Golden Gate National Recreation Area
4 campgrounds in the park · 152 nearby · 9 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS photo/Will Elder
5 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureChina Beach Construction & Seacliff Avenue Closures Fall - Winter 2026Park's China Beach renovation of bathhouse, lower terrace, and picnic areas is in progress. See 'more' for link to Phase 3 of China Beach project below. SFPUC waterline replacement project will cause parking restrictions, lane closures, and access controls along Sea Cliff Avenue. Visitors should expect SFPUC project on Sea Cliff Avenue to impact access to China Beach. See link to SFPUC project below: https://www.sfpuc.gov/construction-contracts/construction-projects/seacliffpumps.
- CautionAuto-Theft Warning - Only Bring What You Need to the ParkYou can prevent vehicle break-ins in parking lots and scenic overlooks. Before leaving your car for even a short period of time: 1) Remove all valuables, 2) Lock your doors. 3) Take your wallets, purses, backpacks, keys, key fobs, cell phones, and electronics with you. Read article for more details.
- InformationOcean Beach Fire Season in Effect through October 31, 2026Fires allowed ONLY in park provided concrete fire rings between Stairwells 15 and 20. Do NOT make fire rings using rocks, logs or other items. When the Bay Area Air Quality Management District declares a Spare the Air Day, NO campfires, beach fires, or outdoor grills are allowed in the park. For more information, visit the beach fire regulations link below.
- InformationUpper Fort Mason Roads and Parking Area Closures Fall 2025 - Fall 2026Roads and parking areas at upper Fort Mason will have closures during utilities and seismic retrofit projects. Closures planned Fall 2025 through Fall 2026. Lots will be fenced and used as staging areas for projects occurring at Fort Mason. Signs will be posted in advance of utilities work as project progresses through each area at Fort Mason. Read signs and do not park in posted areas. Vehicles will be towed at owner's expense.
- InformationPresidio Trust Trails Annual Coyote Pupping Season is April to OctoberTo prevent dog-coyote conflicts, avoid seasonally closed sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. Explore open dog-friendly trails instead and remember to keep dogs on leash. Visit the Presidio Trust's website for more details.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 4 campgrounds2 reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 152 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 9 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 4
Camping near the park 152
- Aerial viewCampground
Frank Valley Group Horse Campground
1.5 mi · Muir Beach, CA
- Aerial viewCampground
Steep Ravine Environmental Campground
2.1 mi · Stinson Beach, CA
Free and dispersed nearby 9
See them on the map- Ridge SitesTiburon, CA8.8 mi
- Group Horse Camp 1Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, CA14 mi
- Group Camp 2Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, CA14 mi
- Coast CampgroundInverness, CA18 mi
- Sibley Back Pack CampOakland, CA22 mi
- Homestead ValleyLafayette, CA25 mi
Services nearby: 15 dump stations · 3 rest areas
About Golden Gate
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…
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.
Photos: Will Elder · Kirke Wrench
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Food
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
Weather
Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last…
Plan your visit
Hours
Although this urban park is accessible 24 hours a day in most areas, most parking lots are open between sunrise to sunset.
Getting there
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.
Weather
Winter is characterized by sporadic rain and cool weather punctuated by brilliant sunshine. In winter the grass greens. Trees and flowers dormant through winter start blooming in late February or early March and last until May or June. By July, summer fog predominates in most coastal areas of the park. Grasses and plants have now turned to the golden brown and muted grays characteristic of California summer and fall. September and October skies are clear and sunshine is abundant everywhere in the park.
Camped at Golden Gate? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Bicentennial Campground, Kirby Cove Campground and Haypress Campground.