Campsite #3 at Kirby Cove Campground, CA

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$40

Tent Site #3

15 reviews
Walk-In 10 people
15 ft Back-In
3 good
3
10/28
Campsite #3 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Fire ring, Food Storage Locker, Picnic Table, Tent Site

Campsite Reviews (15)

4.0 out of 5

5 star
87%
4 star
13%
3 star
0%
2 star
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1 star
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@howardl2689C03 · Camped on Oct 28, 2024 at Campsite #3
Lower bathroom had both locks damaged. Smoother trails from parking area to camp sites would make transporting gear easier.
@NicoleC4478336 · Camped on Apr 20, 2024 at Campsite #3
Loved the location. We had some anxiety because we weren't quite expecting the entrance to be off of a busy touristy road like Hawk Hill. A car was blocking the entrance and we had to find the owners to move it. Also, you need to carry your camping gear several hundred yards to the site.
@LouiePB6E7EF39 · Camped on Mar 14, 2024 at Campsite #3
Incredible
@MartyC31178D52 · Camped on Oct 29, 2023 at Campsite #3
It is VERY difficult to get a reservation at this campground. But persistence has paid off and I have camped there a couple of times now. It is truly one of the greatest San Francisco adventures there is! Although you can park a car down there, it would be super easy to backpack across the bridge and then down to Kirby Cove. You are rewarded by a spectable of The Bridge, The City, Big Ships, Wildlife (we saw a full on Pelican fish eating extravaganza frenzy off shore such that even a seasoned local spear fisher guy had never seen), we saw Hawks and Deer and heard the wild yelps of Coyotes apparently getting a kill. Really incredible to watch the City through the bridge from a Marin beach view point. There are NO services; There are super large campsites that can host family and friends, and trash cans to accomodate your garbage, and out houses to take care of other things. But no water. Worth every penny many times over.
@KristinF940803 · Camped on Oct 11, 2023 at Campsite #3
Excellent campground with an amazing view of the Golden Gate! We had the best evening sitting on the beach cove at sunset. The raccoons are definitely an issue, and we were advised that they will get into the bear boxes. We also saw a huge coyote in the morning, so the wildlife is something to be aware of
@NicholeC878648 · Camped on Aug 23, 2023 at Campsite #3
The best camping site ever!
@TimR4117159 · Camped on Jun 22, 2023 at Campsite #3
This is very much the cool spot you think it is. I stayed in campsite 3 which has the advantage having some view when standing, but just over the edge to shield from the wind.

The high grasses etc right now do a great job of making your campsite feel isolated without ruining the views. Just stand up and you can see things and your (distant) neighbors

Water is an issue. None at the campsite which seems a little silly for a $40 a night campsite. Plain water tap somewhere would do. It is unclear to me where one can even get water nearby. The heavily trafficked vista area at the top of the hill by the entrance gate (0.8 miles away) is where I thought there would be some. Unfortunately there is not. Just a grimy pit toilet in the building. If you're coming by bike, as far as I can tell, the nearest water is at the bridge visitor center on the north east side of the bridge. If you come when you must ride the east side, this is easy. If you're on the west side (like I was), you'd have to either take the detour around and through the very narrow tunnel or schlep your rig down some VERY steep stairs go under the bridge and back up the other side. NOT recommended for a loaded bike. To be clear, this isn't really a complaint (a little bit) but more just to make sure you take it seriously.
@RustinJB1F1622 · Camped on May 17, 2023 at Campsite #3
All sites are walk in only. That wasn’t obvious to us when making the reservation. Beautiful beach with views of the city and bridge. During our stay (mid-May ‘23) lots of ticks throughout the area.
@GailD255 · Camped on Nov 24, 2021 at Campsite #3
The view of the Golden Gate bridge, the City, sunrises and sunsets along the cove are incredible. The sites are set up with multiple tent squares for easy tent installation. The site also contains multiple tables if you are a larger group. Even though we were a group of 4 with 2 tents, we managed to use all 4 tables, which was a luxury. There are garbage and recycling bins at the parking lot which I didn't realize were going to be there. Bring more water than you think you need, we did do an extra run for water. Also there were 2 wheel barrows; one not usable, and one that worked. We were not expecting that and it helped get our things to the campsite. (However a picnicker did use it also and left it at the top of the hill the day we left. There are not hiking trails along the coast from the cove. The bunker is partially open to explore and fun for young ones. The beach has soft course sand and one table was there (as opposed to located on higher ground with views). We went in late November and the water was warm enough for a plunge and mini-swim.

The gate to go down to the camping area is hard to find for the first-timer. When you arrive at the look at parking lot, it is at the very beginning and you have to make a hair pin turn--- and it looks more like a path than a vehicle access road. Also that parking lot gets a lot of visitors and your way may be blocked by a car for a bit.

Also it is a bummer that the 2 nights we were there, there were empty spots. Thursday night we were the only ones there despite each night the website showed 100% unavailable. We never saw a ranger the whole time we were there - I'm old school and I like chatting with rangers with local information/expertise.
@MichaelP597 · Camped on Nov 17, 2021 at Campsite #3
Each site has a bear container to keep those pesky critters outta your stuff. Outhouses are convenient. The view.... is absolutely worth waking up at sunrise for. Campsite 3 is landlocked by gorgeous, massive, aromatic eucalyptus trees. A quick walk to the beach, and nearby bunker, provided an awesome exploration moment before being whisked away into the trappings of the city. The view of the majestic Golden Gate Bridge is easy to find at the beach. Some of the more 'coastal' sites may have a better view. It's amazing how this quiet and secluded campsite is so close to the city.
@JimK686 · Camped on Oct 5, 2021 at Campsite #3
my second visit and it continues to be amazing - part of a bicycle down the entire pacific coast - a real highlight
@JoshR297 · Camped on Sep 27, 2021 at Campsite #3
Loved it.
@JamesL531 · Camped on Aug 3, 2021 at Campsite #3
My kids really enjoyed Kirby cove. Site #3 had 4 flat boxed in areas for tents. All sites have a lot of space in between for peace and quiet. A short walk to the beach with a great view of the bridge. Only downside is the fog, tent was wet every morning.
@ChristopherM18 · Camped on Mar 28, 2021 at Campsite #3
Amazing! Well maintained campground and perfect scenery. Loved our stay!
@JimmyH458 · Camped on Mar 27, 2021 at Campsite #3
Amazing! Please bring the carts back!

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