How much does camping cost at Sunrise Campground?

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

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

Sunrise 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 Sunrise Campground before I book?

Yes! Sunrise 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 Sunrise Campground?

Sunrise Campground is open Peak season pricing applies during summer months. Seasonal closures occur from December 16th to January 31st.. 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 Sunrise Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sunrise Campground?

Fire policies at Sunrise Campground: Wood fires are not allowed. Charcoal grills and portable stoves are permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sunrise Campground have?

Sunrise Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sunrise Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Sunrise Campground?

Sunrise Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sunrise Campground?

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

Sunrise Campground

4.85

19 reviews

Top 10% in CASpring

Scenic Views

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

322 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Sunrise Campground i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

322 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Sunrise Campground i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Sunrise Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservation fees for hike-in campsites at Sunrise Campground are $30 per night. An additional reservation fee of $8.25 is required. Campsites include...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

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Reserve California

Provider

415-435-5390Naftali.Moed@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sunrise Campground

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Campground Map

Sunrise Campground

37.8643, -122.4250

Nearby places

Tiburon (2 miles, approximately 15-minute ferry ride), San Francisco (6 miles, approximately 30-minute ferry ride), Oakland (13 miles, approximately 45-minute ferry trip).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Tiburon, including groceries, fuel, and essential camping items. Additional food and snacks are offered at the Angel Island Café near Ayala Cove on the island itself.

Driving directionsAccess to Angel Island State Park is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon. Detailed ferry schedules can be found at www.angelislandferry.com and www.goldengate.org for Tiburon and San Francisco respectively. From Tiburon, ferries run daily during the summer; ferry service is limited during the off-season. From San Francisco, ferries run seven days a week.

Access to Angel Island State Park requires ferry transportation, as the island is not reachable by car. Visitors must take a public ferry or private boat to reach the park. The ferry service from Tiburon and San Francisco operates on varied schedules, with reduced service during the winter months.

Weather at Sunrise Campground

Current alert: Seasonal closures from December 16th to January 31st. Limited ferry service in winter months.

Best Time to Camp at Sunrise Campground

Spring brings the best camping weather: daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s to low 60s°F, with cool, breezy mornings ideal for sunrise photography. Wildflowers bloom and oak woodlands turn bright green. Boat access is reliable, and ferry crowds are lighter than July/August weekends. Summer days start clear before afternoon fog rolls in. Winter means rain and dramatic skies, but temperatures stay mild year-round (52-61°F range). Visibility is best in spring and fall.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Described as the best season: mild temps, blooming wildflowers, ideal for sunrise photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season pricing applies during summer months. Seasonal closures occur from December 16th to January 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Sunrise Campground is open from February 1st to December 15th. The entire park is closed seasonally from December 16th to January 31st.

About Sunrise Campground

Sunrise Campground sits on Angel Island, a 322-foot island rising from San Francisco Bay, accessible only by ferry from Tiburon or private boat. The three hike-in tent sites (0.5-0.6 miles uphill from Perimeter Road) cost $30/night and offer 360-degree views spanning the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the East Bay. Ferry schedules limit off-season access.

Sunrise Campground exclusively offers hike-in camping sites for individuals and small groups.

Historical Significance

The Coast Miwok people used the island as seasonal hunting grounds. From 1910 to 1940, Angel Island operated as the U.S. Immigration Station. The 'Ellis Island of the West'. Where immigrants (primarily from Asia) awaited processing. Their poems and stories remain etched into the walls of the preserved buildings below the campground. The island also served as a Civil War military fortress guarding the Golden Gate.

Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the best camping weather: daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 50s to low 60s°F, with cool, breezy mornings ideal for sunrise photography. Wildflowers bloom and oak woodlands turn bright green. Boat access is reliable, and ferry crowds are lighter than July/August weekends. Summer days start clear before afternoon fog rolls in. Winter means rain and dramatic skies, but temperatures stay mild year-round (52-61°F range). Visibility is best in spring and fall.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery by each visitor, Sunrise Campground's hillside location provides an elevated perspective that transforms the camping experience, offering sweeping vistas and cooling breezes that make every sunrise and sunset a memorable spectacle.

Natural Features and SceneryThe island's position in the bay creates a microclimate where coastal scrublands meet oak woodlands. Views shift throughout the day as light plays across the water. Deep blue to silver depending on weather. Black-tailed deer graze at dusk. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead while gulls call from rocky shores below. Oak groves provide partial shade at the campsites, with bay laurels and madrone trees mixed in. Eucalyptus and Monterey pines stand taller on the slopes.

