How much does camping cost at Kirby Cove Campground?

Camping fees at Kirby Cove Campground range from $40-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kirby Cove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Kirby Cove 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 Kirby Cove Campground before I book?

Yes! Kirby Cove Campground has 5 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 Kirby Cove Campground?

Kirby Cove Campground is open March 06 to November 30. 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 Kirby Cove Campground?

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

How many campsites does Kirby Cove Campground have?

Kirby Cove 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 Kirby Cove Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Kirby Cove Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Kirby Cove Campground?

Popular activities at Kirby Cove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Kirby Cove Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kirby Cove Campground?

Fire policies at Kirby Cove Campground: Leave No Trace Do not leave trash at campsite or in food lockers. Use the designated dumpsters in the parking lot. Firewood must be nail and chemical free and purchased locally; gathering firewood is not allowed. Please help us keep wild animals wild! Do not feed or approach wildlife. Keep area clean of scented items and keep all food items locked in the provided food locker or in the trunk of your vehicle. Food left unattended will likely be eaten by wildlife.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.55

133 reviews

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

Top 2% in CAFall

Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Featured in:Fall Camping California#3 Beach Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

663 ft

Price

$40 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from March 7 to...

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

663 ft

Price

$40 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from March 7 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Golden Gate National Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Kirby Cove Campground

$40.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $75.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $40.00. 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

415-331-1540 FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL 1-877-444-6777 OR ONLINE AT RECREATION.GOVgoga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Kirby Cove Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

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.

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).

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.

Weather at Kirby Cove Campground

Current alerts(12)

Access to the second Kirby Cove Gate: Access to the first Kirby Cove gate is available to all campers. Be prepared for a ~200 yard walk to your campsite. Access to the second gate is only for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility .
Campground Quiet Hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM . Please be respectful to others.
Check before you burn . Visit the Recreational Fire Regulations page to find out if there are restrictions on camp fires during your stay.
Foghorns on the Golden Gate Bridge can be loud; best to bring earplugs if staying overnight.

Best Time to Camp at Kirby Cove Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, the warmest, most stable weather, and the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands — expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (60–70°F) with cool 50s°F nights. The famous summer fog usually retreats, making September and October ideal for photography, sunset watching, and shore exploration; wildlife viewing (shorebirds, seals offshore) and hiking are at their peak with fewer weekend crowds. With only five tent-only sites and a steep access path Peak months: September, October, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

September–October deliver clearer skies, warmer temps and excellent photo conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 06 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 7 to November 30 (reservable dates begin June 19).

About Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove Campground sits on a secluded beach beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, managed by Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This primitive walk-in site offers unobstructed bridge views, direct beach access, and a rare chance to camp on San Francisco Bay shoreline. The steep trail down to camp, frequent foghorn blasts, and bold raccoons are part of the experience.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest skies, the warmest, most stable weather, and the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands — expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (60–70°F) with cool 50s°F nights. The famous summer fog usually retreats, making September and October ideal for photography, sunset watching, and shore exploration; wildlife viewing (shorebirds, seals offshore) and hiking are at their peak with fewer weekend crowds. With only five tent-only sites and a steep access path Peak months: September, October, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation663 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMonterey cypress and towering Blue Gum eucalyptus shade the campsites, their wind-sculpted forms clinging to cliffs carved from ancient seafloor sediments. The campground sits at 663 feet elevation, overlooking a rugged beach accessible at low tide. Views east frame the Golden Gate Bridge, while the Pacific stretches west. Fog rolls through the Golden Gate most summer days, draping the headlands in mist. Shorebirds and occasional seals offshore round out the wildlife.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or alternative accommodations are available within Kirby Cove Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby 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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 3 nights per visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Overnight sites accommodate up to 10 people, and group picnic sites allow for up to 35 guests.

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 or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityTwo campsites (Sites 2 and 5) are accessible for individuals with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available. Visitors with disabilities can contact the Marin Headlands Rangers for access to the secondary gate with a shorter route to campsites.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large, with some featuring multiple tent platforms and picnic tables. Site 1, for instance, offers three tent platforms and three picnic tables.

PrivacyCampsites are described as secluded, with Site 1 offering the most privacy due to its distance from other sites. Other sites, such as 2, 3, and 5, are relatively close but still provide a sense of space.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #1 is ideal for privacy and vistas but is less suitable for families with young children due to cliffside risks. Sites #2 and #3 offer good views and easier access. Site #4 is tucked away and private, while Site #5 is closest to the beach.

Best CampsitesSite 1 gets the most praise for unobstructed Golden Gate Bridge views and beach proximity. It includes three tent platforms and three picnic tables, plus the most distance from neighboring sites. Sites 2, 3, and 5 sit closer together but still feel spacious.

Need help booking Kirby Cove Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

There is no water available at this campground - campers must bring any water necessary for drinking, cooking, etc. The Parking area is separate from the actual campsites. This is a walk-in, Tent Only facility. No RVs or car camping is allowed. Pets are prohibited , only trained service animals are allowed.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 offers only pit toilets, which are described as decently clean and stocked with toilet paper.

Food Storage RequiredEach site is equipped with a food locker to prevent interactions with wildlife, including raccoons.

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 PolicyLeave No Trace Do not leave trash at campsite or in food lockers. Use the designated dumpsters in the parking lot. Firewood must be nail and chemical free and purchased locally; gathering firewood is not allowed. Please help us keep wild animals wild! Do not feed or approach wildlife. Keep area clean of scented items and keep all food items locked in the provided food locker or in the trunk of your vehicle. Food left unattended will likely be eaten by wildlife.

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters for trash and recycling are located at the parking area. Campers are encouraged to use these facilities and adhere to Leave No Trace principles to avoid attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageNo information about cell phone service coverage is provided in the authoritative content or user reviews.

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

4.6

133 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 133 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1 is often noted as the best campsite for its privacy and views, but it is far from the parking lot.
Site 4Loved
Site 4 is described as spacious and protected from the wind.
Site 5Issues noted
Site 5 is closest to the beach but lacks shade.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want iconic bridge views from your tent and don't mind a steep hike in with your gear.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your site or can't tolerate foghorn noise through the night.

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.