The vista high atop Hawk Camp.
Two hikers walk the fire road.
The winding path from Hawk Camp.

Hawk Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in March. Reservations available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is three nights per year.

Coastal Flood Advisory issued December 29 at 1:13PM PST until January 4 at 2:00PM PST by NWS San Francisco CA

1:13 PM — December 30th, 5:00 AM

* WHAT...Up to 1.8 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay shoreline, Monterey Bay shoreline, and the Pacific Coast. * WHEN...From 5 AM Wednesday to 2 PM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be: 1.5 ft above normal (7.36 ft MLLW) at 7:51 AM Wednesday 12/31 1.7 ft above normal (7.55 ft MLLW) at 8:41 AM Thursday 1/1 1.8 ft above normal (7.66 ft MLLW) at 9:34 AM Friday 1/2 1.8 ft above normal (7.63 ft MLLW) at 10:26 AM Saturday 1/3 1.6 ft above normal (7.42 ft MLLW) at 11:18 AM Sunday 1/4 These predictions include 0.5 feet of storm surge that will enhance the astronomical tide and flooding threat. High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.

About

Hawk Campground is the most remote campground in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, perched high above Tennessee Valley with sweeping views of the Marin Headlands. This primitive backpacking camp requires a strenuous uphill hike of either 2.5 miles from Tennessee Valley Trailhead or 3.5 miles from Miwok Trailhead, making it ideal for experienced backpackers seeking solitude and spectacular vistas. The campground features three walk-in sites nestled under a cluster of Monterey cypress and pine trees, each accommodating up to four guests with tent pads, food lockers, and picnic tables. The surrounding landscape is biodiverse coastal scrub dotted with manzanita, coyote brush, and sagebrush. Wildlife is abundant, with raptors soaring overhead and frequent visits from deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. From the campground, hikers can access Tennessee Beach, the Marine Mammal Center, Rodeo Beach, and Point Bonita Lighthouse. The area's geology is world-renowned, particularly the radiolarian chert outcrops along the trails. Temperatures remain mild year-round with lows of 50-55°F and highs of 60-65°F, though fog is prevalent May through September. Campers must pack in all water and pack out all trash, as no water is available on-site.

Directions

From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road, which dead-ends at Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. Locate the white service gate near the stables and hike up Marincello Trail to Hawk Camp Trail (2.5 miles uphill). Alternatively, access via 3.5 mile uphill hike from Miwok Trailhead in the Marin Headlands.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov
Phone +1 (415) 331-1540

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

The vista high atop Hawk Camp.
Two hikers walk the fire road.
The winding path from Hawk Camp.
A campsite with cypress trees in the distance.
Full view of Hawk Campground
Hawk Campground offers rolling views of the Headlands.

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