1
Campsite #1 at Kirby Cove Campground, CA
$40
Tent Site #1
| Walk-In | 10 people |
| 15 ft | Back-In |
| 3 | good |
5/26
Campsite #1 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Fire ring, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 60% |
| 4 star | | 32% |
| 3 star | | 4% |
| 2 star | | 4% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@DaveH8980161 · Camped on Apr 9, 2025 at Campsite #1
What a ridiculously amazing time with high school friends I haven't seen in years. The view....OMG....AMAZING! The site, 001 was incredible. The lock was a bit sketchy to open but what a great time.
@SumanD2449416 · Camped on Nov 15, 2024 at Campsite #1
beautiful spot Greg view! They should allow vehicles beyond parking spot especially at campsite 1. Theres plenty of parking space.
@RussellJBD0208 · Camped on Jul 28, 2024 at Campsite #1
Kirby Cove remains my favorite campsite! The small beach makes the place feel private, and the long walk down from the road means the area is mostly occupied by fellow campers. It's quiet and peaceful, though be prepared for the foghorns at night when it's particularly foggy.I hope one day power and water can be brought back to the cove for improved facilities instead of the primitive toilets, but even as-is it's a place I look forward to visiting again.
@BenW9089063 · Camped on Jun 21, 2024 at Campsite #1
Great campsite, one of the most beautiful spots right outside the city. Be sure to bring earplugs at night, the fog horn is loud & constant!
@AutumnC1047345 · Camped on May 7, 2024 at Campsite #1
Great view, peaceful campsite
@LeslieW5118824 · Camped on Apr 21, 2024 at Campsite #1
We've camp at camp 1 several times. This time the weather was perfect. The moon was bright. Reflecting S.F. and the G.G. bridge over the calm waves. No wind. No fog. No sounds of loud horns due to no fog. We were the only group that camped out in the park. Had the whole park to ourselves. Great fun.
@averylAE606CCA · Camped on Mar 28, 2024 at Campsite #1
Me and my brother camped here at the end of march so it was still pretty chilly. Although it said it was booked out, I think people canceled bc of the rain. There was only one other camper there with us. During the day silly hikers come by the campsite, not really a problem for me. Site 1 is definitely the best with the best view of the ggb and city lights. At night it's quite noisy w the helis, ship horns and waves, so b sure to bring earplugs or something! I couldn't sleep but had a great time. I'd love to come back during the summer or fall
@BobM2535414 · Camped on Mar 10, 2024 at Campsite #1
Incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge lit up at night. We have an awesome picture taken about an hour before sunrise.
@AnthonyC360221 · Camped on Nov 26, 2023 at Campsite #1
I love it here wish day hikers and uses didn't come to pop into my camp and get made when I tell them to wait cause my laptop and other valuables are out and being used so I can put my stuff away so they can have lunch at my only table that facest the water.
@SherylS544425F · Camped on Nov 2, 2023 at Campsite #1
Kirby cove is a hidden gem just outside the city. The 5 campsites are spread apart and can accommodate about 10 people (site 1 had 3 tent platforms), but thats a lot of EOR when you are trying to get away from people. Access to the beach is simple and the views of the bridge are iconic. Some people crabbed in reviews about the distance from the cars to the campsite: not sure what to say to those folks except perhaps KC isnt for you (or camping, or going outside). This place is magical.
@SengM708EBB874 · Camped on Oct 29, 2023 at Campsite #1
Our recent camping experience at Site 1 provided us with an unforgettable escape into nature, offering a fantastic view of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This site is very private, shielded from the neighboring campsites. As of November 2023, the swing is back!The campsite's only drawback was the distance from the parking lot to Site 1. While the 10-minute walk was manageable, it's important for campers to pack light as wagons are impractical on the uphill journey back to the parking lot. This minor inconvenience was a small trade-off for the secluded and peaceful atmosphere. Our only unpleasant encounter occurred during our departure. As we were diligently packing out, some campers who had reserved the site for the following night arrived nearly two hours earlier than allowed. Their eagerness to claim the spot overshadowed our departure, creating a sense of anxiety and haste as we vacated the campsite at 12 pm. Besides this, we left with a treasure trove of memories from this picturesque place. We will definitely come back with a lighter load!
@HarishM3E6A239 · Camped on Jul 31, 2023 at Campsite #1
The site next to the water was beautiful. But getting in to the campground was a bit difficult especially at night when it's windy and cold because of the gate and the locks which sometime get stuck and become difficult to open and close. Also the views are not great when it's foggy.
