bit more rustic in that they only have porta potty that is easy to access.
All the spots had good firings and well-kept picnic tables.
There's tons of wildlife here.
GuidePros: Campground is on the beach (although only a few sites are literally on the beach—the others are set back). It’s on the small side, which I consider a big plus. You really can’t beat the location (just north of Jenner). Staff is helpful and friendly. Bathrooms (with flush toilets) are very clean. Beach is huge and beautiful—lots of pelicans and cool rock formations just offshore in the surf.
Cons: Sites are very close together, although privacy is somewhat maintained with thick, tall bushes between campsites. Gets windy, especially if you get one of the sites right on the beach.
TravelerLike to end trips at an RV park and this was what I was looking for. Easy to check in, to park, hookups worked. Near spectacular natural beauty.
I didn’t use any other amenities on site or go to the restaraunt, which seemed lively.
No privacy.
TravelerExceptional campground, clean, well kept, and very clean bathrooms/showers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Grounds green, mowed lawns and nicely trimmer hedges. Campsites have ample room between neighbors. Well done Travis outdoor recreation team.
ScoutNot much camping in the but Skyline fit the bill. Typically RV style campsites but showers were good, and the grounds were beautiful. Good hiking trails as well.
RangerWe had hoped to stay at another campgrpund about an hour west of here, but it was closed. Being from Connecticut, I knew nothing about this place, but I called the campground and was able to make a same-day reservation. We absolutely loved it here. Wish we could have stayed longer. It had all the amenities of most state campgrounds. No cell service at the campsites, but wifi was available at the camp office/store.
TravelerI stayed here for one night on a week day. One of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve stayed at. Lots of tall trees that offer shade and privacy. Restrooms and shower facilities are clean, although a bit old.
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.
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