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Established Camping

Rob Hill Campground

Rob Hill Campground, near San Francisco, California, is a unique spot that offers a taste of the great outdoors right in the heart of the Presidio. This campground is the only overnight site in the area, surrounded by stunning cypress and eucalyptus trees, making it a perfect escape from the city hustle.

The campground features four group sites that can accommodate up to 30 people each, with amenities like fire pits and water access. Visitors have noted that the sites are spacious and well-organized, providing a communal campfire circle that’s ideal for gathering and sharing stories. As one camper mentioned, it’s “nice and close, yet feels a ways away,” which captures the essence of this hidden retreat.

For those looking to explore, the campground is conveniently located near numerous trails, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature. Just a stone's throw away, you can catch breathtaking views of the ocean, especially from the nearby Baker Beach. Keep in mind that this spot is best suited for groups, as the reservation cost can be a bit steep, but the experience of camping in such a beautiful setting is worth it.

Description

National Park Service

Presidio of San Francisco

Overview

As San Francisco's only group campground, Rob Hill offers a national park camping experience just minutes from the city. Here you will have access to all of the recreational opportunities the Presidio of San Francisco has to offer, including hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and so much more. The campground's spacious campsites make it a perfect choice for groups of all kinds, including multi-family gatherings, school field trips, and scout troops. We look forward to welcoming you to Rob Hill!

Recreation

Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco___s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .__ There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .____ Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .__ In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you___re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we___ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .

Facilities

Located at the Golden Gate, the Presidio of San Francisco is a place to escape in nature and explore key moments in history. The park features San Francisco___s best hiking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic sites, beaches, a golf course, and other top attractions. And the Presidio is home to more than two-dozen visitor-serving businesses , including multiple museums, a golf course, and hotels and venues for celebrations and meetings .__ There are a dozen major trails in the Presidio and eight scenic overlooks. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Presidio has a trail for everyone. Learn more about hiking and biking trails on the Presidio Trust website .____ Visitors who wish to take advantage of the Presidio's many scenic bike routes can rent bikes through the Bay Wheels Bike Share program or at the Sports Basement on Crissy Field. Learn more about biking in the park on the Presidio Trust's biking page .__ In addition to the many hiking and biking trails, the Presidio is home to some of the best beaches in San Francisco. Whether you___re looking to dip your toes in the water and splash with the kids, toss a Frisbee near the Golden Gate Bridge, or watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, we___ve got great choices for you. Learn more about our beaches on the Presidio Trust's beach page .

Natural Features

The Presidio is a natural oasis right next door to a big city ___ a place where you can experience wildflowers, watersheds, and wildlife on an afternoon hike. It is also a where important work is being done to revitalize natural areas and to show how people and the environment can thrive in harmony. At the Presidio, you can explore habitats that have been lost in the urban Bay Area; see a fox or a hawk hunt for their next meal; or stroll around a natural lake that has been brought back to life.______ Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco's last surviving natural lakes, is located less than two miles south of Rob Hill on the southern edge of the Presidio. Since 2013 the Presidio Trust has been working with scientists, academic institutions, and volunteers to help revitalize the lake. Polluted soil and invasive species were removed from the lake, and native plant and animal species, such as the Western Pond Turtle and Pacific Chorus Frog are being reestablished. In addition to the many resident species that call Mountain Lake home, 65 migratory bird species have been document visiting the lake on their journey along the Pacific Flyway.____ Experienced and newer birders alike will also want to visit Crissy Marsh and Quartermaster Reach Marsh , located about two miles northwest of Rob Hill. The fresh water that flows through the Presidio's largest watershed, the Tennessee Hollow Watershed ultimately meets the salty waters of San Francisco Bay here, creating a vibrant destination for more than 100 bird species, including those stopping for rest as they make their long journey along the Pacific Flyway.__ Campers interested in learning more about some of the unique plant life that can be found in the Presidio are encouraged to visit the Ecology Trail . A little over one mile in length, this trail passes through lush restored serpentine grasslands where, from spring to early summer, you may see the endangered Presidio Clarkia and other native wildflowers in bloom. You'll also find yourself amid towering redwoods, oaks, eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress at various points along the trail.__ To learn more about the natural history of the Presidio, visit the Nature and Sustainability page on our website.____

