How much does camping cost at Bicentennial Campground?

Camping fees at Bicentennial Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Bicentennial 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 Bicentennial Campground before I book?

Yes! Bicentennial Campground has 7 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 Bicentennial Campground?

Bicentennial Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Bicentennial Campground?

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

How many campsites does Bicentennial Campground have?

Bicentennial 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 Bicentennial Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Bicentennial Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Bicentennial Campground?

Popular activities at Bicentennial Campground include Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bicentennial Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bicentennial Campground?

Fire policies at Bicentennial Campground: Wood fires are not permitted. Gas camp stoves are permitted, as well as the burning of charcoal in the grill provided at each campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.35

195 reviews

Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Golden Gate National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Golden Gate National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Bicentennial Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

415-331-1540goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bicentennial Campground

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Campground Map

Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Bicentennial Campground

Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Nearby places

Sausalito (15 minutes by car), San Francisco (about 20 minutes by car)

Weather at Bicentennial Campground

Current alerts(11)

Campground Quiet Hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Please be respectful to others.
Check before you grill. Visit the Recreational Fire Regulations page to find out if there are grill restrictions during your stay.
For more information , call (415) 331-1540 or email us at goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov.
Hammocks tied on trees or structures are not permitted. Only free standing hammocks are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Bicentennial Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, warmest weather for panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific — expect pleasant daytime highs around 60–75°F (16–24°C) with cooler nights in the low 50s°F (10–13°C) and far less morning fog than midsummer. Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails dry out and coastal visibility improves, making sunsets spectacular from the bluff campsites. Crowd levels are moderate — still popular on weekends, but easier midweek than peak-summ Peak months: September, October, May, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall offers clearest conditions and more reliable bridge/sunset views; reviews call it best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bicentennial Campground

Bicentennial Campground sits above the Golden Gate Bridge in Golden Gate National Recreation Area near Sausalito, offering three primitive sites with sweeping views of the bridge and Pacific Ocean. Operated by the National Park Service, this tiny campground attracts tent campers seeking a quiet, backcountry-style experience within reach of the Bay Area. The three-day stay limit and seasonal operation keep the focus on short visits during the clearest months.

Bicentennial Campground is a tent-only, walk-in facility with a limit of three campsites. The campground does not accommodate RVs or car camping, and there are no options for group camping, cabins, or glamping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, warmest weather for panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific — expect pleasant daytime highs around 60–75°F (16–24°C) with cooler nights in the low 50s°F (10–13°C) and far less morning fog than midsummer. Hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing are at their peak as trails dry out and coastal visibility improves, making sunsets spectacular from the bluff campsites. Crowd levels are moderate — still popular on weekends, but easier midweek than peak-summ Peak months: September, October, May, June

Elevation13 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a windswept bluff where coastal geology meets sheltering cypress. East across the water, the Golden Gate Bridge frames San Francisco Bay. West, the open Pacific stretches to the horizon. The cypress grove provides some protection from constant ocean breezes while hosting deer, coyotes, raccoons, and owls. Morning and evening fog rolls through regularly, sometimes obscuring the views before burning off. The dramatic coastal bluffs drop toward the confluence of bay and ocean, shaped by ancient geological forces still visible in the layered rock.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available. This is a tent-only campground.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms include ranger-led tours of the Nike Missile Site and Point Bonita Lighthouse. Seasonal birding and history hikes are also offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 3 consecutive nights per visit, and 3 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 3 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe 200-yard trail to the campsites is moderately steep and packed dirt. Accessibility may be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeEach site includes a small leveled tent pad, with some users noting that larger tents may not fit.

PrivacyCampsites are close together (~50 feet apart) and lack significant privacy. However, the surrounding cypress grove offers some seclusion.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing a wagon for heavy gear and earplugs for fog horns. Sites are close together; renting all three ensures privacy.

Best CampsitesSite #3 gets consistent praise for shade and unobstructed Golden Gate Bridge views. All three sites sit close enough that noise carries between them.

Need help booking Bicentennial Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water available at Bicentennial Campground - campers need to bring any water necessary for drinking/cooking/etc. The campground has a portable restroom on site and a pit toilet is located 0.5 miles away at Bicentennial Picnic Area. Wood fires are not permitted. Gas camp stoves are permitted, as well as the burning of charcoal in the grill provided at each campsite.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideally situated for hiking and exploring the Marin Headlands. Activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, and visiting nearby historic sites such as the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Nike Missile Site, and coastal defense gun batteries. The site also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying scenic vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. The campground provides a single portable toilet on-site and a pit toilet 0.5 miles away.

Food Storage RequiredSpacious bear-proof lockers are available at each site for secure storage of food and scented items.

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 permitted. Gas camp stoves are permitted, as well as the burning of charcoal in the grill provided at each campsite.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides trash and recycling bins. Reviews indicate regular emptying and maintenance of these facilities.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews about cell phone service; one user reported being able to stream videos over data, while others mentioned weak or no coverage.

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

4.4

195 reviews

Recommended

Bicentennial Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and proximity to San Francisco as major draws. However, challenges include the steep trail to the campsites, lack of water, and windy conditions. Many users recommend the campground for its tranquility and unique location, but caution that it may not be suitable for inexperienced campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 195 reviews

What Campers Love

• 'This tiny gem of only three campsites above the mouth of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must visit.' • 'Spectacular sunrise views over the Golden Gate Bridge.' • 'Quiet, clean, and private.'

Based on 195 reviews

Common Concerns

• 'No water available at the campground.' • 'Wind speeds and chill can be intense.' • 'Campsites are close together with limited privacy.'

Based on 195 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

• Site 3: Noted for the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge but slightly unlevel tent pads. • Site 2: Full sun exposure, windy conditions, and proximity to the picnic area. • Site 1: Closest to the...

Based on 195 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

• Bring a rolling cart for transporting supplies up and down the trail. • Prepare for wind and cold weather; bring earplugs for fog horns. • Ensure all food is stored securely in bear-proof lockers...

Based on 195 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and Fall are the most favorable seasons for camping due to moderate temperatures and clearer weather. Winter sees heavy rain and wind, making it less ideal. Summer fog can obscure views, but...

Based on 195 reviews

Camper Quotes

• 'Billion dollar view for $20 a night.' • 'The campsite was charming and beautiful. I enjoyed hiking and the beautiful views.' • 'You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco from the...

Based on 195 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include the steep 200-yard trail to the campsites. The campground is not recommended for those with mobility impairments.

Based on 195 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Bicentennial Campground, with exceptions for trained service animals.

Based on 195 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet, backcountry-style campsite with iconic bridge views and don't mind hiking uphill from parking.

Skip if

You need running water, fire pits, or want to avoid wind exposure and closely spaced sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

Hawk Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA 94965

Hawk Campground sits in the Marin Headlands within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a steep hike-in site above Sausalito with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Managed by the National Park Service, this primitive campground attracts beginner backpackers seeking a quick escape from the city. The small site offers vault toilets, picnic tables, and maintained tent pads on a hillside known for raptors and coastal scrub.