A shot of multiple campsites at Haypress Campground.

Bulletin board and Sites 3, 4, and 5 at Haypress Campground.

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

Haypress Campground

Open

Open March through November. Reservations required via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Maximum stay is 3 nights per season per camper. No potable water available; campers must bring their own supply and pack out all trash.

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About

Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area near Mill Valley. The 0.7-mile hike from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot makes this an ideal destination for first-time backpackers seeking an accessible backcountry experience close to the San Francisco Bay Area. The campground spans a grassy swath lined by eucalyptus trees, with California quail, raptors, deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats frequenting the area. Campers often enjoy hiking to nearby Tennessee Beach (2 miles), known for its dramatic geology and colorful sand. Other popular destinations include Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), and Rodeo Beach (4 miles). The world-renowned geology of the area features outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert along the trails. Temperatures remain mild year-round with lows of 50-55°F and highs of 60-65°F. Fog is prevalent from May through September, so layered clothing is recommended. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Cold War era Nike Missile Site, and Muir Woods National Monument are all within a short drive of the trailhead.

Directions

From US-101 N, take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road dead-ends at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From the parking lot, hike 0.7 miles on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail.