How much does camping cost at Ridge Campground?

Camping fees at Ridge Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ridge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ridge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ridge Campground before I book?

Yes! Ridge Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ridge Campground?

Ridge Campground is open Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ridge Campground?

Ridge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Ridge Campground?

Fire policies at Ridge Campground: Charcoal grills and camp stoves are allowed, but wood fires are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ridge Campground have?

Ridge Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ridge Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ridge Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ridge Campground?

Ridge Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ridge Campground?

Popular activities at Ridge Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ridge Campground

2 reviews

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Featured in:Boating Camping California

Quick Facts

788 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

788 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Ridge Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservations through ReserveCalifornia are required for campsites at Ridge Campground. The flat fee for reserving a campsite is $30 per night.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Reserve California

Provider

415-435-5390null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Ridge Campground

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Nearby places

San Francisco (approximately 6 miles via ferry), Tiburon (approximately 1 mile via ferry).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Tiburon or San Francisco, accessible via ferry. Angel Island itself has limited services, including a café and bike rentals during operating hours.

Driving directionsAccess to Angel Island is by public ferry or private boat. Visitors can take the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco or the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry from Tiburon. The Golden Gate Ferry provides weekday service in winter, while Tiburon ferry service in winter is available by charter only. Coordinates for Ridge Campground: 37.865063, -122.434674.

The campground is accessible via ferry service from San Francisco or Tiburon. Service is limited during winter and holidays. Roads on the island are primarily fire roads and trails, not accessible to vehicles.

Weather at Ridge Campground

Current alert: A portion of Perimeter road is closed due to a slide as of 12/13/24. California is experiencing atmospheric river events, affecting weather conditions.

Best Time to Camp at Ridge Campground

Spring delivers the best conditions: daytime highs around 60-70°F, cool misty mornings that burn off by late morning, blooming wildflowers, and active migratory birds. Summer stays mild, rarely topping 75°F, thanks to persistent ocean breezes. Winter brings rain and dramatic skies that turn the island lush and green. Coastal winds blow year-round and can be strong. Fog is common in the mornings.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: 60–70°F, wildflowers and active migratory birds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Angel Island is open year-round, but operations may be restricted during winter and holidays. Ridge Campground is likely subjected to these conditions.

About Ridge Campground

Ridge Campground sits on a bluff at Angel Island State Park, accessible only by ferry or private boat from the San Francisco Bay Area. The five primitive tent sites offer views of the bay and surrounding islands, though amenities are minimal: vault toilets only, no potable water, no fire rings. Sites run $30 per night and fill quickly on spring and summer weekends.

Camping options at Angel Island State Park include environmental campsites like Ridge Campground, with primitive camping setups.

Historical Significance

The island has been home to the Miwok people, a Civil War-era military post (Camp Reynolds), an immigration station, and WWII internment facilities. Weathered buildings and restored structures still stand along the trails.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions: daytime highs around 60-70°F, cool misty mornings that burn off by late morning, blooming wildflowers, and active migratory birds. Summer stays mild, rarely topping 75°F, thanks to persistent ocean breezes. Winter brings rain and dramatic skies that turn the island lush and green. Coastal winds blow year-round and can be strong. Fog is common in the mornings.

ElevationRidge Campground's dramatic setting at elevations reaching 788 feet rewards hikers with some of the most spectacular 360-degree views in California. From your tent site among the trees, trails lead upward through changing ecosystems to viewpoints where the entire Bay Area spreads before you like a living map. On clear days, the vista encompasses five bridges, countless peaks, and the endless Pacific horizon—a photographer's dream and a memory-maker's paradise.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies varied terrain on an island that rises to 788 feet at Mount Caroline Livermore. Native sagebrush and manzanita cover the hillsides in gray-green scrub, while eucalyptus groves and Monterey pine add shade in pockets. Site conditions vary dramatically. Some sites sit exposed on the bluff with sweeping bay views but no shade. Others nestle under trees with better privacy and space for hammocks. Deer and raccoons frequent the area, and herons, pelicans, and red-tailed hawks pass overhead.

Geological RegionRising from the heart of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island showcases California's diverse natural beauty in miniature. The island's varied terrain climbs from sea level to the 788-foot summit of Mount Caroline Livermore, encompassing distinct microclimates along the way. Native plant communities of sagebrush and manzanita paint the hillsides in subtle grays and greens, while groves of eucalyptus and Monterey pine add vertical drama to the landscape. This geological gem offers campers an intimate encounter with coastal California ecology, all within sight of one of the world's most iconic urban skylines.

