Kirby Cove Campground

Star4.60
133 reviews
The access gate is located on Conzelman Road next to the Battery Spencer overlook parking area, within the Marin Headlands.
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

663 ft

Price

$40 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from March 7 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Golden Gate National Recreation Area site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Kirby Cove Campground
$40.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees are $40 for tent-only nonelectric sites and $75 for the group picnic area. Rates may exclude discounts, taxes, and any additional...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
415-331-1540goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 133 reviews

239 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciousbeachsites

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Kirby Cove Campground is highly regarded for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, as well as its secluded, serene atmosphere. While the campground is highly popular, it has some challenges, including the absence of potable water, the steep hike to campsites, and the prevalence of raccoons."

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Campground Map

The access gate is located on Conzelman Road next to the Battery Spencer overlook parking area, within the Marin Headlands.

Kirby Cove Campground

The access gate is located on Conzelman Road next to the Battery Spencer overlook parking area, within the Marin Headlands.

Driving directionsFrom San Francisco (travelling north): 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 Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill on the one-way road until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gates. After entering the gate codes provided upon reservation, it is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot. From Marin (travelling south): From US-101 South, take the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign and continue straight for about a quarter mile, until you can turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight until you can turn left onto McCullough Road, after the speed bumps. Continue uphill until you hit the traffic circle, and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill until you reach Battery Spencer, and it will be sharp right turn toward the Kirby Cove service gate. It is then a mile drive down the dirt trail to the Kirby Cove Parking lot.
The campground is accessible via a steep dirt trail with no guardrails and is approximately one mile long. Many reviewers have noted it is challenging to find at night and requires careful navigation.
Nearby places
Sausalito (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Downtown San Francisco (approximately 15 miles, around 30 minutes)
Muir Woods National Monument (20-minute drive)
Mount Tamalpais State Park (30-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Sausalito or San Francisco, approximately 5-15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove enjoys the Bay Area's signature mild Mediterranean climate, where temperatures dance between comfortable 50-55°F nights perfect for campfire storytelling and pleasant 60-65°F days ideal for beach exploration. Summer brings the famous San Francisco fog, rolling dramatically through the Golden Gate and creating an ethereal atmosphere that photographers dream about. Seasoned visitors know the secret: pack layers like a local, as the coastal microclimate can shift from misty morning chill to sunny afternoon warmth in the span of a few hours.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer brings frequent fog and foghorn noise, which often reduces visibility and warmth.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in CA

Fall noted for clearer skies, quieter nights and the best viewing/visiting conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mild spring temps (50–65°F) and open season start make spring pleasant, though variable coastal weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (closed Dec–Mar 6).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 7 to November 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from March 7 to November 30 (reservable dates begin June 19).
  • Current Alerts: No current advisories or closures are reported.

About Kirby Cove Campground

Imagine waking up to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge framed perfectly outside your tent at Kirby Cove Campground, where five intimate tent-only sites offer an exclusive front-row seat to one of the world's most photographed landmarks. This hidden gem, tucked away at the base of the Marin Headlands, rewards adventurous souls who navigate the steep, winding dirt trail with an unforgettable camping experience just minutes from San Francisco. Each site provides a rare combination of wilderness solitude and urban skyline views, while a dedicated group picnic area makes this the perfect basecamp for small gatherings seeking something extraordinary.
Kirby Cove Campground caters to tent-only camping and provides options for both individual and group camping. No RV or car camping is allowed due to the walk-in nature of the sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 3 nights per visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Kirby Cove Campground offers a range of outdoor activities that take advantage of its scenic and historic location. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, and picnicking. The beach provides opportunities for relaxation and exploration, while the historic Battery Kirby adds a cultural and educational element to the camping experience. Nearby attractions include the Point Bonita Lighthouse and Mount Tamalpais State Park.
HikingHiking trails include a steep, mile-long trail from the parking area to the cove, which passes through eucalyptus groves and offers views of the surrounding area. Nearby, the Marin Headlands offer additional trails for exploration.
FishingFishing is available at the beach, and visitors reported it as an enjoyable activity.
BikingNearby biking opportunities include scenic routes into San Francisco. However, bikes are not allowed on campground premises.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, seals, hawks, and a variety of birds can be seen around the campground. Visitors have also reported observing coyotes and foxes.
Beach activitiesThe beach at Kirby Cove offers coarse sand and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Activities include picnicking, tide pooling, and exploring the shoreline.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNearby attractions include Battery Kirby, a historic military site, and the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Guided ranger programs are available in the Marin Headlands, including birding walks and historical tours.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons are prevalent and adept at opening trash bins and lockers. Poison oak is common on trails, and ticks were reported by visitors during certain months.
Active AlertsNo current advisories or closures are reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with a food locker to prevent interactions with wildlife, including raccoons.

Weather at Kirby Cove Campground

Reviews

4.6
133 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Kirby Cove Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Kirby Cove Campground is highly regarded for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, as well as its secluded, serene atmosphere. While the campground is highly popular, it has some challenges, including the absence of potable water, the steep hike to campsites, and the prevalence of raccoons.
Review Summaries
Based on 133 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors rave about the scenic views, especially from Site 1, and the proximity to the beach. The campground's seclusion and spacious campsites are also commonly praised. Quotes include: 'The view at...
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Based on 133 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of water on-site, the steep trail from the parking area, and disturbances from foghorns. One user noted, 'No water available at this campground,' and another said, 'The...
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Based on 133 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water, earplugs for the foghorns, and lightweight camping gear. Plan your visit for weekdays to avoid crowds and bring layers to prepare for variable weather.
Based on 133 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that summer months can be foggy, with loud foghorns, while fall provides clearer skies and quieter nights. The campground is described as beautiful year-round but is most enjoyable...
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Based on 133 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The most beautiful campsite in the Bay Area.' 'Bring lots of water. It would be nice if they provided a water tank for their campers.' 'The Golden Gate Bridge’s singing in the wind sounded like a...
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Based on 133 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 is often noted as the best campsite for its privacy and views, but it is far from the parking lot. Site 4 is described as spacious and protected from the wind. Site 5 is closest to the beach...
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Based on 133 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users expressed disappointment with the steep trail, which makes accessibility challenging despite designated accessible sites. One reviewer stated, 'I tried to find how far this site is from...
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Based on 133 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Kirby Cove Campground, which limits options for pet owners.
Based on 133 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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