Kirby Cove Campground

4.6·88 reviews
·Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Overview

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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Bbq

    (All campsites have Bbq)

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 1:00 pm)

  • Checkout Time

    (Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 0')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 20)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 4)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (There are variety of Shade. Such as full and true.)

  • Site Access

    (5 of 6 campsites have Site Acceses)

Natural Features

Tents dispersed at Kirby Cove, amidst green grass and Monterrey cypress. - Credits: NPS
Kirby Cove Campground with cypress trees, dirt trails, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. - Credits: Lara Volski NPS
Kirby Cove at night, with the Golden Gate Bridge lit up across the bay. - Credits: Alison Taggart-Barone NPS
Kirby Cove Campsite with green grass, trees, and three picnic tables around a fire ring. - Credits: NPS

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.

Recreation

The beach at Kirby Cove, with dramatic cliffs, dark volcanic sand, and frothy water. - Credits: Share the Experience, Derek Neumann

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.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-Up to 15ft

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.

Additional Information

Campsites