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the many places to visit within the Presidio, there is so much to explore in San Francisco itself. You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore endless dining opportunities, visit a museum, and so much more. Visit the SF Travel website for tips to help you plan your visit to the city.__ Located just over one mile from the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center , the campground makes for an excellent base camp for groups wanting to walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Check with the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District for tips to make the most of your visit to this beloved International Orange icon.__ Campers looking for more national park experiences can explore the other units of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), including Fort Point National Historic Site , Muir Woods National Monument , and Alcatraz Island . Stretched across 80,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, the 37 parks sites of the GGNRA constitute one of the world___s largest national parks in an urban setting. In total, the GGNRA has more than 130 miles of trails, and 1,200 historic structures, making it a wonderful place to explore for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation holders may make up to two changes per reservation. A service fee may be charged at the time a modification is made depending on the changes. Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Cancellations less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Please read Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies for more information.__

Fee Info

A discounted rate of 75.00 per site, per night is available to active and retired miliary personnel all season long. To claim the discount, please email proof of eligibility to camp@presidiotrust.gov at least one week prior to your check-in date. Please include your reservation confirmation number and check-in date in the subject line of your email. If your request is approved, the difference will be refunded to you. Discount requests that are submitted less than one week in advance of check-in cannot be guaranteed.____ Acceptable forms of proof include a copy of a Military ID card, Veteran ID card, driver___s license with a veteran designation, issued identification card, DD214, or a membership card to a veteran___s group (such as VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, etc). Please redact any sensitive information (such as a Social Security Number) that appears on any document that you attach. Name on the proof of service must match the name of the primary occupant listed on the reservation.__ Please direct questions about the military discount to camp@presidiotrust.gov.__

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Location

Rob Hill Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Use the address 1475 Central Magazine Rd, San Francisco, Ca 94129. The campground parking area is on the south side (the campground side) of Central Magazine Rd. Parking is prohibited on the north side of Central Magazine Rd.__ Each campsite is provided a maximum of four (4) parking permits. Additional parking permits will not be provided. Excess vehicles must park off-site. Parking may be available in other public parking lots in the Presidio and may require visitors purchase a parking permit from the kiosk in the parking lot. You must comply with the terms and conditions of the parking permit and posted signage. The nearest public parking lots are approximately a 5-minute walk from the campground at Fort Scott near Ralston Ave or Wool Ct. Some parking lots require visitors to purchase a parking permit from the kiosk in the parking lot. You must comply with all posted signage. For more information about parking in the Presidio, visit our Transportation page .________ Some roads in the park have limited vehicle access for residents, tenants, deliveries, and emergency vehicles as part of the Presidio's Slow Streets Program. Individuals with Rob Hill Campground reservations are welcome to drive on Slow Streets. Please keep a copy of your camping reservation available when accessing Slow Streets.__

Address

1475 Central Magazine Rd
San francisco, CA 94129

Coordinates

37.797537 N
122.475623 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2024

Nice

Amazing

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2019

City camping

There are 4, 30 person, group sites. Pitch tent on wood chips. Level. Fire pits, water. Nice and close, yet feels a ways away. Accessible to many trails.

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2018

Incredible location at an incredible cost

Campground Description

The Rob Hill campground claims the title of the only overnight campsite in the city! Stumbled across this campground by accident a few weeks ago as we were hiking around The Presidio. It was quite the hidden gem set amidst a stunning cypress and eucalyptus grove. Looked like there was easily room for at least a dozen small tents at each of the sites and nice restrooms accessible via combination punch pad. (You can see how much space there is in the photos and video)

I found out that 2 of the 4 sites, that can accommodate 30 people each, are open to the public, reservations are handled through the emailing the PDF reservation form to camp@presidiotrust.gov. The staff person indicated yesterday that weekends are booked solid through the end of the year; however, weekday sites are available.

