I stayed at East Bay Site #3, which was amazing. The Tiburon ferry made it really easy to get to the island. The pit toilet for Sites 1-3 is sort of gross. It is worth walking to the toilet at sites 7-9 to use the facilities. The view was awe inspiring.
Timothy Y.August 25, 2020
Due to limited ferry service, Angel Island has closed it campgrounds through the remainder of 2020.
Tk S.recommendsSeptember 12, 2019
Very quiet. Felt like I had the island to myself. Just be aware of the raccoons! There’s lots of them....
Hey FYI campfires are not allowed on Angel Island
Julian B.recommendsJuly 9, 2019
I bikepacked out to East Bay Environmental Site #3 on a Sunday evening back in April. The Island and campgrounds were very quiet, with it being a Sunday in the early spring season. It felt like we had the whole island to ourselves!
Pro tip: Hike up to the top of Mt. Livermore for sunset for the view and memory of a lifetime
Terrence M.December 8, 2018
Whoa what a pleasant camping surprise! I had been meaning to check out Angel Island for a while but kept putting it off because how good could the camping really be this close to the city, right? Wrong! It was spectacular. The views of the city and the bridges were mesmerizing and although the busy city was within eyesight the actual surroundings on Angel Island felt like we had escaped to the mountains far away.
You'll need to catch the ferry, and be aware that during the winter months there isn't regular ferry service during the week. Call the ferry to piggy back with groups already going.
Sites 4 and 5 have the best views. Site 4 is completely unobstructed but also very exposed. Site 5 has tree cover. There's also water at the sites.
Quinton H.recommendsSeptember 19, 2018
Be ready to carry everything in, and the first half-mile from the ferry drop off is straight uphill! And the campsites on the other side of the island are windy as heck. But oh, what a view!
Khanh Dan T.August 7, 2018
Managed to get a Sunday reservation on one the Ridge sites. We were surprised to have the whole ridge to ourselves, since the other sites had been booked as well! Our site fit three tents just fine though, with room to spare. It was a nice walk to the beach right below the ridge, though the "trail" was hard to find; we just followed the concrete gutter and eventually found stairs to the beach itself. Lots of poison oak! We had the beach to ourselves (picked up a good amount of trash), then enjoyed nighttime views of the city and explored the batteries (fun/scary in the dark). The next morning we took the first ferry and went straight to work haha
I just got back from camping for two nights at Angel Island with my friends and it was amazing! I was lucky enough to book campsite #4, which offers the best views of the San Francisco skyline. Be warned that there is no shade at campsite #4 so be prepared to lather on the sunscreen. Other campsites offer shade like #5 and #6. Temperatures can change dramatically and can get pretty cold at night so bring lots of layers. It takes about 20 minutes to hike in with paved and unpaved roads, some uphill trails and stairs. We enjoyed hiking Sunset Trail as part of it was shaded and we saw a friendly deer along our way. The hike to Mt. Livermore was gorgeous and well worth the climb!
Ian W.recommendsDecember 17, 2017
Don't miss sunset from the top of Mt. Livermore!
Matthew R.September 23, 2017
This was my first experience camping on angel island and I can assure you it is one like no other. We stayed in EB Campsite 3, while the grill was slightly tilted causing for some grilling problems, the rest of the experience was incredible. Each day waking up to a stunning view of the city and the east bay was like magic. The second day we spent the whole time walking around the entire island and visited Perles beach which was also amazing though tricky to find the entrance to. Every step you take on this magical island is surrounded by jaw-dropping views of the city and the Bay Area. Each night we trekked up to the top of mt.Livermore where we saw beautiful sunsets and again stunning views. 100/10 recommend, best camping experience
One of my favorite camping experiences of all time. We took the last ferry over to the island, but I wish we had come earlier in the day to have more time to explore. A very easy mile walk from the boat dock to the site along a paved road. After setting up camp with gorgeous views of both bridges, we hiked to the island's highest point and had wine for sunset. We watched the fog roll inz, which was beautiful even though it took away our clear 360 views. Only negative is that the racoons are very audacious, so be ready with sticks and rocks to keep them away.
Campsite 5 and 7 are the best with broad ocean views. Bring warm clothes because it gets cold.
Hedy K.recommendsJuly 12, 2017
It is about a mile walk from the ferry dock to the campsite.
We reserved a weekend spot many months in advance and camped at Ridge Site #6 for two nights. It was magical!
Things to keep in mind: 1) Don't miss the ferry! There aren't many options so get there in plenty of time. 2) Bring layers! Our site was sheltered from the wind by the grove of trees and the old military bunker, but things cool off when the fog settles in! CAMPFIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED, so plan accordingly. 3) The raccoons are pesky and bold up there, so keep an eye on your food at all times.
The views are spectacular and there's something special about being one of the lucky ones left on the island when the last ferry leaves for the night. We'll be back!
East bay sites are the most private. The rest you'll have random hikers coming up or walking around throughout the day. Site 1 is the most private at the end, Site 2 is the most shaded. Site 3 has great views but not a lot of flat land for tents.
Stayed in Sunrise camp friday of memorial day weekend. was the only thing available 4 months out... and no one else was there- all to ourselves, practically the whole island ! it was windy, bear lockers, vault toilet,TRASHCANS!
All three Ridge sites are enormous, and can easily accommodate 4-5 tents
While Ridge site #4 undeniably has the best wide-sweeping views of the Bay Area, site #5 isn't far behind, and has the added benefit of being partially tucked into some trees for wind protection.
Julie M.February 12, 2015
After living in SF for over 4 years, I finally made it to Angel Island... on a Wednesday! Booking a site on the weekend can be close to impossible. I honestly don't know if I'll ever get a weekend spot, but I'm determined to keep my eye on sites as they open, up to 6 months in advance.
Since I was the only person camping on Wednesday, I explored every corner and nook of Angel Island. There literally is not a spot on the island that doesn't have an awesome view. Ridge sites 4,5 are killer, ridge site 6 is tucked away just a bit, but is only steps from that sweet view of the Bay Area. I'd love to come back and stay at any of the East Bay spots (scoped out a great spot for a hammock at EB site 3) and experience the sunrise from the other side of the island.
Upon hiking to the top of Mt. Livermore, I was surprised to find multiple picnicking platforms. These aren't marked on the trail map. If you hike to the top, bring a game or some grub and plan on chilling up there, the views are AMAZE.
I can't believe it took me so long to camp here! Though, due to booked weekends 6 months out, it makes sense. If you live in the area, take a lil' baycation, and visit during the week. Plus, when you have the island all to yourself you can do whatever the heck you want. ;) Sooo worth it!