California / Marin County / Marin Headlands State Park / Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Bicentennial Campground

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Limited to three nights per person per season.

About

Bicentennial Campground is the most accessible campground in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's Marin Headlands, located just 200 yards down a moderately steep, packed dirt trail from the parking area near Battery Wallace. The campground features three walk-in tent sites nestled within a secluded cypress grove, offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city of San Francisco. Each campsite accommodates up to three guests and includes a picnic table, barbecue grill, and food locker to protect against wildlife including raccoons, deer, coyotes, and bobcats that frequent the area. The campground is ideal for those wanting to camp near the city while enjoying the natural beauty of the coastal headlands. The Marin Headlands offers excellent hiking opportunities with many trails featuring scenic views nearby. Rodeo Beach is approximately 1.5 miles away, and the historic Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site are within walking distance. Campers should note there is no water available at the campground, so all drinking, cooking, and cleaning water must be packed in. Water is available at public restrooms on Field Road, approximately one mile away at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. The campground has a portable restroom on-site, with a pit toilet located 0.5 miles away at Bicentennial Picnic Area. Due to the walk-in nature, many campers use carts or wagons to transport supplies from their vehicles.

Directions

From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take exit 442 onto Alexander Avenue. Continue straight, then turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue for approximately 2 miles on Bunker Road. Turn left onto Field Road, drive less than 0.5 miles uphill, and make a left onto Rathbone Road, followed by an immediate right onto a one-way road. Signs will direct you to Bicentennial Campground parking. From Marin, take US-101 South to the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue, turn right at the stop sign, continue for about a quarter mile, then turn left onto Bunker Road and follow the directions above.

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