The best camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Golden Gate National Recreation Area adventure.

98% (71 reviews)

Hike in Muir Woods or rattle the bars at Alcatraz with a visit to the City by the Bay.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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(47)

Kirby Cove Campground

4 sites In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

83%

(3)

Hawk Camp Campground

3 sites In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Haypress Campground

5 sites In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Bicentennial Campground

3 sites In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Rob Hill Campground

2 sites In Golden Gate National Recreation Area

from

$100

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Golden Gate National Recreation Area

98%

(354)

Blackberry Farm

6 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Bolinas, CA

Blackberry Farm sits on the western side of Mount Tamalpais, tucked in the Gospel Flat area of Bolinas. The family farm and residence were established during the late 1970s on the site of the historic Peter’s Dairy Ranch. The original farmhouse dates back to the late 19th century and survived the great 1906 earthquake. Today, the 7-acre farm is being restored to sustainably support fruit orchards, cottage flower and kitchen gardens, honey bees, a boisterous flock of chickens, and naughty shetland sheep. Our self-serve farmstand attached to our barn has seasonal flowers, organic eggs, heirloom fruit, and local goods from the farm. Our property is the perfect rustic getaway for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be surrounded by farm/ranch life: chickens clucking, roosters crowing, bees buzzing, and sheep bleating. We also have active nighttime wildlife: coyotes howling, raccoons foraging, owls hooting, etc. Bring earplugs if nature sounds are too much for you. We offer 4 walk-in tent sites that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. We welcome well-behaved pets ON LEASH that won’t harass the chickens, cats, sheep, other campers, or residents. Unruly pets and their campers will be asked to leave. No refund. Limit: 1 dog per site. Pitch your tent in a meadow shared by: Campsite 1 - left side of the meadow, closest to the common area and hot tub. Campsite 2 - middle of the meadow, closest to our fenced apiary and bee garden. Campsite 3 - right side of the meadow, near the orchard. (sites 1 and 3 are next to each other) Campsite 4 - front of the pasture, closest to the parking area (best for car/van campers wanting space to lounge near their parked vehicle.) Multiple sites may be booked for group camping. Sites 1 and 3 are next to each other under the Cypress Trees. Add site 2 if you would like the entire back half of the campground. Add site 4 if you'd like to have a maximum number of 16 total campers and 2 tents/per site. The common area has an outdoor shower, hot tub, covered bbq/cook area, tented (weather-protected) hangout space, and a place to stash your surfboard. The pizza oven is not available for campground use. Redwood Grove hangout areas have seating and tree swings. Please pack out your trash. We offer a recycling bin for glass bottles, cans, and clean paper. Parking is 100 yds or less from the campsites. We have a large wheelbarrow to help you cart your camping gear across the pasture to your campsite. No driving onto or parking in the meadow. Due to the narrow driveway and parking area (lack of turnaround), the site cannot accommodate RVs, trailers, or oversize vehicles beyond 16ft in length, 7ft in width, or 10 ft in height. 1 car per campsite, please. 15-minute walk to the beach and downtown.

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Kings Mountain Camp w/ ocean views

