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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history from California’s indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, the Mexican Republic, US military expansion and the growth of San Francisco. All of this and more awaits you, so get out and find your park.
RecAreaDirections
Golden Gate National Recreation Area has many sites that span over 60 miles of mostly coastal areas north and south of San Francisco. Park areas can be reached by Highways 1, 101 and 280 from the north and south San Francisco Bay Area, and by Highway 80 from the East Bay.
To access park headquarters at Fort Mason, please use the entrance at Franklin and Bay Streets in San Francisco.
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Permits info
Facilities
Haypress Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 0.7 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Facilities
This primitive hike-in campground has five overnight sites that accommodate up to four guests, and one group overnight site that accommodates up to 25 guests. Water must be packed in, and trash must be packed out. Each campsite has a tent pad and a food locker, and the group site has two picnic tables. The campground has two vault toilets in total. There is generally no cellphone service at the campground or at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot.
Natural Features
Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far.
Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area Tours Ticket Facility
Perched at the southernmost tip of the Marin Headlands, the Point Bonita Lighthouse has marked the entrance to the Golden Gate since 1855. Surrounded by cliffs, this lighthouse is a remnant of the simplicity, beauty, and adventure that characterized what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper at Point Bonita. On the Point Bonita Lighthouse Sunset Tour, you will enjoy stunning sunset views and learn the compelling story of this landmark. The tour will include elements of natural and cultural history as well as thought-provoking guided discussion that ties the lighthouse’s history to our present. This 90-minute tour starts at the Point Bonita Trailhead where you will check in with a ranger. Led by the ranger, the group will go on a half mile hike to the lighthouse, which includes a downhill slope, a hand carved tunnel, and a suspension bridge to the lighthouse itself. The suspension bridge has a sheer drop on either side. There is a limit of 40 people per tour. The trail has a 27% grade at its steepest point but is mildly sloped or flat most of the way. This trail is not ADA Accessible. Please let us know what reasonable accommodations you need.
Muir Woods National Monument Visitor Center Visitor Center
Please visit gomuirwoods.com for reservations. Starting Saturday, May 28 our new operating hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The Muir Woods Visitor Center is open 8:00 am to 30 minutes before the park closes.
KIRBY COVE CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California.
Recreation
Hiking, picnicking and taking in the beautiful views from Kirby Cove are among the park's most popular activities.
Visitors also enjoy exploring Battery Kirby, a historic army battery in use from 1898-1934. The Point Bonita Lighthouse and Nike Missile Site SF-88 are also close to the campsite.
Facilities
Kirby Cove offers five overnight camping sites and one day-use picnic site, all reached via driving on a steep access road. The day-use site is available as an accessible picnic site for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility. Sites 2 and 5 are available as accessible campsites for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility. Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about accessibility.
Natural Features
Kirby Cove offers a pristine coarse-sand beach with spectacular views - when it's not foggy - of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and northern San Francisco, including the historic Presidio. The cove is nestled at the foot of the craggy Marin Headlands and has beach access.
A steep, mile-long trail to the cove begins at the parking area above Battery Spencer on Conzelman Road. The path descends through a stately grove of Monterrey pine and cypress and Blue Gum eucalyptus. Coastal sage and colorful Lupine dot the hillsides.
Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Kirby Cove.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is just a 20-minute drive from Kirby Cove. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.Downtown San Francisco offers a myriad of restaurants, shops, museums and tourist attractions. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are popular destinations. Visitors love riding San Francisco's world famous cable cars up and down the city's hilly streets.
Charges & Cancellations
The Kirby Cove Day Use Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.
You may also refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
Hawk Campground Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Hawk Campground is located above Tennessee Valley and offers sweeping views of the Marin Headlands. The site is a 2.5 mile uphill hike from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot, or a 3.5 mile uphill hike from Miwok Trailhead in the Marin Headlands. This campground is recommended for experienced backpackers. The hike may be steep, but the views are more than worth it.
Recreation
Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and are often populated by hikers regardless of time-of-year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (4 miles), the Marine Mammal Center (4 miles), Rodeo Beach (4.3 miles), or the Point Bonita Lighthouse (5 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.
Facilities
This primitive campground has three overnight sites that accommodate up to four guests each. Water must be packed in, and trash must be packed out. Each site has a tent pad, a food locker, and a picnic table. There is one port-a-john. There is limited cell service at the campground, and no cell service at either of the recommended parking areas (Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot or the Miwok Trailhead parking area.)
Natural Features
Hawk Campground sits atop of the rolling landscape of the Marin Headlands, within a biodiverse coastal scrub landscape. While the campground itself is situated under a cluster of Monterey cypress and pine, the undulating hills leading up to it are dotted with manzanita, coyote brush and sagebrush. Raptors frequently soar overhead, and deer, coyotes, foxes and bobcats share the landscape with campers. The geology that underlies the Marin Headlands and Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, the outcrops of radiolarian chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far. There are multiple black sand beaches within hiking distance of the campground.
Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Hawk Campground.
Nearby Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 5-minute drive from the Miwok Trailhead parking area or a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot or. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods.
Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Nike Missile Site SF-88.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center Facility
The visitor center is the go to place to find out what is happening and what there is to do in the Presidio. Discover the Presidio through a large relief map, inspiring video, engaging exhibitions on history and nature, interactive tools, and knowledgeable staff that can help you uncover the incredible array of experiences possible here.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center Facility
The plaza is the starting point for all your bridge-related adventures. From here, you can learn about the history of the bridge and its impact on the Bay Area with the help of interactive installations and models, including a cross-section of the bridge's main suspension cable. There is limited paid parking at the plaza, and we highly recommend that you take public transit.
Lands End Lookout Visitor Center Facility
Facilities include visitor information, cafe & gift shop. Exhibits: Indoor exhibits and videos on the natural and cultural history of the Lands End area, Sutro Baths and Sutro Heights. Outdoor 3-D model of Lands End area.
BICENTENNIAL CAMPGROUND Campground
List of CampsitesOverview
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.
Recreation
The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.
Facilities
Bicentennial Campground has three campsites each accommodating up to three guests. Barbecue grills, food lockers and picnic tables are provided. The campground has a portable restroom on site and a pit toilet nearby.Natural Features
The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.Nearby Attractions
Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.
Charges & Cancellations
Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.