Scenic Views"Site #4 is the highest on the bluff and has the best view." Ridge Campground provides vistas of San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Tiburon.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information provided about lodging accommodations specific to Ridge Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesHistorical tours and interpretive exhibits are available at sites like the US Immigration Station and Camp Reynolds.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive sites spread across a bluff. Spacing and privacy vary. Some sites are exposed and treeless, others have decent tree cover and separation. No designated fire rings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on ReserveCalifornia.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is unspecified, but reservations are strongly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules not explicitly mentioned for Ridge Campground.

AccessibilityThe campground is hilly, and advance notice is recommended for persons with limited mobility. Accessible restroom facilities are generally available in areas like Ayala Cove but specific details about Ridge Campground are not mentioned.

Site SizeUser reviews mention that Site #5 has plenty of space for tents and trees for hammocks.

PrivacyReviews highlight contrasting levels of privacy. Site #4 is noted for being on the bluff with no shade, while Site #5 offers good shade and privacy under trees.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #4 has the best view but zero shade," and "Site #5 offers plenty of shade and tent spots.

Best CampsitesSite #5 gets consistent praise for shade, privacy under trees, and ample tent space with room for hammocks. Site #4 offers bluff views but no shade. Site #6 has some shade but the view is blocked by a hill, and it sits too close to the vault toilet, which smells bad according to multiple reviews.

Need help booking Ridge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Angel Island State Park offers a variety of amenities across its campgrounds, but Ridge Campground has specific features noted by both authoritative sources and user reviews. Reviews and official information highlight the scenic views, lack of shade in certain sites, and some issues with outhouse smell. The general park amenities include picnic areas, access to water activities, and historical and cultural points of interest.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Ridge Campground

A variety of recreational opportunities are available at Angel Island State Park. Ridge Campground offers scenic views and access to hiking trails, while the general park includes historical tours, wildlife viewing, and water activities such as fishing and boating.

Hiking4.0/5

Well-marked trails circumnavigate the island and ascend Mt. Caroline Livermore.

Boating4.0/5

Boat docks and mooring buoys at Ayala Cove; campground reachable only by ferry/boat.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5

Home to deer, raccoons and many bird species; spring migrations noted.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing permitted; salmon and striped bass migrate through Raccoon Strait.

Biking3.0/5

Biking allowed on main roads circling the island; not on foot trails.

Beach activities3.0/5

Quarry Point and other beaches offer sandy areas for walks and sunbathing.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Clear photo opportunities: Golden Gate, Bay Bridge, SF skyline and bluff viewpoints.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrong currents make swimming hazardous near the island. Poison oak is native to the region, and outhouse smells were noted near some campsites.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Ridge Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Ridge Campground’s scenic views and diverse site conditions, including shade availability and privacy. Common complaints include bad outhouse odors and lack of amenities such as potable water and fire rings.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise Site #5 for its shade, tent spots, and hammock-friendly trees, as well as the bluff views from Site #4.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Outhouse smell is a frequent complaint, particularly for Site #6. Users also note a lack of shade at Site #4.

Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #4, #5, #7, #8, and #9 are considered the best campsites. Site #4 offers views but no shade, while Site #5 is praised for its shade and versatility.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Some users recommend choosing Site #5 for its shade and comfort over other sites. Another recommendation is to prepare for the lack of potable water and amenities.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter closures limit accessibility to the campground, and ferry services are reduced. Spring and summer are noted as ideal seasons for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

Derek R. states: 'Site #4 is the highest on the bluff and has the best view, but it has Zero shade. Absolutely none.' Another user mentions Site #5 as 'Plenty of shade, tent spots, and even trees for...

Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not specifically address accessibility features at Ridge Campground but note challenges due to the hilly terrain surrounding the park.

Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the park, except for service animals.

Based on 2 reviews

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Ridge Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservations through ReserveCalifornia are required for campsites at Ridge Campground. The flat fee for reserving a campsite is $30 per night.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

415-435-5390null

Go if

Ferry-in tent campers who want a front-row seat to the SF skyline should grab Site #4 for the view or Site #5 for shade and hammock trees. Spring is the sweet spot: 60-70°F days, wildflowers, and active birds along the trails up to Mount Caroline Livermore.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a real logistics problem if you under-pack. The outhouse smell near Site #6 is a recurring complaint, and anyone expecting fire rings or RV access will find neither here.

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