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
Michael P
VerifiedApril 30, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Permit booking was fast and efficient. We just spent the night at anchor and did not go ashore. It was a windy night but the holding ground is excellent sand/mud so no dragging of the anchor. It is always pleasant to view the city lights and the collection of ships and boats on the Hyde St. Pier facility. Years ago I was a sea scout based in Aquatic Park, later an adult leader of one of the units. It reminds me of old times. Not much has changed which as an oldster now is something I appreciate! We will return again soon.
Michael P
VerifiedApril 30, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Permit booking was fast and efficient. We just spent the night at anchor and did not go ashore. It was a windy night but the holding ground is excellent sand/mud so no dragging of the anchor. It is always pleasant to view the city lights and the collection of ships and boats on the Hyde St. Pier facility. Years ago I was a sea scout based in Aquatic Park, later an adult leader of one of the units. It reminds me of old times. Not much has changed which as an oldster now is something I appreciate! We will return again soon.
rick m
VerifiedFebruary 1, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
hyde street pier needs a dingy dock. i make do with the beach but if we are going to pay to be there , it would be nice to have a service.
rick m
VerifiedFebruary 1, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
hyde street pier needs a dingy dock. i make do with the beach but if we are going to pay to be there , it would be nice to have a service.
Mike D
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent value at 10 bucks a night! You need to be comfortable doing beach landings with 1-2 foot surf however. Great public transport nearby to help you explore the whole city. Grab a Clipper card if you don't already have one.
Mike D
VerifiedJanuary 24, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent value at 10 bucks a night! You need to be comfortable doing beach landings with 1-2 foot surf however. Great public transport nearby to help you explore the whole city. Grab a Clipper card if you don't already have one.
Karol Dixon d
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2020 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Loved our stay on our boat overlooking Ghiardelli Square! Easy access to public transportation for exploring the city and a Trader Joes as well as a Safeway within walking distance to replenish groceries.
Be careful heading to shore though as you dodge the swimmers -- some of whom even leave the park via the same water entrance you and your boat are traversing. But thankfully they all wear brightly colored swim caps to pick them out as we traveled to shore.
Karol Dixon d
VerifiedJanuary 19, 2020 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Loved our stay on our boat overlooking Ghiardelli Square! Easy access to public transportation for exploring the city and a Trader Joes as well as a Safeway within walking distance to replenish groceries.
Be careful heading to shore though as you dodge the swimmers -- some of whom even leave the park via the same water entrance you and your boat are traversing. But thankfully they all wear brightly colored swim caps to pick them out as we traveled to shore.
Len C
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
We had a great time! NPS was extremely professional in greeting us (sailboat), making sure we were anchored, and keeping out the riffraff...especially personal watercraft!
Max A
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: APA01, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
It was very straightforwards to book. Both times entering through the narrow entrance we had swimmers nearby - with the strong summer winds that was scary and challenging. I think winter would be much easier. Lots of room to anchor, good holding.
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
