Available sites
12 total sites
Tent Sites
About Aquatic Park Cove
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Swimming
Spring
Boating
Summer
Boating
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
- Boat Ramp / Launch
- Marina
Rates, Sites & Availability
12 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
12 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (121)
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park Cove offers a fantastic anchorage experience with friendly and professional staff, including park director David, who receives high praise for his hospitality. The location provides stunning views and easy access to the city, making it an ideal spot for recreational boaters. Some challenges include avoiding swimmers and managing anchoring conditions, but overall, visitors highly recommend this unique anchoring opportunity in San Francisco.
What Guests Are Saying
Aquatic Park Cove offers a fantastic anchorage experience with friendly and professional staff, including park director David, who receives high praise for his hospitality. The location provides stunning views and easy access to the city, making it an ideal spot for recreational boaters. Some challenges include avoiding swimmers and managing anchoring conditions, but overall, visitors highly recommend this unique anchoring opportunity in San Francisco.
Review Summary
Brad K
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent view of the fireworks!
Brad K
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: APA12, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent view of the fireworks!
Thomas B
VerifiedJuly 14, 2021 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
b
Thomas B
VerifiedJuly 14, 2021 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
b
Ryan W
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2021 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
So good!
Ryan W
VerifiedSeptember 10, 2021 • Stayed at: APA03, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
So good!
Eric P
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
We happened to be there during fleet week and the NPS folks came out to us, and were friendly.
The holding is great, we never once dragged the CQR anchor, and we're able to row to shore and lock our dinghy to a light pole.
The winds can be rough, coming through the Golden Gate, and the anchorage can be rolly, but it's well worth a couple days stay.
Eric P
VerifiedOctober 15, 2021 • Stayed at: APA09, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
We happened to be there during fleet week and the NPS folks came out to us, and were friendly.
The holding is great, we never once dragged the CQR anchor, and we're able to row to shore and lock our dinghy to a light pole.
The winds can be rough, coming through the Golden Gate, and the anchorage can be rolly, but it's well worth a couple days stay.
Michael E
VerifiedApril 23, 2022 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent location in the middle of the city with good holding.
Occasional rogue waves from passing tugs, so secure your breakables before bed.
Michael E
VerifiedApril 23, 2022 • Stayed at: APA07, Loop: Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime NHP
Excellent location in the middle of the city with good holding.
Occasional rogue waves from passing tugs, so secure your breakables before bed.
Location & Directions for Aquatic Park Cove
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123 United States
Elevation: 0 ft
Nearby National Park
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Approximate driving time: over 1 hr (72 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
From our Travel Guides
