Haypress Campground

4.25

121 reviews

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

Quick Facts

308 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: March 7...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Golden Gate National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

308 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open season: March 7...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Golden Gate National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Haypress Campground

$25.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates range from $25 to $75 depending on site type (individual or group). Fees do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(415)-331-1540

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 121 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingwell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the campground's quiet and scenic setting, but note limitations such as the lack of water and privacy between sites. The short hike to the campground is a common theme in both positive and negative feedback."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Haypress Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom San Francisco (traveling north): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on the US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail. From Marin (traveling south): From US-101 South, take exit 445B toward Stinson Beach. Turn right on CA-1 and continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail.

The trail is a 0.7-mile hike-in from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. The trail is flat and partially paved/partially dirt. No vehicle access to the campsites is permitted. RVs and car camping are not allowed.

Nearby places

San Francisco: approximately 10 miles, 25-minute drive

Mill Valley: approximately 2 miles, 10-minute drive.

Nearby supplies

There are no supplies or water available at the campground or parking lot. Closest grocery and essentials are in Sausalito and Mill Valley.

Best Time to Camp at Haypress Campground

The Marin Headlands wrap Haypress in a gentle maritime embrace year-round, with temperatures that whisper rather than shout—expect comfortable lows between 50-55°F and mild highs of 60-65°F regardless of season. From May through September, the famous Pacific fog rolls in like a living blanket, transforming the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape where eucalyptus trees emerge and vanish like ancient sentinels in the mist.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is often foggy with condensation from eucalyptus; access fine but views and dryness reduced.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note clear skies and positive visits (October), making fall a top season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild maritime springs with comfortable temps and trail access; listed in open season starting March 7.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Dec–Feb (open Mar 7–Nov 30).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 7 to November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: March 7 to November 30. Reservations begin June 20, 2025.

About Haypress Campground

Tucked away in the rolling coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, Haypress Campground offers an intimate escape into the wild heart of Marin Headlands. This secluded hike-in sanctuary features five individual campsites, each welcoming up to four adventurers, plus one spacious group site perfect for gatherings of up to 25 people. Your wilderness experience comes complete with tent pads nestled into the landscape, secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, and vault toilets discretely placed for convenience. The group site features picnic tables for communal meals under the stars. As a true backcountry experience, you'll need to carry in your own water and pack out all trash—a small price for the solitude and natural beauty that awaits. Leave your devices behind or embrace the digital detox, as cell service rarely reaches this peaceful hollow.

Haypress Campground provides primitive camping options, including individual sites and a group site accessible only by hiking.

Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Haypress places you within reach of fascinating glimpses into California's layered past. The historic Point Bonita Lighthouse stands as a beacon of maritime heritage, while the preserved Nike Missile Site SF-88 offers a sobering reminder of Cold War tensions. Nature lovers can venture to the cathedral-like groves of Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient redwoods have stood witness to centuries of change along this dramatic coastline.

Weather and SeasonsThe Marin Headlands wrap Haypress in a gentle maritime embrace year-round, with temperatures that whisper rather than shout—expect comfortable lows between 50-55°F and mild highs of 60-65°F regardless of season. From May through September, the famous Pacific fog rolls in like a living blanket, transforming the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape where eucalyptus trees emerge and vanish like ancient sentinels in the mist.

Natural Features and SceneryHaypress unfolds across a gentle meadow where native grasses dance in the ocean breeze, framed by towering eucalyptus trees that fill the air with their distinctive fragrance. This living landscape pulses with wildlife—California quail burst from the underbrush in whirring coveys, while red-tailed hawks and other raptors patrol the skies above. As dusk falls, you might glimpse the elegant forms of black-tailed deer grazing nearby, or catch sight of more elusive residents like gray foxes, coyotes, and even the occasional bobcat padding silently through the shadows. The earth itself tells ancient stories here, with dramatic outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert creating natural sculptures that speak of prehistoric seas.

