Bicentennial Campground
Description
You can see the breathtaking Golden Gate bridge and a the bay glistening below you from the Bicentennial Campground.
Located in the heart of San Francisco, this is the best place in Golden Gate Park for some killer views. You can also grill at Battery Wallace, which is only a short walk away. Did we mention its free?
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
Whether fast single track mountain biking is your thing, or you’re more of a road bike warrior , GGNRA will be your bag, baby!...Read more
Boating
Stow Lake, in Golden Gate park, is a great spot for inexperienced boaters. Cruising around this lake is truly a joy ride, as th...Read more
Fishing
Recreational anglers in this area can (with a little patience and some good bait) expect to catch things like brown smoothhound...Read more
Hiking
Golden Gate National Recreation area is huge! Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate National...Read more
Horseback riding
Trails near Golden Gate at Fort Funston offer an amazing place to ride horseback.
Paddling
Paddling at the Golden Gate is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have in California. Let your stoke levels build ...Read more
Wind sports
Crissy Field shoreline is a popular spot for kiteboarding. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s rad (and boasts some ridiculous vi...Read more
Surfing
Ever heard of Ocean Beach? It’s a massive expanse of coastline that happens to also have some world class breaks (on the right ...Read more
Wildlife watching
Don’t let the urban feel of Golden Gate fool you – there is plenty of wildlife to see here. Be on the lookout for animals su...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Bicentennial Campground.
9 Reviews
Pros: It's in an amazing and beautiful area and you get views of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge (if it's not too foggy). It's small (3 sites) so it's kept fairly clean, including the porta-potty. It's close to the city an Sausalito!
Warnings: The location by the Golden Gate Bridge also means if it is foggy you will hear fog horns. This went on for hours into the night. No campfires allowed; At night it's pitch dark, so you will need to bring a few good lanterns to hang outside the tent; unfortunately, stargazing wasn't an option since it was pretty cloudy/foggy. Lastly, there is a hill -- you park uphill and bring stuff downhill. It doesn't take long but is some work.
A beautiful location if you're prepared for the cold and foghorns!
Bicentennial Campground is such a gem. It's an easy 1hr bike ride from the city and makes for a great weeknight camping trip.
Remember to pickup your permit from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center before proceeding to camp.
Heads up: The three campsites are very close to each other. Expect to hang with your neighbors if the other sites are booked.
Fires are NOT allowed, only camp stoves. That should be corrected.
If you're looking for seclusion, you won't find it here. Bicentennial is one of 3 free sites you can reserve via permit from the Marin Headland's Visitor's Center (3 free nights per year per license plate!) and the most accessible of all three. You can only have 2 neighbors, and if you can overlook the noise of the tourists at the picnic site above as you set up camp, you're in for a great night. Push through the pines for unobstructed views of the bridge and the city all lit up as the sun sets behind you. If you're shy about answering the call of nature, there's an ancient port-a-potty adjacent to the campground, and a fancy pit toilet at the picnic grounds above. Don't forget to check out the battery ruins. Expect raccoon drive-bys.
Hike in only: Bicentennial Campground is the most accessible campground in the Park, approximately 100 yards from the parking area near Battery Wallace..
Saw a bobcat here! Only 3 sites basically next to each other. very basic sites but we spent most of the time watching the incredible view ~200 feet from the site of the bay.
Great spot if you want to sleep outdoors while visiting the city. Rangers can leave your reservation/permit at the nearby ranger station so that you can arrive after hours.
This is not a first come first serve site. You must make reservations, and you must make the reservation 1 month out. For instance if you want to camp Sept 15 you must call August 15th and make a reservation. No fires allowed but camp stoves are ok.
There isn't a whole lot of privacy, but there is plenty to explore near by.
- Park
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- 415-331-1540
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 37.825° N, 122.525° W
- Free
- Tent Only - Hike In: 3 Sites (Up to 3 people per site)