Kirby Cove Campground
View of Kirby Cove Sites 3, 2, and 5 from a distance.
A wooden footbridge leads across a small stream onto a dirt trail. Shown are some of the tall trees of Kirby Cove campground and one of the pit toilets.

Kirby Cove Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from early March through November 30. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov. Limited to three nights per camper per season.

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

December 29th, 1:13 PM — 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

Kirby Cove Campground offers a unique camping experience in the Marin Headlands with unparalleled views of one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this tent-only campground features five overnight sites and one group day-use area, all nestled in a secluded canyon at the base of the rugged Marin Headlands. Access to the campground requires entering through two locked gates on Conzelman Road near Battery Spencer, followed by a mile-long descent on a steep dirt road through stately groves of Monterey cypress, pine, and Blue Gum eucalyptus. The parking area is separate from the campsites, requiring up to a 200-yard walk to reach your site. The campground sits at the edge of a coarse-sand beach with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic Presidio, and the San Francisco skyline when fog permits. The area is rich with history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore Battery Kirby, a historic army battery that operated from 1898 to 1934, or venture to nearby attractions including Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88. The hillsides are dotted with coastal sage and colorful lupine, and the mild coastal climate features year-round temperatures in the 50-65 degree range, though summer fog is prevalent from May through September. Traffic noise from the Golden Gate Bridge can be audible at night.

Directions

From San Francisco traveling north: 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 turn left onto McCullough Road after the speed bumps. Continue uphill to the traffic circle and take the 2nd exit onto Conzelman Road. Travel downhill on the one-way road to Battery Spencer. The Kirby Cove service gates are a sharp right turn. Enter gate codes provided upon reservation and drive one mile down the dirt trail to the parking lot.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $40

Vehicle

Max RV Length 0ft
Max Trailer Length 0ft
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

Kirby Cove Campground
View of Kirby Cove Sites 3, 2, and 5 from a distance.
A wooden footbridge leads across a small stream onto a dirt trail. Shown are some of the tall trees of Kirby Cove campground and one of the pit toilets.
Kirby Cove offers beach access with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Kirby Cove on a clear night offers a magical view of the famous bridge and the City by the Bay.

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