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Woodside, CA

Breathe deep in nature on our 10-acre property on a hillside in Kings Mountain, California. Our generously sized Safari-style tents offer a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent has beds, down comforters, crisp cotton linens, lights, and more. Outdoor and indoor furniture and lots of little touches will make your stay unique. Each tent is perched on a sturdy wooden platform and features a fully furnished deck, providing a cozy space to relax and soak in the breathtaking ocean (Half Moon Bay views) and forest views (Kings Mountain). All tents include a mini fridge and a stove, which are ideal for light cooking, intimate fireside storytelling, and warmth during cool mornings and evenings. We suggest you bring easy-to-prep food, drinks, warm clothes, hiking shoes, and a beanie, as it can get chilly without notice. Your designated parking space is a 6-minute walk from the campsite (downhill on arrival, then back uphill (steep) in the forest), so we recommend traveling light. Our campsite is nestled within the same property as our charming little farm. If you're interested in meeting our friendly farm animals, get in touch, and we'll be delighted to arrange a visit at a time that works best for you and them. While our animals rest peacefully at night, our vigilant dog Messy stands guard, ensuring the safety of our chickens and goats from any potential predators. Her bark is a reassuring sign that our farm is well-protected. You may also hear our chickens starting their day with the early morning egg-laying routine! Our goats roam the land all day and may visit you for pets and nuzzles. They are gentle, but please do not feed or let them inside the tent. Recharge from the day with a hot shower. Grab your fresh towels from your tent and go to your allocated bathhouses, where you’ll find an indoor shower and well-appointed restrooms. They are nicely lit and stocked with bath products. Additionally, a sink area is available for dish clean-up. Kings Mountain is famous for its hiking and biking trails nested amongst the redwoods. The closest is a 15-minute walk from our campsite, and dozens of others are within a 15-minute car ride. Tent 01 (180sqft) accommodates three people in a queen-size bed and a daybed. Tent 02 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a bunk bed Tent 03 (210sqft) accommodates four people: two in a queen-size bed and two in a twin bed + daybed Shower/bathroom (Distance from tent 1 40 feet). Shower and bathroom (Distance from tent 02 30 feet, tent 03 25 feet) List of complimentary amenities PER TENT: -Board games (uno / chess / playing cards / monopoly / scrable) -Books -Binoculars -Radio -Harmonica -Hand fans -Hot water bottle -First aid kit -Fresh eggs from our farm (you can purchase more at our farm stand) -Tea (Shangri LA tea) -Coffee (Grand Coffee SF) -Wifi (starlink) -Indoor and outdoor furniture (ie: chairs, beds, closet, containers) -Hot water kettle -Coffee maker -Mini fridge -Camping stove: one extra gas canister -Bedding: Comforters (1 per person) -Pillows (1 per person) -Wool blanket (1 per tent) -Cotton linens -Food utensils: Plates -Bowls -Cups -Mugs -Salt -Pepper and Minimal cookware -Tap water (drinkable) -Electricity (solar / limited use mindfully) -Wood Stove: Firewood for stove (heating and cooking) -Fire starter -Lighter - One parking spot per tent (inquire about additional parking when necessary) Outdoor Bath house: -Towels: hand towel (1 per stay per person), bath towel (1 per stay per person) -Hot water (limited, use mindfully), -Amenities: body wash, shower gel, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner -Toilet - Evening campfire upon demand (in the common area), otherwise called “The Lookout”. Please note in the event of “high fire danger,” fires are not permitted. Fires are managed by us; guests are not allowed to light the fire in the lookout area by themselves. Children: Kids under the age of 10 are not allowed. An adult must accompany minors under 21 YO. Quiet Hours: For the enjoyment of all guests, we ask for quiet time all day and do not allow loud music at any time of day, and the same goes for loud discussions and partying. Think of it as a whispering experience. Please remember that our tents are made of canvas, and sound travels through the canyon. If we receive any noise complaints, you will be asked to leave.

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The Ranch at Cross Road

11 sites · RVs, Tents84 acres · Livermore, CA

Welcome to the ranch at cross road! We are a family owned organic farm in the heart of Livermore wine country. We have 10 camp sites spread across the property for you to choose from. The property is 15 minutes from Lake Del Valle and some of the best wineries and breweries California has to offer. Settle in and enjoy amazing sunsets every night with us! We accommodate tents,Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars. Our guests love us too! "I had a wonderful stay at Matt’s ranch! It was easy to find even as it was starting to get dark, and the campsites were well lit and easy to find. The ranch is beautiful. It was such a treat to stay here. I would definitely stay again."

94%

(17)

New Carpati Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Sebastopol, CA

New Carpati Farm is a family farm and homestead that welcomes visitors! It is characterized by a view that goes for miles, overlooking evergreen fields along the Laguna Santa Rosa. Features of the Property: - Open fields - A barn with a mural of its residents: two Alpacas and 7 Jacob Sheep - A flower farm featuring magnificent Dahlias - A Treehouse - Several Camping Sites under trees or in the sun - A Glamping Tent - A hot tub tucked way in the trees New Carpati Farm is 8-10 minutes from downtown Sebastopol towards Highway 101, a great base to explore Sonoma County, from Bodega Bay to the Redwoods of Occidental, The Russian River, Healdsburg, and Petaluma. Hiking is great all year long. Quaint towns like Sebastopol, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa are nearby. The ocean is 30 minutes to the west and Sonoma and Napa wine country are 45-60. We hope to host you in this lovely place!

