About Kirby Cove Campground
Campground Amenities
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Beach Access
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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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.
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
Nichole C
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
The best camping site ever!
Chansarak T
VerifiedAugust 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Site#4 was spacious. Comfortable for 4 tents. Close by parking and restroom. Didn’t experience any raccoon. Big fire pit. Definitely would come back again. Fog horn can’t be avoided if there is fog throughout the night.
Tim R
VerifiedJune 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
This is very much the cool spot you think it is. I stayed in campsite 3 which has the advantage having some view when standing, but just over the edge to shield from the wind.
The high grasses etc right now do a great job of making your campsite feel isolated without ruining the views. Just stand up and you can see things and your (distant) neighbors
Water is an issue. None at the campsite which seems a little silly for a $40 a night campsite. Plain water tap somewhere would do. It is unclear to me where one can even get water nearby. The heavily trafficked vista area at the top of the hill by the entrance gate (0.8 miles away) is where I thought there would be some. Unfortunately there is not. Just a grimy pit toilet in the building. If you're coming by bike, as far as I can tell, the nearest water is at the bridge visitor center on the north east side of the bridge. If you come when you must ride the east side, this is easy. If you're on the west side (like I was), you'd have to either take the detour around and through the very narrow tunnel or schlep your rig down some VERY steep stairs go under the bridge and back up the other side. NOT recommended for a loaded bike. To be clear, this isn't really a complaint (a little bit) but more just to make sure you take it seriously.
Willemijn S
VerifiedJune 22, 2023 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
The campsite is large and fits 10 people. It has great views over the city and is your perfect short getaway from SF.
Donna C
VerifiedJune 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Beautiful and easy to access but lots of ticks.
Valeriy Z
VerifiedMay 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Amazing campground if you can get a reservation. So close to the city, but, with only 5 really well spaced out sites, you feel secluded from everyone else. No running water. Bathrooms are clean. Only negative to watch out for: at 1:30am, when the fog rolled in under the Golden Gate, the fog horn started up and was loud enough to impact my sleep. This is probably fairly common, so I would bring ear plugs next time.
Rustin J
VerifiedMay 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
All sites are walk in only. That wasn’t obvious to us when making the reservation. Beautiful beach with views of the city and bridge. During our stay (mid-May ‘23) lots of ticks throughout the area.
Jennie C
VerifiedMay 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
a lovely quiet little known spot close to the city. spectacular views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, and the beach. the campsites are roomy and have several picnic tables and a box to lock away food from the critters. I saw many species of birds. Bring water
Srinivas G
VerifiedMay 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
Except restrooms…. The campground is great.
Bring water … No water available in the ground
Lisa N
VerifiedMay 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA
It is very doable to camp on a weeknight and go to work the next morning. It’s worth it to have a night hearing the waves and getting to be in the headlands for sunrise and sunset without having to deal with parking.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 37.8404 / -122.489
Elevation: 207 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 |
