Description

You can see the breathtaking Golden Gate bridge and a the bay glistening below you from the Bicentennial Campground.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, this is the best place in Golden Gate Park for some killer views. You can also grill at Battery Wallace, which is only a short walk away. Did we mention its free?

Campsite area
Tent sites
3 sites
Up to 3 guests per site
Other
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Toilet available
No campfires
Amenities
Kitchen available
Picnic table available

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

Whether fast single track mountain biking is your thing, or you’re more of a road bike warrior , GGNRA will be your bag, baby!...Read more

Boating

Stow Lake, in Golden Gate park, is a great spot for inexperienced boaters. Cruising around this lake is truly a joy ride, as th...Read more

Fishing

Recreational anglers in this area can (with a little patience and some good bait) expect to catch things like brown smoothhound...Read more

Hiking

Golden Gate National Recreation area is huge! Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate National...Read more

Horseback riding

Trails near Golden Gate at Fort Funston offer an amazing place to ride horseback.

Paddling

Paddling at the Golden Gate is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have in California. Let your stoke levels build ...Read more

Wind sports

Crissy Field shoreline is a popular spot for kiteboarding. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s rad (and boasts some ridiculous vi...Read more

Surfing

Ever heard of Ocean Beach? It’s a massive expanse of coastline that happens to also have some world class breaks (on the right ...Read more

Wildlife watching

Don’t let the urban feel of Golden Gate fool you – there is plenty of wildlife to see here. Be on the lookout for animals su...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Bicentennial Campground.

Beach
Forest
River, stream, or...
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9 Reviews

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Drop some Bicentennial Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Denica
Denica K.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 23rd, 2020

Pros: It's in an amazing and beautiful area and you get views of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge (if it's not too foggy). It's small (3 sites) so it's kept fairly clean, including the porta-potty. It's close to the city an Sausalito!

Warnings: The location by the Golden Gate Bridge also means if it is foggy you will hear fog horns. This went on for hours into the night. No campfires allowed; At night it's pitch dark, so you will need to bring a few good lanterns to hang outside the tent; unfortunately, stargazing wasn't an option since it was pretty cloudy/foggy. Lastly, there is a hill -- you park uphill and bring stuff downhill. It doesn't take long but is some work.

A beautiful location if you're prepared for the cold and foghorns!

Hipcamper Julian
Julian B.
recommends this listing.
July 17th, 2019

Bicentennial Campground is such a gem. It's an easy 1hr bike ride from the city and makes for a great weeknight camping trip.

Remember to pickup your permit from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center before proceeding to camp.

Heads up: The three campsites are very close to each other. Expect to hang with your neighbors if the other sites are booked.

Hipcamper Malorie
Malorie L.
didn't provide a recommendation.
December 4th, 2017

Fires are NOT allowed, only camp stoves. That should be corrected.

Hipcamper Aja
Aja P.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 29th, 2015

If you're looking for seclusion, you won't find it here. Bicentennial is one of 3 free sites you can reserve via permit from the Marin Headland's Visitor's Center (3 free nights per year per license plate!) and the most accessible of all three. You can only have 2 neighbors, and if you can overlook the noise of the tourists at the picnic site above as you set up camp, you're in for a great night. Push through the pines for unobstructed views of the bridge and the city all lit up as the sun sets behind you. If you're shy about answering the call of nature, there's an ancient port-a-potty adjacent to the campground, and a fancy pit toilet at the picnic grounds above. Don't forget to check out the battery ruins. Expect raccoon drive-bys.

Hipcamper Thomas
Thomas K.
didn't provide a recommendation.
November 27th, 2015

Hike in only: Bicentennial Campground is the most accessible campground in the Park, approximately 100 yards from the parking area near Battery Wallace..

Hipcamper Andrew
Andrew P.
didn't provide a recommendation.
October 13th, 2015

Saw a bobcat here! Only 3 sites basically next to each other. very basic sites but we spent most of the time watching the incredible view ~200 feet from the site of the bay.

Hipcamper Bart
Bart T.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 18th, 2015

Great spot if you want to sleep outdoors while visiting the city. Rangers can leave your reservation/permit at the nearby ranger station so that you can arrive after hours.

Hipcamper Dina
Dina B.
didn't provide a recommendation.
July 29th, 2015

This is not a first come first serve site. You must make reservations, and you must make the reservation 1 month out. For instance if you want to camp Sept 15 you must call August 15th and make a reservation. No fires allowed but camp stoves are ok.

Hipcamper Andy
Andy Z.
didn't provide a recommendation.
April 13th, 2015

There isn't a whole lot of privacy, but there is plenty to explore near by.

Park
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
415-331-1540
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
37.825° N, 122.525° W
Free
Tent Only - Hike In: 3 Sites
(Up to 3 people per site)