Kirby Cove Campground

One of the most spectacular spots in California!

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.

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.

Awesome spot, but very basic campground. Only toilets and no water. So make sure you have enough water with you

Location difficult to find at night. One way road into park. Not close to entrance as it appears on map. Dirt road with no guard rails going down side of mountain. Description was inaccurate. Lost $80 as could not camp here due to road condition to camp site and no refunds provided. Disappointing welcome to san fran late at night.

We had a wonderful evening, we enjoyed it very much. Everyone was quiet, no loud music or voices, no barking dogs. Very peaceful place. Amazing views, and private beach. I can’t wait to go back.

Kirby Cove is totally worth it, no matter which campsite you pick. I happened to stay at Campsite 003. All of the campsites have their little quirks. But, if I were to rank them:

001- Overlooks the water. Best views. Furthest from the parking lot. Has the most privacy. Could be windy if it blowing in from the water. But worth it. Probably the noisiest if the fog horns are going. But that is relative.
003- There are 3 cement slabs for tents. The highest one is the best because because you can position your tent to face out towards the bridge and get a good view. The other 2 are close to long grass and actually when we pulled up, there was a snake sitting in the middle of one of the tent spots. You are closest to the parking lot, but not in a bad way. I think this spot is great because it offers a good combination of protection from wind, views, privacy, and proximity to car. This spot is also furthest from the bathroom, but that again is relative and a minor inconvenience.
002- It takes only minutes to get to the beach. Good views. Decent protection from wind.
004- Tucked away in the back. While this spot doesn't have the views of the other spots and its "farthest away" from the beach (everything is relatively close), it probably has the most privacy from the other campsites except for 001. And its probably the most protected if its windy. Although there is a trail that is nearby it so other hikers will walk past it on the way to the trail.
005- Close to the beach but not a lot of privacy, you are exposed out in the open without many trees around you.

Other notes:
If you have a lot of stuff, its nice to have one of those carts to bring stuff to and from your car. I did not see any wheelbarrows to use.
Every campsite has an outhouse nearby.
If it's foggy, you will hear the fog horns all night (or day). Afterall, that's what fog horns are for and SF is a foggy place. It just depends. If that bothers you, bring some sleeping plugs just in case.

This is definitely a great spot with a spectacular view. The site #1 however is very spread out (great distance between the 3 designated tent sites) and the food storage & fire pit not super convenient as you're hanging out where the view is and when you sit around the fire pit you have no view at all. But all manageable - what I found most annoying was the constant flow of cyclists that came riding in, hanging out, snapping pics .. if you want your peace and quiet, don't get this spot as there will be constantly people coming into the site & disturb your privacy.

This was a great campsite. I love that they had 3-4 different tables and places to pitch your tent

Just. Amazing. Change nothing, please.