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Haypress Campground

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<i>Hay</i> everyone… Haypress Campground is sure to im<i>press</i> you!

Not only are there no fees, but this flourishing green grassland is located in the secluded Tennessee Valley in the northern Marin headlands. We all know that the Marin headlands are drop-dead gorgeous, so come check it out! This is a great spot for some beginning backpacking experience!
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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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9 ratings · 7 reviews
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Na W.
May 11, 2023
Not free. reservations can be made here: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/camping.htm
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Scott R.
July 26, 2021
We went in mid July and daytime temperatures never went above 60 due to the constant coastal fog. If you want summer weather you should go in the very late summer. We could hear the fog horns all night but it was sufficiently faint. Also I wish I had known this but DO NOT LOCATE YOUR TENT UNDER A TREE ON A FOGGY NIGHT as the fog condenses on the leaves and drips dirty water on your tent all night.
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Malorie L.
December 4, 2017
Fires actually aren't allowed, that's wrong. Reservations are required.
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Scott M.
November 16, 2016
Very accessible, with good access to beach and coastal trails. Subject to the marine layer more than most West Marin coastal locations due to its gradual grade down to the Pacific, so days that may be sunny in nearby Mill Valley many never clear at Haypress. I've twice seen bobcats along the trail to Haypress, so keep your eyes peeled.
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Aja P.
November 29, 2015
Haypress: my ol' reliable when the camping itch strikes but I don't want to drive too far to sleep under the stars. While there is no fee (and a yearly cap on visits), permits are required and can be obtained from the Marin Headlands Visitors Center. They're open til 4pm, but if you can't make it before they close they'll stick the permit in a little drop box outside for you to pick up. At the end of Tennessee Valley Road, you'll find a large parking lot (although this will overflow on the weekends). Follow the paved path .3 miles til you see a dirt track heading back into the hills. After about .6 miles you'll find a clean pit toilet and 5 comfortable sites, all of which are excellent base camps for adventures in the Headlands.
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Alex W.
September 17, 2015
This isn't actually a first come first serve campsite - you have to make reservations with the Marin Headlands Visitor Center at 415-331-1540. We're headed there this weekend, super excited.
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Sal M.
August 16, 2015
This Place is Decent, It's a first come first serve campground that is accessible by a short 15min .8 mile walk from the parking lot. The camping is free as is the parking. Basically no Shade at the campsites and no fires allowed/ no fire rings but it's free.

Other campgrounds in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Your guide to camping in Haypress Campground

Overview

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! Our friends at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy also have made a list of their 7 favorite rides .

Boating

Stow Lake, in Golden Gate park, is a great spot for inexperienced boaters. Cruising around this lake is truly a joy ride, as this part of the park has some wonderful views of the surrounding area and the city. Paddleboat and rowboats can be rented close to the lake.

Fishing

Recreational anglers in this area can (with a little patience and some good bait) expect to catch things like brown smoothhound, pile surfperch and white croaker. Chrissy Field also offers a spot where visitors can fish and crab without a license — just make sure to pay attention to any posted regulations.

Hiking

Golden Gate National Recreation area is huge! Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate National Recreation Area has it. There are some of the best trails in Northern California, beautiful natural areas, historic sites, and you’ve probably seen most of them on postcards numerous times (with wide eyes and a yearning to be there). One of our favorite hikes is the Land’s End Lookout, or anywhere along Bolinas Ridge. They are quality spots to go for a casual hike, or if the weather is nice, watch the sunset. One of the most popular hikes (and for good reason) is Muir Woods . The trees are insanely huge and there are gorgeous views. Just make sure you stop by for a beer at the German Tourist Club, it’s a local secret and a very unique spot. Remember to check and make sure it is open before you go (they have a very limited schedule). If you’re into checking out massive gun batteries (which were used to defend the Bay at one point), then you’ll want to check out the Marin Headlands . You’ll also be spoiled with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate bridge...nice!

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 as you are out there on the water, with gorgeous iconic scenery surrounding you. If you’re looking for something extra special, try to hit this kayak spot at sunset. Need a kayak? No worries! You can get your rentals, or join an awesome tour !

Wind sports

Crissy Field shoreline is a popular spot for kiteboarding. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s rad (and boasts some ridiculous views)!

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 day). I mean, Kelly Slater did win the Rip Curl Pro here! Surfing Ocean Beach can be an amazing experience, but it is also considered a very hard paddle out, so probably best for intermediate-to-advanced surfers. Some other great options are Fort Point, which is a left handed break right under the Golden Gate Bridge, and, a bit further north, Stinson Beach. Make sure you check out conditions before you jump in.

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 such as harbor seals, sea lions, river otter, mountain lions and monarch butterflies.

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