Geological RegionHaypress Campground rests within the remarkable geological tapestry of Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands, where the earth's deep history lies exposed for those who know how to read it. The area showcases world-renowned geological formations, including spectacular radiolarian ribbon chert outcrops—ancient seafloor sediments transformed into colorful, banded rock formations that draw geologists and rock enthusiasts from around the globe. This unique coastal scrub ecosystem represents the meeting place of land and sea, where Pacific forces have sculpted a landscape of rare beauty and scientific significance.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is flexible during the day.

Check-out

Check-out time is flexible by noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 3 nights per visit and 3 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites accommodate up to 4 people
group site accommodates up to 25 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 25 people and includes two picnic tables and food lockers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of six sites arranged in a single loop with sites stretching from #1 nearest the entrance to #5 at the rear of the camp.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations for individual sites can be canceled up to the day before arrival; late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Group site cancellations must occur at least 14 days before check-in to avoid penalties.

AccessibilityThe campground trail is flat and partially paved/packed dirt, making it moderately accessible. However, there are no accessibility-specific features mentioned.

Site SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents. The group site is spacious enough for up to 25 campers.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the clustered layout of the sites. "All of the annoyances of car camping are present: neighbors slamming the metal food locker doors, bathroom door slamming.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 5 offers quieter surroundings. Bring a hand cart for transporting gear due to the flat trail.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Haypress blends easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. While swimming and fires are not allowed, the campground is a convenient base for exploring nearby beaches and trails.

HikingHiking opportunities abound with nearby trails leading to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), and Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Visitors also appreciate guided hikes and ranger programs.

BikingCampers can bike to the campground. "We bike camped overnight here - very bike friendly" with trails accessible for mountain and gravel bikes.

Wildlife viewingThe area is frequented by wildlife such as California quails, raptors, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. "We saw a bobcat there and quail and heard owls and coyotes."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsGuided hikes and ranger-led programs, such as "Beginner Birding" and "Layers of History," are available during specific seasons.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo water available; campers must bring their own supply. Dense fog can lead to condensation. Wildlife frequent the area, and food lockers must be used to prevent animal disturbances.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are available at each site to protect against wildlife disturbances. Lockers are clean and well-maintained as per reviews.

Fire PolicyNo wood or charcoal fires allowed; gas stoves permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesIn case of emergency, call 911 or Park Dispatch at (415) 561-5656.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must pack out all trash. "Pack out all of your trash. Do not leave trash at the campsite."

Water FeaturesLocated near Tennessee Cove, a scenic beach with unique colorful sand, and within hiking distance to Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, and Battery Townsley.

Weather at Haypress Campground

Reviews

4.3

121 reviews

Satisfactory

Haypress Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the campground's quiet and scenic setting, but note limitations such as the lack of water and privacy between sites. The short hike to the campground is a common theme in both positive and negative feedback.

Review Summaries

Based on 121 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet, scenic environment and the campground's proximity to hiking trails. Comments include: "Great small campground, very close (0.7mi) to trail parking," and "Lovely campsite...

Based on 121 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms focus on the lack of water and fire facilities, limited privacy, and occasional overcrowding. "The bathroom facility is atrocious," and "All of the annoyances of car camping are present."...

Based on 121 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest packing light, bringing sufficient water, and arriving early to secure parking. "Bring a raincoat," and "A hand cart for your equipment wouldn't be a bad idea."

Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are foggy, with condensation dripping from eucalyptus trees. Fall reviews mention clear skies but recommend bringing warm clothing. Reviews suggest that the campground is less crowded...

Based on 121 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet and only half the sites were occupied," "Very quiet @ night with active owls," and "Bathrooms were fine and bear lockers provided."

Based on 121 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 is noted for its seclusion, but lacks a picnic table according to one review. Site 3 receives mixed feedback for privacy but is appreciated for its spacious tent pad.

Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

The flat trail to the campground makes it moderately accessible, though no specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are prohibited, and reviews support the enforcement of this rule to protect the area's wildlife. "Pets are prohibited, only trained service animals are allowed."

Based on 121 reviews

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