@RogerD1192777 · Camped on Nov 7, 2022 at Campsite #1
Beautiful site 001
@KarenB2737002 · Camped on Nov 1, 2022 at Campsite #1
It is a beautiful campground, the views are incredible! We fell asleep listening to the ocean and enjoyed sunrises from our site. Definitely keep your food in the locker as the raccoons are way too friendly! We enjoyed hiking from our campsite, no need to move the car once we arrived.
@WillC9593845 · Camped on Oct 24, 2022 at Campsite #1
Amazing campground. There are spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the camp and it essentially has it's own private beach. Also a battery located right in the camp for some history lessons.
@MariannaZ41445 · Camped on Oct 22, 2022 at Campsite #1
We got very lucky and managed to reserve site 1 for a Saturday night. Mid-October here was lovely: no fog (so no foghorns at night) and pleasant during the day (60s and sunny) and not too cold at night (low 50F). No wheelbarrows or water available: we used 2 carts (key for the long walk from the parking lot) and about 4 gallons of water (for 7 people and putting out 2 campfires).
Try to book Site 1 specifically. This site is as incredible as described and possibly the most beautiful campsite I’ve ever been to: secluded, right next to a quiet pebbly beach, incredible view of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge from 1 of the 3 tent pads and from 1 of the 2 picnic tables, just above a cliff. Views are especially breathtaking at night and at sunrise. Note that there’s no view from the fire ring (tip: use a camp stove to cook from the picnic table with the view). Beware of the cliff, especially if you have children.
Try to book Site 1 specifically. This site is as incredible as described and possibly the most beautiful campsite I’ve ever been to: secluded, right next to a quiet pebbly beach, incredible view of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge from 1 of the 3 tent pads and from 1 of the 2 picnic tables, just above a cliff. Views are especially breathtaking at night and at sunrise. Note that there’s no view from the fire ring (tip: use a camp stove to cook from the picnic table with the view). Beware of the cliff, especially if you have children.
@EricW104 · Camped on Nov 28, 2021 at Campsite #1
Very mixed feelings about site #1. Yes, the views are great, but there are lots of drawbacks.
First, it's the furthest site from the parking lot, making it a long back and forth haul, especially if you have lots of stuff. Conversely, it's the closest to the foghorns, which are basically blaring in your face.
Another issue is that the fire pit is separate from the main camping area, and it's at the bottom of a hill, which blocks your great views of the bridge, the city lights, and the moonlight reflecting off the water. So at night, you can either have a toasty fire or incredible views, but not both. Site #1 is also a very bad idea if you have young children and/or drunk people in your party, as the cliffside drop-off is sudden and steep.
But worst of all, are the constant stream of people (I counted 8) who decide to walk into your campsite, in search of 'the swing.' These people often look defeated when they find out that the swing is no longer there. "Isn't it a shame that they took down the swing?" Nope, not at all. The shame is that you're focused on taking a picture of yourself on a freakin' swing, rather than basking in all of the heavenly glory that lies in front of you!!!
First, it's the furthest site from the parking lot, making it a long back and forth haul, especially if you have lots of stuff. Conversely, it's the closest to the foghorns, which are basically blaring in your face.
Another issue is that the fire pit is separate from the main camping area, and it's at the bottom of a hill, which blocks your great views of the bridge, the city lights, and the moonlight reflecting off the water. So at night, you can either have a toasty fire or incredible views, but not both. Site #1 is also a very bad idea if you have young children and/or drunk people in your party, as the cliffside drop-off is sudden and steep.
But worst of all, are the constant stream of people (I counted 8) who decide to walk into your campsite, in search of 'the swing.' These people often look defeated when they find out that the swing is no longer there. "Isn't it a shame that they took down the swing?" Nope, not at all. The shame is that you're focused on taking a picture of yourself on a freakin' swing, rather than basking in all of the heavenly glory that lies in front of you!!!
@FeliciaE658 · Camped on Nov 25, 2021 at Campsite #1
The view at Camp 1 can't be beat. The opportunity to share such a unique view with family was really special.
It seems to be the only site that isn't the same sightlines as 2-5 so it feels really private. I loved that three different tent platforms meant there was room to spread out.
It seems to be the only site that isn't the same sightlines as 2-5 so it feels really private. I loved that three different tent platforms meant there was room to spread out.
@ThuongT250 · Camped on Nov 7, 2021 at Campsite #1
I highly recommend this campsite in November. There was some rain during the week, but the day we reserved the camp, it was perfectly clear and warm.