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Dreamy California Coast Airstreams

4 sites · Lodging30 acres · Pescadero, CA

This is private 30 acres property overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking ocean cliff view. Stunning sunrise and sunset greet you in these fully equipped Airstreams. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, BBQ, Pizza oven, A/C, Heater, full kitchen with all necessary cookware and serving dishes to cook inside the airstream or on the BBQ or Pizza oven outside. Comes will full bathroom with hot shower. Truly a rare and memorable experience, located within 9 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.

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(63)

#2 HMB Highway Overnight Rest Stop

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Half Moon Bay, CA

WELCOME PLEASE READ! Overnight parking and Rest Stop on South Highway One. One vehicle only, Car, Pickup Truck, Small Van, Motorcycle are Welcome. Private road and shared picnic area for One of Two Parking Spots. Walk to beach bluffs 10 minutes. Potable water. Bathrooms. Fire pit and wood and picnic table (shared area) Tents okay. An abundance of seasonal wildflowers and wild berries Year round. Observe rare. Species of birds Close walk to town for shopping and festivals. ********************************************* Next to FARM horses and chickens. Ocean may be loud. Highway may be heard. No pets please. No towable Trailers or RVs over 20 feet. Noise curfew is sundown. No parties in this location. Check in after 2pm Check out is noon.

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Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch

1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA

Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone. This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource. *A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis. Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park. Property History: At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people. Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout. The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.

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The Olive Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Novato, CA

Excellent Group Site! We only host one group at a time so you can be with your family and friends in a large, flat and private space. We listed the site for up to 12 campers but feel free to reach out if your group is bigger. Please check out the newest addition of our cabin bunkhouse. Take a look at the pictures - you can add it to your stay as an extra when you book! The land was originally purchased in the 1980's. Since then, it has been used by four generations of the family as a place to gather, relax, camp and even celebrate. I had my wedding on the property in 2010. For a few years we held an annual music festival with the very inventive name of Samapalooza. Up to 400 people would attend the day filled with live music, food and drinks. You will still find the stage and bar we built as an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Around 2008, my father and I planted our first olive trees. Many have been planted since which has gifted the land the timeless sense of purpose it deserves. My father dedicated his last years to tending the young trees and now I have taken the mantle to carry the farm forward. 'The Property', as it is known amongst family and friends has always been a place to camp. I have sat around the same fire ring for decades, rain or shine. I hope that fellow hipcampers can find the joy that my family and I have experienced here. This is a very private camp on a small olive farm. Geographically close to highways and the town of Novato, Sonoma and Napa wine country, this camp feels remote and secluded. Only one camp on the property to keep it private and special. You basically have your run of the land. We have just updated the land and made some nice improvements. Located on ten acres, you will drive past a small olive grove before reaching the spacious and open campground. Just up the hill from the camp is a private pond where you can fish, take out a small boat or just sit and watch the birds. It can be great swimming on hot summer days. This spot has been used by the family for decades and is now open to share with fellow nature lovers. Just a note: While the majority of the time you can expect complete privacy, this is a working olive farm. From time to time you may run into me (Sam) or someone else associated with the land. We will always do our best to respect your space.

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Lobitos Creek

1 site · RV, Tent24 acres · Half Moon Bay, CA

Beautiful view from the quiet camping spot. Picnic table and porta potty. Dog friendly. There is only one big camp spot. Quiet and private. Four miles to hwy. 1 and the beaches. Close to Open Space trails. 20 Minutes to historic little town of Half Moon Bay. 30 Minutes to the harbor. Fresh fish, fresh local vegetables for sale. Moderate temperatures at 700 feet, sunny skies cooled by the marine layer below. But watch the weather report for winter storms.

