Kirby Cove Campground

Spectacular

The view of the Golden Gate bridge, the City, sunrises and sunsets along the cove are incredible. The sites are set up with multiple tent squares for easy tent installation. The site also contains multiple tables if you are a larger group. Even though we were a group of 4 with 2 tents, we managed to use all 4 tables, which was a luxury. There are garbage and recycling bins at the parking lot which I didn't realize were going to be there. Bring more water than you think you need, we did do an extra run for water. Also there were 2 wheel barrows; one not usable, and one that worked. We were not expecting that and it helped get our things to the campsite. (However a picnicker did use it also and left it at the top of the hill the day we left. There are not hiking trails along the coast from the cove. The bunker is partially open to explore and fun for young ones. The beach has soft course sand and one table was there (as opposed to located on higher ground with views). We went in late November and the water was warm enough for a plunge and mini-swim.

The gate to go down to the camping area is hard to find for the first-timer. When you arrive at the look at parking lot, it is at the very beginning and you have to make a hair pin turn--- and it looks more like a path than a vehicle access road. Also that parking lot gets a lot of visitors and your way may be blocked by a car for a bit.

Also it is a bummer that the 2 nights we were there, there were empty spots. Thursday night we were the only ones there despite each night the website showed 100% unavailable. We never saw a ranger the whole time we were there - I'm old school and I like chatting with rangers with local information/expertise.

Very mixed feelings about site #1. Yes, the views are great, but there are lots of drawbacks.

First, it's the furthest site from the parking lot, making it a long back and forth haul, especially if you have lots of stuff. Conversely, it's the closest to the foghorns, which are basically blaring in your face.

Another issue is that the fire pit is separate from the main camping area, and it's at the bottom of a hill, which blocks your great views of the bridge, the city lights, and the moonlight reflecting off the water. So at night, you can either have a toasty fire or incredible views, but not both. Site #1 is also a very bad idea if you have young children and/or drunk people in your party, as the cliffside drop-off is sudden and steep.

But worst of all, are the constant stream of people (I counted 8) who decide to walk into your campsite, in search of 'the swing.' These people often look defeated when they find out that the swing is no longer there. "Isn't it a shame that they took down the swing?" Nope, not at all. The shame is that you're focused on taking a picture of yourself on a freakin' swing, rather than basking in all of the heavenly glory that lies in front of you!!!

We were lucky enough to get site 1 for 3 nights in July and knew we were rolling the dice with the weather that time of year. We were a bit worried when it was very foggy, very windy, and very cold when we arrived mid-afternoon, but by that evening everything had calmed down and cleared up and the weather only improved over the next couple of days. We had plans to do day trips to the light house and black sand beach but ended up never leaving the cove. You could spend a whole day on a bluff or the beach just watching life on the bay go by. It feels like you're in the middle of nowhere but the site is minutes from markets and restaurants if needed. We luckily only had to contend with the foghorn one night but I it didn't live up my fears based on reading other reviews.

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.

We had a blast! The view was incredible.

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.

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!

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

So far away yet so close to home