About Kirby Cove Campground
Campground Amenities
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Beach Access
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
5 Sites Available
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Site Details
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Reviews (179)
What Guests Are Saying
Kirby Cove Campground offers an incredible location with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a unique camping experience close to San Francisco. The sites are spacious, private, and well-maintained, with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. While access can be tricky and there are some concerns about the facilities, most campers rave about the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, making it a memorable getaway.
What Guests Are Saying
Kirby Cove Campground offers an incredible location with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a unique camping experience close to San Francisco. The sites are spacious, private, and well-maintained, with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. While access can be tricky and there are some concerns about the facilities, most campers rave about the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere, making it a memorable getaway.
Review Summary
Andy M
VerifiedMay 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
A hidden gem right next to the bridge. I never would have guessed there was such an expansive, lush space for group camping right under the headland's scenic overlooks I've been to a million times. Nice sounds: lots of wild songbirds making music. Not nice sounds: nonstop foghorns the entire week. Non. Stop. Bring good earplugs!
Spencer H
VerifiedNovember 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
It was a beautiful campground and the site was much bigger than I expected. We really enjoyed the extra picnic tables it made things a lot easier with all the extra space. We are going to come back as soon as possible.
Roger D
VerifiedNovember 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Beautiful site 001
Karen B
VerifiedNovember 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
It is a beautiful campground, the views are incredible! We fell asleep listening to the ocean and enjoyed sunrises from our site. Definitely keep your food in the locker as the raccoons are way too friendly! We enjoyed hiking from our campsite, no need to move the car once we arrived.
Sarah M
November 6, 2022
We love Kirby Cove and have returned there many times.
Will C
VerifiedNovember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Amazing campground. There are spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the camp and it essentially has it's own private beach. Also a battery located right in the camp for some history lessons.
Tiffany H
VerifiedOctober 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
One of the most spectacular spots in California!
Marianna Z
VerifiedOctober 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
We got very lucky and managed to reserve site 1 for a Saturday night. Mid-October here was lovely: no fog (so no foghorns at night) and pleasant during the day (60s and sunny) and not too cold at night (low 50F). No wheelbarrows or water available: we used 2 carts (key for the long walk from the parking lot) and about 4 gallons of water (for 7 people and putting out 2 campfires).
Try to book Site 1 specifically. This site is as incredible as described and possibly the most beautiful campsite I’ve ever been to: secluded, right next to a quiet pebbly beach, incredible view of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge from 1 of the 3 tent pads and from 1 of the 2 picnic tables, just above a cliff. Views are especially breathtaking at night and at sunrise. Note that there’s no view from the fire ring (tip: use a camp stove to cook from the picnic table with the view). Beware of the cliff, especially if you have children.
Ben L
VerifiedOctober 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Went to Kirby Cove with wife and two little ones. It was a unique experience (in a good way) with the feeling of secludedness while also being able to view the gold gate bridge and city skyline without the hustle and bustle. Was tempted to skip my cell phone in the ocean like the Corona commercials. The campsites are numbered and easy to get to. Campsites and facilities were well maintained however it certainly helps to be a good steward and pack out what you pack in.
Other descriptions on parking are somewhat confusing but if you reserve a camp site you are allowed to drive through the gate at the top of the hill and park at in the spaces below. The gate code is emailed separately to you the day before your scheduled time. The gravel road down is a narrow, but well maintained, switchback without any guardrails and their are also day hikers taking the same road so it is best to take your time going down.
We didn’t realize this but you need to print your reservation and place it in your windshield. This acts as your permit to park in the lot below. There are spaces next to each site but are reserved for those with accessibility needs.
Most of this was probably well identified in information on the reservation but I don’t always read instructions thoroughly.
Had a great time and would rank it in the top few places that offer a lot in terms of views and atmosphere while also being very convenient.
Anthonie Markus G
VerifiedOctober 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Awesome spot, but very basic campground. Only toilets and no water. So make sure you have enough water with you
Location Kirby Cove Campground
Address:
The Access Gate Is Located On Conzelman Road Next To The Battery Spencer Overlook Parking Area, Within The Marin Headlands.
Sausalito, CA, 94965
United States
From San Francisco (travelling north):
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take exit 442 onto Alexander Avenue. This will be the exit after the Vista Point. Continue straight for a few hundred feet, and then turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill on the one-way road until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gates. After entering the gate codes provided upon reservation, it is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot.
From Marin (travelling south):
From US-101 South, take the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign and continue straight for about a quarter mile, until you can turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gate. It is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8404 / -122.489
Elevation: 207 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
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| General |
There is no water available at this campground. Campers must provide their own water for drinking, cleaning, etc. Bring enough water to last your entire stay. |
| General |
Reservations at Kirby Cove Campground can be made up to 6 months before your arrival and may extend up to 2 days beyond the 6-month booking window. Only 3 nights per season per camper! This is in order to ensure everyone gets to enjoy Kirby Cove.
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| General |
Access to the second Kirby Cove Gate: Access to the first Kirby Cove gate is available to all campers. Be prepared for a ~300 yard walk to your campsite. Access to the second gate is only for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility. Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at least 48 hours in advance at (415) 331-1540 to inquire, or email your name, phone number, date of visit and photo of your ADA vehicle placard to goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov to receive the second gate codes.
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| General |
Your confirmation is your permit which includes gate codes. Please print your confirmation email after reserving a site. Place a copy of your confirmation on the dashboard of each vehicle, and keep one on you as well. A maximum of 3 vehicles for Sites 1-5 and 4 vehicles for Day Use Site are permitted. |
| General |
The Parking area is separate from the actual campsites. This is a walk-in, Tent Only facility. No RVs or car camping is allowed. |
| General |
Campground Quiet Hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Please be respectful to others. |
| General |
Leave No Trace Do not leave trash at campsite or in food lockers. Use the designated dumpsters in the parking lot.
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| General |
Check before you burn. Visit the Recreational Fire Regulations page to find out if there are restrictions on camp fires during your stay. |
| General |
Pets are prohibited, only trained service animals are allowed. |
| General |
Hammocks tied on trees or structures are not permitted. Only free standing hammocks are allowed. |
| General |
Foghorns on the Golden Gate Bridge can be loud; best to bring earplugs if staying overnight. |
| General |
In case of emergency call 911 or Park Dispatch at (415) 561-5656. |
| General |
For more information, call (415) 331-1540 or email us at goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov. |
| General |
Looking for something to do during your camping adventure?! 1) Beginner Birding with a Park Ranger - Join a NPS Park Ranger for a guided hike/program around Rodeo Lagoon and learn all about our local feathered friends. For program dates and to sign up: Click Here 2) Layers of History - A Ranger Guided Hike - Hike along with a ranger on a 2-mile loop starting/ending at Fort Cronkhite and learn all about the multi-layered history of the Marin Headlands. For more information and to sign-up: Click Here 3) Nike Missile Site SF-88 - Check out this fully restored piece of Cold War history and take a FREE Ranger/Docent led tour of the site. Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with 3 tour options per day at 12:15PM, 1:15PM, and 2:15PM (No reservation required). For more information: Click Here 4) Point Bonita Lighthouse - Visit one of the oldest lighthouses on California's coast and catch a FREE Ranger/Docent led "Light Chat" about the site's history and ecology (12:15 PM). Open from Thursday through Monday from 12:30 - 3:30 PM. For more information: Click Here |
