Kirby Cove Campground

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!!!

Spectacular

Had an amazing time, some initial trouble with entry and parking. Call ahead before coming if you have handicap family members or those who cannot walk small distances.

No fog. Clear skies. Perfect weather. Didn't have to use earplugs this time.

Great spot to chill for the day or camp.

Camp #5 is great and closest to the beach and Battery Kirby. Full of wildlife and a little hike from the parking lot, if you’re planing on going make sure you have a wagon so you can carry your gear. Also camp 5 does not get to much shade during the day so a shade structure would be helpful if you bring up.

Beautiful camping spot

What a beautiful camping spot! We reserved this for my daughter and her class to have their end of the year camping trip there.

This was our first stay at Kirby Cove after wanting to visit for many years. It was worth the wait. It's a beautiful spot on the bay and a unique camping experience. The weather could not have been better during our visit so we were lucky in that regard. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city beyond are magnificent. We stayed in site #4 which was fine for us; I think that one or site #1 are the ones to pick if you can, but any will do. It's not easy to get a reservation but it's definitely worth the effort. It's also a good idea to take the time to explore the Marin headlines beyond the cove because the whole area is beautiful.