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Kirby Cove Campground

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An amazing retreat into nature, Kirby Cove boasts the best view of the Golden Gate bridge.

The best part? It's only a 20-30 minute drive from San Francisco.

This campground is a walk-in that may be tough to reserve, but it's worth looking into if you’re looking to camp while in the city. Deer will wander through and raccoons might try to steal some snacks, so make good use of the lockers. Kirby Cove=cool camping.

Protip: There is sometimes a rope swing set up down by the beach.

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Available campgrounds nearby

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

More to explore nearby

97%
47 ratings · 15 reviews
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Nate R.recommends
May 18, 2021
A beautiful place to get away from the city, right in our own backyard
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Jennifer E.
March 9, 2019
This is a very unique location. Believe every word about the raccoons - they are aggressive. When we were there they ripped into a tent with a little girl eating a granola bar so if you got little ones, be watchful. There's also coyotes that yap at night - didn't see them in camp but just know they're around. That said, it's beautiful. We were there on a non-foggy night and there were fog horns not super bad. Also bring a wagon - someone mentioned wheelbarrows on-site, but we didn't see them. You can rent one a sports basement - with the few dollars. The winds can really kick-up and shift making campfires interesting. We passed the entrance to the road the first time through. If you use Waze or Google maps they do mark the right place
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Cassidy D.recommends
February 19, 2019
The best parking for Kirby cove is immediately off of the 101, before driving up the road into the Marin headlands. There is a one mile trail up the road, directly next to this parking. This will save you from the pain of the car parked with it's hazards on that follows the stream of tourists taking photos next to the Golden Gate Bridge
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Nick L.recommends
December 18, 2018
Once you park in the campground parking you will have to walk a ways to the campsite, there are wheel barrows to aid in this, and hay to lay on the ground for your tent and the wet foggy grass. RACCOONS WILL DO WHAT EVER THEY WANT HERE. They even ripped into my tent while I was asleep inside. The area is amazing, had deer walk through camp, all in view of the Golden Gate and city, but the raccoons are a major buzz kill. They have no boundary. Also the fog horn from the bridge will keep you up if there is fog. Bring ear plugs. Site has pit toilets, picnic tables, bear box, and fire ring.
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El F.recommends
August 8, 2018
I came here several times as a kid and it was magical. I highly recommend for families with younger children as a first time camping trip as it’s close to home and city conveniences.
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Thuy T.
April 14, 2018
How to make reservation at Kirk Cove Campground ? I’ve tried so many many times but all the sites had been fully booked before the time we’re allowed to make the booking (10am of the day 3 months in advance). I don’t understand how they can do it. Anyone can explain me why ?
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Lizanne R.recommends
May 18, 2017
Use the food boxes as the raccoons are aggressive.
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Karen A.recommends
May 14, 2017
Whales can be spotted off the coast in May, keep an eye out!
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Kristal B.
March 8, 2017
You gotta be lucky to get a spot but it is so worth it. I had two broken ankles when I had my reservation for 1 night but I still made it out anyway. We were lucky enough to be there on a night without the blaring fog horn, but its the Bay Area, and it gets foggy sometimes so be prepared with noise canceling head wear. A WONDERFUL SCENIC VIEW from the beach!
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Rob G.
September 2, 2016
This is one of those super hard to reserve campgrounds. But I've snagged a site with a few days notice, probably due to a cancellation, and it's worth cancelling work to go. Ear plugs can be helpful if fog and boat horns annoy you. There are usually several wheelbarrows at the parking area to haul gear, but sometimes people forget (cough) to bring them back from sites for others to use. A nice trick is to get a campsite, then reserve the day use area so your pals can come down and enjoy the beach for a day. You get some parking, and the day use area is fabulous too.
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Squidney S.
January 15, 2016
This is one of my favorite camp sites! Good views of Golden Gate Bridge and access to the beach! It was fairly quiet in late March.
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Adrienne N.
August 4, 2015
A beautiful campground! Couldn't be in a more scenic location. This campground is very popular so be prepared to book far in advance.
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Jason M.
July 8, 2015
Site #1 is the most scenic by far. Views of the city, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge from your tent & from your camp. But, if you have a big group, try to book sites 2 & 3 together. Site 4 is the most private, but is back in the woods, farthest from the beach.
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Kari K.
June 2, 2015
The views of the city and the bridge are amazing at night. Avoid camping there on foggy nights the foghorn goes off every minute ( all night if it is foggy all night) Ear plugs will not help since the fog horn is very close.
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Alyssa R.
April 5, 2015
This campground can go from sunny to foggy in a snap, so be sure to pack layers!

Other campgrounds in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Your guide to camping in Kirby Cove 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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