OutReserve

Kirby Cove Campground

The beach at Kirby Cove, with dramatic cliffs, dark volcanic sand, and frothy water.
Footbridge entryway into the Kirby Cove Campground.
Dirt path leading through Kirby Cove Campground. Through the tall trees, there is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
A view of the bay from Kirby Cove, with the Golden Gate Bridge lit.
Kirby Cove at night, with the Golden Gate Bridge lit up across the bay.

About Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California. Please note: The parking area for the campground is a short walk from the campsites, so RV or car camping is not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground. 

Campground Amenities

  • Beach Access
    Beach Access

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Mar 6 to Nov 30

Sites & Availability

5 Sites Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
10 guests · Campfire
$40.00
/ per night
002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
10 guests · Campfire
$40.00
/ per night
003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
10 guests · Campfire
$40.00
/ per night
004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
10 guests · Campfire
$40.00
/ per night
005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
10 guests · Campfire
$40.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.6
179 reviews
5
73.7%
132
4
19.0%
34
3
3.4%
6
2
0.6%
1
1
3.4%
6

Felicia E

Verified

November 28, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

4

The view at Camp 1 can't be beat. The opportunity to share such a unique view with family was really special.

It seems to be the only site that isn't the same sightlines as 2-5 so it feels really private. I loved that three different tent platforms meant there was room to spread out.

Johanna P

Verified

November 27, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

We had a blast! The view was incredible.

Michael P

Verified

November 25, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

Each site has a bear container to keep those pesky critters outta your stuff. Outhouses are convenient. The view.... is absolutely worth waking up at sunrise for. Campsite 3 is landlocked by gorgeous, massive, aromatic eucalyptus trees. A quick walk to the beach, and nearby bunker, provided an awesome exploration moment before being whisked away into the trappings of the city. The view of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge is easy to find at the beach. Some of the more 'coastal' sites may have a better view. It's amazing how this quiet and secluded campsite is so close to the city.

Darren L

November 22, 2021

4

Just an fyi. The directions to get there were not specific enough. And the golden gate park people had “never heard of Kirby Cove” when asked directions after passing the hard to find entrance. The place itself was amazing!

Paul H

November 20, 2021

5

Beautiful cove! Very well maintained, lots of history and all the rangers and staff are super friendly!

Leslie W

Verified

November 16, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

So far away yet so close to home

Thuong T

Verified

November 15, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

I highly recommend this campsite in November. There was some rain during the week, but the day we reserved the camp, it was perfectly clear and warm.

Campsite 1 has the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The best location of Kirby Cove. There is also a short path to the beach. We hung out mostly at the very top.

There are plenty of space and three picnic tables. You can move the picnic tables wherever you want.

It look a bit of coordination since only 3 cars can park at Kirby Cove Campsite per reservation, but it's doable.

Lauren G

Verified

November 8, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

Amazing camping experience. Prepare for all weather. It can be sunny and hot then just an hour later foggy and cold.

Samuel M

Verified

November 7, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

Site 1 is beyond incredible. Worth all of the work it's going to take you to make a reservation.

Renee R

November 4, 2021

5

Driving down to the campsite once you entered the secured gated area was easy. We set up a tent and other supplies on the beach, which was about a 300m walk from the parking lot and an elevation difference of about 50m. The campgrounds provided wheelbarrows to haul supplies - which was a lifesaver. The walk and the climb would have made it a very unpleasant experience and would have been time-consuming. The beach views are gorgeous. We went midweek so there weren't many others around, which was nice.

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

Latitude & Longitude: 37.8404 / -122.489

Elevation: 207 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
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. 
A maximum of 10 people can stay at the overnight sites and a maximum of 35 people can stay at the day use site.

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. 
Kirby Cove gate codes can be made available to any park visitor with a physical disability, but only during the time that the campground is open. To inquire, please follow the instructions in the previous bullet point.

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.
Firewood must be nail and chemical free and purchased locally; gathering firewood is not allowed.
Please help us keep wild animals wild! Do not feed or approach wildlife. Keep area clean of scented items and keep all food items locked in the provided food locker or in the trunk of your vehicle. Food left unattended will likely be eaten by wildlife.

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 

Nearby Campgrounds