About Kirby Cove Campground
Number of accommodations: 5
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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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.
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
Bob M
VerifiedMarch 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge lit up at night. We have an awesome picture taken about an hour before sunrise.
Anthony C
VerifiedDecember 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
I love it here wish day hikers and uses didn't come to pop into my camp and get made when I tell them to wait cause my laptop and other valuables are out and being used so I can put my stuff away so they can have lunch at my only table that facest the water.
Seng M
VerifiedNovember 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Our recent camping experience at Site 1 provided us with an unforgettable escape into nature, offering a fantastic view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This site is very private, shielded from the neighboring campsites. As of November 2023, the swing is back!
The campsite's only drawback was the distance from the parking lot to Site 1. While the 10-minute walk was manageable, it's important for campers to pack light as wagons are impractical on the uphill journey back to the parking lot. This minor inconvenience was a small trade-off for the secluded and peaceful atmosphere. Our only unpleasant encounter occurred during our departure. As we were diligently packing out, some campers who had reserved the site for the following night arrived nearly two hours earlier than allowed. Their eagerness to claim the spot overshadowed our departure, creating a sense of anxiety and haste as we vacated the campsite at 12 pm. Besides this, we left with a treasure trove of memories from this picturesque place. We will definitely come back with a lighter load!
sheryl s
VerifiedNovember 10, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Kirby cove is a hidden gem just outside the city. The 5 campsites are spread apart and can accommodate about 10 people (site 1 had 3 tent platforms), but that’s a lot of EOR when you are trying to get away from people. Access to the beach is simple and the views of the bridge are iconic. Some people crabbed in reviews about the distance from the cars to the campsite: not sure what to say to those folks except perhaps KC isn’t for you (or camping, or going outside). This place is magical.
Robin C
VerifiedNovember 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Excellent stay - amazing view on the bridge at sunset, night and sunrise. I found the instructions to get to the camp are a bit unclear: the code opens the locks on the gate close to Hawk Hill. Don't walk all the way down like us :)
Marty C
VerifiedNovember 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
It is VERY difficult to get a reservation at this campground. But persistence has paid off and I have camped there a couple of times now. It is truly one of the greatest San Francisco adventures there is! Although you can park a car down there, it would be super easy to backpack across the bridge and then down to Kirby Cove. You are rewarded by a spectable of The Bridge, The City, Big Ships, Wildlife (we saw a full on Pelican fish eating extravaganza frenzy off shore such that even a seasoned local spear fisher guy had never seen), we saw Hawks and Deer and heard the wild yelps of Coyotes apparently getting a kill. Really incredible to watch the City through the bridge from a Marin beach view point. There are NO services; There are super large campsites that can host family and friends, and trash cans to accomodate your garbage, and out houses to take care of other things. But no water. Worth every penny many times over.
Daniela R
VerifiedNovember 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Good site! Great hiking up to get a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge & fairly easy to access. HELPFUL TIP: We followed directions along with Maps but failed to execute the “Travel downhill on the one-way road until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gates” directions. For our second go around we set a phone towards the site and another phone to Battery Spencer to locate the gate. It’s an extremely sharp right turn right before the Battery Spencer View so drive super slowly so you don’t miss it like we did!
Jamsheed W
VerifiedOctober 26, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
We got lucky with the weather and got a clear view of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco until about 11 pm when the fog rolled in, after which the fog horns started blaring. That did cause a sleepless night for many. Remember to always bring ear plugs when camping at Kirby Cove.
Victoria T
VerifiedOctober 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
One of my favorite campgrounds of all time
kristin f
VerifiedOctober 19, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Excellent campground with an amazing view of the Golden Gate! We had the best evening sitting on the beach cove at sunset. The raccoons are definitely an issue, and we were advised that they will get into the bear boxes. We also saw a huge coyote in the morning, so the wildlife is something to be aware of
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
From San Francisco (travelling north):
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take exit 442 onto Alexander Avenue. This will be the exit after the Vista Point. Continue straight for a few hundred feet, and then turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill on the one-way road until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gates. After entering the gate codes provided upon reservation, it is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot.
From Marin (travelling south):
From US-101 South, take the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign and continue straight for about a quarter mile, until you can turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gate. It is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8404 / -122.489
Elevation: 207 feet
Nearby National Park
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Approximate driving time: 1 hr 20 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: June 5, 2026
