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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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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12 Sites Available
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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
Henk H
VerifiedOctober 26, 2025 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
great place and great park wardens
Henk H
VerifiedOctober 26, 2025 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
great place and great park wardens
joewolff w
VerifiedOctober 14, 2025 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Wonderful spot in a great town.
joewolff w
VerifiedOctober 14, 2025 • Stayed at: APA04, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Wonderful spot in a great town.
Guenter W
VerifiedOctober 8, 2025 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Very good, protected and secure anchorage.
Booking and payment system workmed very well.
NPS security guard was very helpful and made sure that I had access to the dinghy through the locked gate.
Guenter W
VerifiedOctober 8, 2025 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Very good, protected and secure anchorage.
Booking and payment system workmed very well.
NPS security guard was very helpful and made sure that I had access to the dinghy through the locked gate.
Fiona C
VerifiedOctober 1, 2025 • Stayed at: APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
We really enjoyed our stay in the aquatic park. The security staff were friendly , courteous and very helpful. Being anchored in the aquatic park inspired us to get back into open water swimming. So much of SAN Francisco’s sites are in easy walking/ cycling distance. Highly recommend!
Fiona C
VerifiedOctober 1, 2025 • Stayed at: APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
We really enjoyed our stay in the aquatic park. The security staff were friendly , courteous and very helpful. Being anchored in the aquatic park inspired us to get back into open water swimming. So much of SAN Francisco’s sites are in easy walking/ cycling distance. Highly recommend!
Larry H
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Definitely plan to arrive before sunset. The entrance is narrow, and while there are several mooring buoys to avoid (they’re obstructions, not for use), the conditions can be a bit rolly—so be prepared. Expect city life around you: music and parties on shore carrying late into the night, and swimmers up early in the morning. After all, it’s San Francisco.
At 5:30 a.m. we received an email about a swim event starting at 8:00, with boats asked to either clear the area before the event or stay put until after. It would have been nice to know the day before, but we just adjusted and made it work.
All that being said, I’d definitely stay here again. Next time, I’ll plan to arrive earlier to take better advantage of being right in the heart of San Francisco.
Larry H
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: APA02, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Definitely plan to arrive before sunset. The entrance is narrow, and while there are several mooring buoys to avoid (they’re obstructions, not for use), the conditions can be a bit rolly—so be prepared. Expect city life around you: music and parties on shore carrying late into the night, and swimmers up early in the morning. After all, it’s San Francisco.
At 5:30 a.m. we received an email about a swim event starting at 8:00, with boats asked to either clear the area before the event or stay put until after. It would have been nice to know the day before, but we just adjusted and made it work.
All that being said, I’d definitely stay here again. Next time, I’ll plan to arrive earlier to take better advantage of being right in the heart of 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
