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.

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

5 total sites

Tent Sites

5 sites

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. 

Number of accommodations: 5

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Site Setup and Access

Site Setup and Access

  • ADA Accessible
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • BBQ
  • Fire Pit
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Fish Cleaning Station
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

5 Sites Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available
005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
10 guests · Campfire
Price not available

Reviews (183)

What Guests Are Saying

Kirby Cove Campground offers a unique camping experience with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and spacious, private sites. While visitors should prepare for a short hike from the parking lot and bring their own water, the clean facilities, helpful rangers, and beautiful beach atmosphere create a memorable stay. Some campers faced challenges with gate access and wind, but overall, the campground's charm and location near San Francisco make it highly recommended.

Review Summary

4.6
183 reviews
5
74.3%
136
4
18.6%
34
3
3.3%
6
2
0.5%
1
1
3.3%
6

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.

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.

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.

Leslie W

Verified

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

5

So far away yet so close to home

Paul H

November 20, 2021

5

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

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!

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.

Johanna P

Verified

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

5

We had a blast! The view was incredible.

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.

Chris B

Verified

December 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

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.

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

Highway access

Kirby Cove Campground is accessible via US-101, which is approximately 2 miles away. Visitors can take the exit onto Alexander Avenue and follow the directions provided.

Elevation: 207 feet

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Hetch Hetchy Entrance

Approximate driving time: 1 hr 20 min

Distance to downtown

2.5 mi drive to downtown Sausalito (about 9 min)

Policies & Rules

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • The Parking area is separate from the actual campsites. This is a walk-in, Tent Only facility. No RVs or car camping is allowed.
  • Campground Quiet Hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Please be respectful to others.
  • 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.
  • Check before you burn. Visit the Recreational Fire Regulations page to find out if there are restrictions on camp fires during your stay.
  • Pets are prohibited, only trained service animals are allowed.
  • Hammocks tied on trees or structures are not permitted. Only free standing hammocks are allowed. 
  • Foghorns on the Golden Gate Bridge can be loud; best to bring earplugs if staying overnight.
  • In case of emergency call 911 or Park Dispatch at (415) 561-5656.
  • For more information, call (415) 331-1540 or email us at goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov.
  • 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 

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Last updated: September 2, 2026

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