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

Available sites

5 total 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. 

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
Gravel · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ 002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
Gravel · Campfire
⛺ 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA Tent
Gravel · Campfire · Full shade

Reviews (205)

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
205 reviews
5
72.7%
149
4
18.5%
38
3
4.9%
10
2
0.5%
1
1
3.4%
7

HongSeok C

Verified

September 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

3

Everything about the campground was amazing. But on the way in and out, there were several times that the entrance was blocked by cars that are illegally parked. There must be some clear guidance on the entrance/exit where cars must keep clear.

Scott H

Verified

September 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

3

The bathrooms are well appointed and clean and conveniently located near the tent campsites. We did not see a park ranger at all while there and couldn't not voice our grievance with a large group that was openly flouting the quiet hours of the campground. The dumpster area also had empty water containers and some other bottles that were left on the ground for several days. The racoons at this campground are brazen and wily. They will go after any food or other scented items left unattended, even if you're only five feet away. The views of the GG bridge are unique and there is always something interesting to see in the space between Kirby Cove and Fort Point.

miwako s

Verified

August 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

3

Great campground as long as it’s not foggy!

Madhuri M

Verified

August 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

Love this campground so beautiful! Be weary of the raccoons!

Carmen C

Verified

August 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

We spent three nights at this beautiful campground, and overall, it was an amazing experience. Unfortunately, two out of the three days and nights were extremely foggy, so we didn’t get to enjoy the views as much as we had hoped. But the last day and night were awesome!

Since we were so close to the Golden Gate Bridge, we did a long hike on our second day. Another day, we decided to drive into San Francisco for an urban hike and some shopping. It was only about a 15-minute drive, which made the location even better.

Overall, I would definitely stay here again if I get the chance to obtain another permit. The campground is beautiful, and the location is fantastic. Being so close to San Francisco gives you plenty of options for things to do.

The only real problem we had was a vicious, injured raccoon! 🦝 At one point, while we were sitting at our campsite eating dinner in broad daylight, the raccoon came after the food on our table. We screamed and tried everything to scare it away, but it wouldn’t leave. Obviously, this raccoon was not afraid of humans!

Bijan A

Verified

August 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

This was probably my #1 favorite campsite i have ever been to. Being able to see the Golden Gate Bridge directly from my tent was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Will definitely try to come here again.

Leslie W

Verified

August 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

4

Great to be back at least once a year

Laura S

Verified

August 11, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

3

Bathrooms have been updated and are being well kept. Site grounds are nicely kept as well. The gate code provided did not work, and we had to wait for another camper to leave to get the correct gate code. The code was then updated to the correct one the following day after check in.

Matt C

Verified

August 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

5

The gate code they gave me didnt work

Grainger G

Verified

August 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND AREA

4

Beautiful campground right near the beach and Golden Gate Bridge. Watch the ships go by from your tent! It was a memorable experience, visually the best campsite I’ve ever been to.

It was an easy enough walk from the parking lot to our campsite. And the beach is another few minutes walk from the campsite. The site (#5) was well maintained and clean. One note, the tent areas are filled with gravel, so it’s hard to stake your tent in the ground, but there are hooks around the side to tie your tent to. Bathrooms on site were in reasonably good condition. Watch out for raccoons and definitely use the metal bear boxes to store food, the raccoons are quick :)

One snag we hit, the lock code we were emailed didn’t work at the entrance. But we were able to call the sign posted help number and someone gave us a different code over the phone. I heard another camper had the same issue later in the day.

Location & Directions for Kirby Cove Campground

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

Elevation: 207 ft

Getting There

<p><strong>From San Francisco </strong>(travelling north):</p>
<p>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 ...

Nearest town

Sausalito, CA - 2.5 mi

About 9 min to downtown

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.

Nearby National Park

Yosemite National Park

Hetch Hetchy Entrance

Approximate driving time: over 1 hr (80 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.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;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 [email protected] to receive the second gate codes.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;
  • 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.&nbsp;
  • 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 [email protected].
  • Looking for something to do during your camping adventure?! &nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;

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Last updated: October 19, 2026

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Sausalito

Population: 7,141

Nearby larger city

San Francisco, CA

Approx. 6 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 13 ft

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