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Euphorbia Gardens

1 site · Lodging12 acres · Bolinas, CA

Enjoy this beautiful land and gardens in our new geo dome! This dome is nestled in the lush succulent and cacti gardens and has beautiful sunset views. On the property are two large greenhouses that were originally built by Herman Schwartz in the 70s. The greenhouses were abandon for many years and are undergoing restoration, however, they are still magnificent with some cacti being 40-50 years old! Guests are welcome to tour them and the property where there is also a beautiful pond. This property is the perfect peaceful getaway. In the dome, we have floor pads, a space heater, side tables and a lamp. We advise to bring your own bedding. Temperatures do drop so please plan accordingly. Bathrooms with sinks are near the dome. During the week, we have an outdoor preschool on the property so you might see little tables and play areas around the land.

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Tunitas Beach Overlook - Airstream

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Half Moon Bay, CA

On 9 private acres overlooking the stunning Tunitas Beach and Pacific ocean from a breathtaking cliff top view. Stunning sunrises and sunset greet you in this fully equipped new 2023 Airstream. Fully loaded with all the amenities to make your glamping experience perfect. Fire pit, outside BBQ, outside griddle, A/C and fully stocked kitchen. Comes will full bathroom with shower. Truly a rare experience and located within 10 mins of Half Moon Bay shopping. Beach access short walk or drive.

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Salmon Creek Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Bodega Bay, CA

Located within 45 minutes of the wine country and 2 miles from the coast, our property is 400 acres of rolling hills and redwood groves, with a creek running along its base. With miles of trails meandering through quiet woods and meadows, you will be able to revel in the tranquility of a private preserve, without sacrificing easy access to some of Sonoma County's most famous attractions. A hundred years ago, this land was used to graze sheep. Remnants of the old fence lines can still be seen in places, along with old cement troughs. Since then, the land has been left to its own devices, passing through many hands, most famously owned by two brothers in the 1980's who built a truly amazing tree house in the forest which has been featured in several magazine articles. It was revamped and updated in 2016 by a master craftsman, using fallen redwood logs found on the property and is now a unique structural work of art, available for overnight stays. We produce 100% grass fed, dry-aged beef on our certified organic pastures and have a store on site if you would like to purchase delicious steaks, ribs, ground beef for hamburgers or some roasts to take home. Our cattle graze on the native grasses, never grain, and drink only water produced from our own springs. We also raise Kiko meat goats and produce pastured, certified organic duck eggs on a commercial basis. Whether it's surfing at sandy beaches, award-winning clam chowder, a wine tour, horseback riding or a hot air balloon ride you're after, you won't have far to drive if you make our ranch your base camp. You may see a family of deer appear suddenly, or a few Scottish Highland cows which we allow to roam freely over the property. There are over twenty species of wild birds that grace this protected spot, so bring your binoculars! A portion of your fee goes towards protecting native flora and fauna as part of our private wildlife preservation program. A limited number of private, widely spaced camp spots are available for visitors. The Eagles' Nest Treehouse (mentioned above) is very isolated and you may or may not even be aware that there are other people within miles of you. For those who value nature, seclusion, quiet and the artistry of old growth redwood, this is the place for you.

The best camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Spanning several counties and various tracts of land, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is a must visit. Learn more about the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island or view the Point Bonita Lighthouse. This lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse in California. At Fort Point, explore the base that protected California from the Gold Rush to World War II.

More than 13 million people visit the areas run by the Nation Park Service. Enjoy cooler weather and massive old-growth redwood trees as you hike to the Muir Woods National Monument. The two most popular sights along the trail are Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove — don't forget your camera. Discover California's Cold War Past at the Nike Missile Site with a tour of the museum.

The parks conservancy offers four different campsites in different locations. You can reserve a spot online. Watch the stars from the group camping area in the Presidio.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Golden Gate National Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer often brings fog, which can obscure views, while winter may present rain and colder temperatures. Plan your visit for mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for current alerts and conditions before your visit.
Accessibility resources are available; inquire ahead to ensure a smooth experience.
Download the NPS app for detailed information and maps of the park.
Remember, Golden Gate is one of the most dog-friendly national parks, but check where your furry friends are allowed.
Visitor centers operate from 8:30am to 5pm; plan accordingly to make the most of your trip.