Geological RegionRising from the heart of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island showcases the dramatic geological forces that shaped the Bay Area millions of years ago. This natural jewel encompasses a remarkable variety of ecosystems—from windswept coastal scrublands that cling to rocky outcrops to sheltered oak woodlands that provide refuge for diverse wildlife. The island's unique position offers unparalleled 360-degree views encompassing the Golden Gate Bridge's art deco majesty, the San Francisco skyline's urban peaks, and the vast expanse of bay waters that shift from deep blue to silver as light and weather play across their surface. This convergence of land and sea creates a microclimate and ecosystem found nowhere else, making each camping experience a journey through California's natural heritage.

Scenic ViewsVisitors enjoy panoramic views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay, and surrounding water bodies such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Richmond Bridge from the campground area.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge or other accommodations are mentioned for Sunrise Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms include access to historic sites like the Immigration Station and Civil War-era buildings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 pm.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 pm.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site is 8 guests.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree hike-in sites spread along a hard-packed dirt and gravel road, 0.5-0.6 miles uphill from Perimeter Road. Standard sizing for hike-in sites. Partial privacy with some natural barriers between sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia at www.reservecalifornia.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited campsite availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through ReserveCalifornia, but specific penalties or refund policies are not outlined.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited due to the hilly terrain and the hike-in nature of the campground. Advance notice is recommended for visitors with limited mobility.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized for hike-in campsites.

PrivacySites offer partial privacy, with some natural shading and visual barriers.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites #001 and #002 offer partial shade and proximity to pit toilets and water spigots. Campsite #003 is closer to water features but has no shade.

Best CampsitesAll three sites (#001, #002, #003) get strong reviews for views of downtown San Francisco and the East Bay. Food lockers and picnic tables are standard. Partial shade varies by site.

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Amenities available

Sunrise Campground on Angel Island offers a range of amenities focused on hiking-in campers. Each site is equipped with food lockers, picnic tables, and proximity to pit toilets, potable water spigots, and recycling bins. There is partial shade at most sites, but one site has no shade available. "Views of downtown San Francisco and the East Bay" are notable features across the campground.

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sunrise Campground provides activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The island itself offers a broader set of recreational opportunities, including biking, narrated tram tours, and historical explorations.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include strong water currents near beaches, poison oak in some areas, and eroding bluffs. Visitors should exercise caution near historic buildings and trails.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; only pit toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at each campsite to secure food from wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyWood fires are not allowed. Charcoal grills and portable stoves are permitted.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Tiburon and Marin County. Emergency contact numbers include Marin County Fire Department (415) 473-6245 and California State Parks Bay Area District (415) 269-8623.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans and recycling bins are located approximately 75-165 feet from campsites.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located approximately 0.7 miles from China Cove Beach and 1.1 miles from Quarry Beach.

Camp HostInformation about campground hosts is not available.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.9

19 reviews

Top-Rated

Sunrise Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews emphasize the scenic views, remote location, and amenities suited for hike-in campers. Some reviewers appreciate the proximity to nature, while others mention limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

"Views of downtown San Francisco and the East Bay" are frequently praised. Partial shade and food lockers are appreciated features.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited facilities such as no showers or flush toilets are common complaints. "Night travel after sunset is restricted in some areas."

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #001 has partial shade and two picnic tables, while Site #003 has no shade and one picnic table. Distance to pit toilets ranges between 75-165 feet.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water bottles to supplement potable water and prepare for uphill hikes to reach campsites. "Advance notice is recommended for visitors with limited mobility."

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter closures and limited ferry services are noted during November to January. Summer months provide more operational ferry routes and access to amenities.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site is .6 miles uphill from the paved Perimeter Road along a hard-packed dirt and gravel road." "Pit toilet, potable water spigot, trash can, and recycling bin located approximately 75 feet from...

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility due to hilly terrain and hike-in setup. "Advance notice is strongly recommended for persons with limited mobility."

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Sunrise Campground sites. "This does not include the use of emotional support animals, which are not covered by the ADA."

Based on 19 reviews

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Go if

Spring is the sweet spot: lighter ferry crowds, wildflowers, and the clearest views of the bay. Hikers and wildlife-watchers who can carry gear 0.5-0.6 miles uphill will find site #001 the better pick for shade; solo campers who run hot can grab shadeless site #003.

Skip if

No showers, no flush toilets, no campfires, and no pets, plus ferry schedules can strand you if timing goes wrong. Campers who need car access or a drive-to bailout option have no path here.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.