Warning
GeneralThis location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.
About Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (Auxiliary Engine Ok)
Number of accommodations: 12
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Waterfront
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
- Boat Ramp
- Marina
Views and Setting
- Waterfront
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Reviews (110)
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park Cove offers a fantastic anchorage experience in San Francisco, praised for its easy anchoring, beautiful views, and proximity to city attractions. Reviewers highlighted the friendly and helpful National Park Service staff, as well as the lively atmosphere created by swimmers and nearby revelers. While some noted challenges with swimmer traffic and soft mud holding, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, encouraging visitors to embrace the unique experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park Cove offers a fantastic anchorage experience in San Francisco, praised for its easy anchoring, beautiful views, and proximity to city attractions. Reviewers highlighted the friendly and helpful National Park Service staff, as well as the lively atmosphere created by swimmers and nearby revelers. While some noted challenges with swimmer traffic and soft mud holding, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, encouraging visitors to embrace the unique experience.
Review Summary
William A
VerifiedApril 20, 2026 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
What a great spot. Easy to anchor. Got to watch an unexpected fireworks show. Always need to watch out for swimmers.
William A
VerifiedApril 20, 2026 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
What a great spot. Easy to anchor. Got to watch an unexpected fireworks show. Always need to watch out for swimmers.
james m
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Aquatic Park is one of the best spots to anchor in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. We were the only "campers" on the one night that we stayed.
Winds and waves were light, blocked to some extent by the pier.
The major challenge is avoiding the many swimmers, but slow and cautious arrival and departure can telegraph intentions.
james m
VerifiedApril 6, 2026 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Aquatic Park is one of the best spots to anchor in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. We were the only "campers" on the one night that we stayed.
Winds and waves were light, blocked to some extent by the pier.
The major challenge is avoiding the many swimmers, but slow and cautious arrival and departure can telegraph intentions.
Jeffrey B
VerifiedDecember 1, 2025 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
...
Jeffrey B
VerifiedDecember 1, 2025 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
...
Fiona C
VerifiedOctober 30, 2025 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Perfect place to explore city. Secure place to leave dinghy
Very friendly and welcoming staff exercise extreme care when manoeuvring as swimmers in the water
Fiona C
VerifiedOctober 30, 2025 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Perfect place to explore city. Secure place to leave dinghy
Very friendly and welcoming staff exercise extreme care when manoeuvring as swimmers in the water
Tom K
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
My anchorage in Aquatic Park lived up to my bucket list expectations. This was part of my dream of sailing in to San Francisco and anchoring right in the heart of the city. But the real kicker that I was not expecting was the awesome treatment from the National Park Service personnel. They were so helpful and friendly. They gave us information on how get a key to access the San Francisco City Dock ($7/day) to dock our dinghy because unfortunately there is not a dinghy dock associated with the National Park and beach landings can be difficult.
The anchorage is rolly - the swimmers are there 24/7 and most are friendly and like to chat as they swim by. There are revelers on the shore in the park at night - but that is part of the experience.
I highly recommend anchoring in Aquatic Park as part of the experience of sailing San Francisco and making sure to reach out to the Park Staff to meet them and take advantage of their hospitality and knowledge.
I highly recommend you add Aquatic Park to your cruising plans if you find yourself in San Francisco.
Tom K
VerifiedOctober 28, 2025 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
My anchorage in Aquatic Park lived up to my bucket list expectations. This was part of my dream of sailing in to San Francisco and anchoring right in the heart of the city. But the real kicker that I was not expecting was the awesome treatment from the National Park Service personnel. They were so helpful and friendly. They gave us information on how get a key to access the San Francisco City Dock ($7/day) to dock our dinghy because unfortunately there is not a dinghy dock associated with the National Park and beach landings can be difficult.
The anchorage is rolly - the swimmers are there 24/7 and most are friendly and like to chat as they swim by. There are revelers on the shore in the park at night - but that is part of the experience.
I highly recommend anchoring in Aquatic Park as part of the experience of sailing San Francisco and making sure to reach out to the Park Staff to meet them and take advantage of their hospitality and knowledge.
I highly recommend you add Aquatic Park to your cruising plans if you find yourself in San Francisco.
Location Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (Auxiliary Engine Ok)
Address:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA, 94123
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8089 / -122.424
Elevation: 0 feet
Nearby National Park
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Approximate driving time: 1 hr 12 min
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- Your confirmation email from Recreation.gov is your permit and must be shown during your visit.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fees & deposits
- You can make anchoring reservations up to six months ahead.
Safety & rules
- Each reservation is linked to a specific visitor and vessel.
- Only vessels with a reservation can stay overnight.
- Reservations allow for a maximum stay of 5 consecutive nights, with a required 7-day break before returning; a total of 30 nights is permitted per year.
- Do not leave vessels unattended for more than six hours.
- Be cautious of swimmers in the cove at all times, as they are present day and night.
- Anchoring is at your own risk; if your vessel drags anchor, call for commercial assistance.
Site types & loops
- Only sailboats with auxiliary engines are permitted; motor-only boats are not allowed.
- Vessels over 40 feet or 8 feet deep need park approval before entering the cove; contact the Anchor Permit Supervisor.
Site capacity
- No fixed moorings are available; vessels must find their own anchorage on a first-come, first-served basis and use proper gear.
- Only 12 vessels are allowed to stay overnight in the cove at one time.
Local regulations
- Additional regulatory provisions apply as stated in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, parts 1-7.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralThis location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026