Campsite 1 has the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The best location of Kirby Cove. There is also a short path to the beach. We hung out mostly at the very top.
There are plenty of space and three picnic tables. You can move the picnic tables wherever you want.
It look a bit of coordination since only 3 cars can park at Kirby Cove Campsite per reservation, but it's doable.
Campsite 1 has the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The best location of Kirby Cove. There is also a short path to the beach. We hung out mostly at the very top.
There are plenty of space and three picnic tables. You can move the picnic tables wherever you want.
It look a bit of coordination since only 3 cars can park at Kirby Cove Campsite per reservation, but it's doable.
@SamuelM356 · Camped on Oct 29, 2021 at Campsite #1
Site 1 is beyond incredible. Worth all of the work it's going to take you to make a reservation.
@JamesF488 · Camped on Sep 20, 2021 at Campsite #1
Great views!
Bring ear plugs—potential fog horns throughout the night.
Bring ear plugs—potential fog horns throughout the night.
@ChrisB330 · Camped on Jul 15, 2021 at Campsite #1
We were lucky enough to get site 1 for 3 nights in July and knew we were rolling the dice with the weather that time of year. We were a bit worried when it was very foggy, very windy, and very cold when we arrived mid-afternoon, but by that evening everything had calmed down and cleared up and the weather only improved over the next couple of days. We had plans to do day trips to the light house and black sand beach but ended up never leaving the cove. You could spend a whole day on a bluff or the beach just watching life on the bay go by. It feels like you're in the middle of nowhere but the site is minutes from markets and restaurants if needed. We luckily only had to contend with the foghorn one night but I it didn't live up my fears based on reading other reviews.
@LauraP324 · Camped on Jul 11, 2021 at Campsite #1
Wow what a place to stay! We were in the coveted site #1. The swing seat is gone, so the ropes were just hanging, kinda sad, but we had no idea site one was so big! It has three tent pads, three tables around the fire pit/bear locker area, and another table at the top of the hill. We had a great time exploring the battery, beach, and surrounding areas.
Some things of note: the tent pads do NOT accommodate a 15’ tent, as the site suggests. We wound up hanging the end of our tent off the pad, and using that area for storage, rather than at the foot of our beds as planned. Also, the ground outside the pads is hard, so be prepared if you think you may go outside it, and bring heavy duty stakes.
The website makes it seem like the fog horn is quite loud, however, none of us (including sensory sensitive kids) thought it loud at all. More present was the Golden Gate Bridge’s singing in the wind. It is not a bad sound though!
Do research and be ready for the season’s weather. Our days were foggy and cool, with a steady offshore breeze. We just bundled up!
Be prepared for camp stove cooking, because some days are spare the air days where campfires are prohibited!
The restrooms were kept clean and the dumpsters were as clean as they could be. Poison oak is prevalent in the unkept areas, so stay safe on the trails.
Overall a great campground, and worth the fight to get a reservation!
Some things of note: the tent pads do NOT accommodate a 15’ tent, as the site suggests. We wound up hanging the end of our tent off the pad, and using that area for storage, rather than at the foot of our beds as planned. Also, the ground outside the pads is hard, so be prepared if you think you may go outside it, and bring heavy duty stakes.
The website makes it seem like the fog horn is quite loud, however, none of us (including sensory sensitive kids) thought it loud at all. More present was the Golden Gate Bridge’s singing in the wind. It is not a bad sound though!
Do research and be ready for the season’s weather. Our days were foggy and cool, with a steady offshore breeze. We just bundled up!
Be prepared for camp stove cooking, because some days are spare the air days where campfires are prohibited!
The restrooms were kept clean and the dumpsters were as clean as they could be. Poison oak is prevalent in the unkept areas, so stay safe on the trails.
Overall a great campground, and worth the fight to get a reservation!
@LouiseP842 · Camped on Jun 6, 2021 at Campsite #1
I loved camping at Site 1 in Kirby Cove but was surprised to find when I arrived that I couldn't drive up and park next to the site. I probably didn't read all the information provided, but wanted to give other campers a heads up that you will need to hike down a bit to get to your campsite so pack light/bring a wagon and a friend :)
@ParkerT638 · Camped on May 31, 2021 at Campsite #1
The campsite itself was great, but going on Memorial Day Weekend was not great. The camp grounds and beach were covered in trash from disrespectful visitors. I also had to tell multiple groups of people that they could not set up their picnic in my campsite.
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