This is a great place for a group camping event. With the campsites centered around a large communal campfire circle. Really seemed like the whole campground is very well organized and clean, with each of the 4 sites also having individual fire rings, looked like nice clean bathrooms, and plenty of space for people to run around. There's a great view of the ocean nearby as this is basically directly above Baker Beach. Since it's in the Presidio, come prepared for fog and cold weather. With a nice big fire and plenty of warm clothes, it seems like it could provide a very cool experience to watch the fog blow in through the trees. Note we haven’t camped here because of the crazy high campground cost being $125 per site, thus I’d say that Rob Hill is definitely intended for groups, not for individuals.

The campsite’s main distinction is the site for the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences.

When the U.S. Army left the Presidio, Rob Hill was a dusty, rustic site. It was expanded and improved in 2010 with support from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. "Rob Hill Campground is a place where children and families have the opportunity to pitch a tent in their national park, enjoy s’mores cooked over a campfire, and wake up in the woods to the sounds of nature,” said Walter J. Haas, Chair of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and son of its founders.

2018 Rob Hill Campground Application and Payment Form PDF >>

To request a site, please right click on the above link and Save Link, complete it, and email it to camp@presidiotrust.gov. (Mac Users: print the form, fill it out, scan it, and send it to camp@presidiotrust.gov.) Some browsers are unable to open this form properly, so please make sure it is saved to your computer.

Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are confirmed via email. For questions, please call the Presidio Visitor Center at (415) 561-4323. Reservations cannot be made over the phone.

Please Note/Restrictions

  • RV, pop-up and camper-truck camping is not allowed in the Presidio. No hook-ups available.
  • Reservations begin at 12 pm and end at 11 am the following day.
  • Service dogs are the only pets allowed.
  • Alcohol, smoking, firearms, explosives, and generators are not permitted.
  • Campsite permits come with four parking passes. Please park in the designated parking area; illegally parked vehicles are subject to ticketing and towing by the U.S. Park Police. Additional paid parking is close by for additional vehicles.
  • All sites are walk-in. ADA access to the sites is available. Vehicles are not permitted in the campground proper.
  • Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit (you must bring your own firewood) and a fixed charcoal barbecue grill. Please do not burn wood or charcoal when there is a Spare the Air alert in effect. Visit http://www.sparetheair.org to learn more.
  • Quiet time is 10 pm to 6 am.
  • No amplified music is allowed.
  • The campground cannot be considered a temporary residence.
  • Heavy rains and high wind advisory cancels. Please call the weather hotline (415) 561-2115 for updated information.
  • The Great Room and Fire Circle are reserved for education programs only. Please do not disturb the groups using these spaces.

CAP Program

Two of Rob Hill's four group sites are reserved for the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful camping experiences. Through this 'train the trainer' program, the leaders of schools and community organizations are given the skills to bring groups of kids to explore the Presidio's outdoors. These adventures offer hands-on learning and exploration. CAP leaders love "getting to know the kids in a different setting" and seeing their kids' enthusiasm about simple natural wonders like a banana slug or the night sky. "The whole experience was truly magical!" said one CAP participant. CAP is a partnership of the Presidio Trust and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Overall, I gave the campground 4/5 stars because it was very well maintained and in a great location. But the cost is pretty exorbitant and there are only 2 sites open to the public.

  • Review photo of Rob Hill Campground by Elliott B., September 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Rob Hill Campground by Elliott B., September 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Rob Hill Campground by Elliott B., September 24, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Rob Hill Campground?

    Camping at Rob Hill Campground can cost between $92.00 and $140.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Rob Hill Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rob Hill Campground has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Rob Hill Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rob Hill Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rob Hill Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Rob Hill Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Rob Hill Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Rob Hill Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Rob Hill Campground?

    There are 4 campsites at Rob Hill Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts