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Bicentennial Campground

$25.00/night

Overview

Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. There is a moderate short hill to climb to/from the campground from the parking area, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. It is downhill to the site and uphill back to the parking area.

Recreation

The Marin Headlands is noted for its great hiking, and many trails with scenic views are close by. Rodeo Beach is about 1.5 miles away. Point Bonita Lighthouse and the historic Nike Site are within walking distance.

Facilities

From the parking area, Bicentennial Campground is 200 yards down a moderately steep, packed dirt trail. Many campers carry supplies down from their vehicles in carts or wagons. Bicentennial Campground has three campsites each accommodating up to three guests. Barbecue grills, food lockers and picnic tables are provided. There is no water available at Bicentennial Campground - campers need to bring any water necessary for drinking/cooking/etc. The campground has a portable restroom on site and a pit toilet is located 0.5 miles away at Bicentennial Picnic Area.

Natural Features

The campground is secluded amongst a cypress tree grove and offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city of San Francisco.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (415) 331-1540.

Nearby Attractions

Bicentennial Campground is a short walk from the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missile Site. Also close by are some of the many 20th century coastal defense gun batteries and the city of San Francisco.

Charges & Cancellations

Refer to Recreation.gov policy on changes and cancellations. To initiate a refund request more than 7 days after your reservation, call the recreation.gov call center at 877-444-6777.

Camp site features

Across 3 camp sites:

Picnic table: all 3 sites
Largest party: 3 people

Directions

From San Francisco (travelling north): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take exit 442 onto Alexander Avenue. This will be the exit after the Vista Point. Continue straight for a few hundred feet, and then turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight for approximately 2 miles on Bunker Road. Turn left onto Field Road, and drive less than 0.5 miles uphill and make a left turn onto Rathbone Road. There will then be an immediate right onto a one-way road. You will see signs for Bicentennial Camground. Parallel park on the road or park in the small dirt pull-out to the left. From Marin (travelling south): From US-101 South, take the last exit before the Golden Gate Bridge onto Alexander Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign and continue straight for about a quarter mile, until you can turn left onto Bunker Road. Travel through the Baker-Barry Tunnel and continue straight for approximately 2 miles on Bunker Road. Turn left onto Field Road, and drive less than 0.5 miles uphill and make a left turn onto Rathbone Road. There will then be an immediate right onto a one-way road. You will see signs for Bicentennial Camground. Parallel park on the road or park in the small dirt pull-out to the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

Ratings (121)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Oleh S

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 months ago

It is a beautiful, quiet, and clean spot; there are several interesting locations nearby to visit or photograph and film, and the nature and views are stunning. There are some inconveniences—such as the lack of running water and the use of a portable toilet at the camp—but overall, I’d say it’s a great place to relax.

Lauren B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 2 months ago

Rene B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 2 months ago

The Bicentennial sites offer a unique camping experience, within sight of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge but full of wildlife and birds. The short walk in seems to help in keeping a quiet environment. Note that no water is available at the campground, but there is a bottle filling station near the old (now-closed) visitor center. It is a special, memorable experience camping here.

Yifat A

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 3 months ago

a campground with a view of SF! Such a lovely space, very quiet, nice trails within walking distance, and spectacular views. A bit windy at night so bring layers.

Tommy F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 3 months ago

This charming little spot is a hidden gem. We brought a lot of camping gear, including a stove, a large tent, and an air mattress, which made it a bit challenging to carry everything up the hill. However, using a wagon made it much easier. The view here is absolutely spectacular, and there are numerous hiking trails to explore during the day. We managed to visit the lighthouse, Rodeo Beach, and return to our campsite in just a few hours. One of the highlights of our visit was spotting Grey whales traveling in the bay and Harbor seals basking on the beaches beneath Point Bonita. The bathroom facilities are basic, consisting of a porta-potty. While they are functional, I recommend bringing extra toilet paper. Lastly, be prepared for chilly nights, especially without a campfire. Dress warmly and be ready for a bit of rain.

Mark P

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 4 months ago

Amazing camping experience filled with history and stunning nature so close to a giant city. If there wasn’t Golden Gate Bridge views everywhere one wouldn’t even notice that there’s a big city nearby as nature surrounds you! Campsites were well maintained and the portable toilet wasn’t as bad as previous reviews suggested. It did have TP but I’d bring some just in case. Perfect spot to jumpstart your adventures on the Marin Headlands.

Rene B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 4 months ago

Great campsite -- views are spectacular and the site has everything needed for a comfortable camp.

Daryl N

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 4 months ago

Awesome experience. Great view, plenty of activities in the area

James C

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 4 months ago

Restroom situation not great. View was incredible and nobody else was there at the same time so nice and quiet.

Julia B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 4 months ago

Loved this campsite. Parked at the wrong spot and took a super narrow steep way down to the campground but eventually found the right parking lot and path later. The picnic area is separate and great for hanging with a larger group! Super cool lighthouse hike nearby and overall a great experience.

Nicholas B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 5 months ago

Lovely campground great view of the city, everything was lush and green. Toilet (portapotty) was surpisingly clean.

sturat b

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 6 months ago

Very peaceful spot. Climb on the hill towards to Golden Gate from the campsite and behold the amazing view.

Adriel S

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 6 months ago

Incredible views, quiet and peaceful.

Mary F M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 7 months ago

This small walk-in campground is quiet and peaceful.

Morgan F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 10 months ago

It's a dry camp, but there's a water filling station down the hill, at the visitor center. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees is beautiful. Very sandy.

Michael F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed a year ago

Very quiet place with a nice view on Golden Gate Bridge!

John S

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed a year ago

Porta-potty was clean. But too much trash by previous campers made the experience less than 5 stars.

Darcy M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed a year ago

This is not a campground. There are 3 sites, but there is no staff monitoring these sites. There are many day users in the area and they also use these sites. When I arrived, there were about 20 people on my site having a barbecue. I chose not to stick around and camp where 20 people just ate dinner. If you want to attract wild animals to your campsite, invite 20 people for dinner. I requested a refund, but my request was denied. The place does have beautiful views and an epic beach. I recommend this location strictly as a day-time stop.

Douglas K

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed a year ago

Had a great time, but my only concern was that the information on parking was NOT clear beforehand. The signs at the campground parking lot say "NO PARKING ANY TIME", and the information board at the campsite says "print your reservation and place it on your dashboard", but there was no mention of this when I booked the site. I can't very well print my reservation while I'm at the campsite! I wrote my reservation details on a piece of paper and left it on the dash of my car and all was well, but I would suggest better documentation on the procedure when someone books the site.

claire r

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

Great trails nearby. Easy parking. Beautiful sunset over Rodeo beach + sunrise over the city.

JAMES L

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

Beautiful location. All 3 campgrounds are very much on top of each other, and if other people had been in them, it probably would have felt pretty crowded. Fortunately for me, I was the only one camping at the time, so it was nice and quite.

Martin P

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 2 years ago

I had a Jeep with the tent on the roof, I could not access to the campground, can I have my money back?

Christopher S

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

The campsite itself isn't that large, our neighbors are just a few feet away. Although there were only 3 sites at this location with another group of 3 on site #2 while we were on site #1. Bathroom situation is not pleasant. The previous reviews are right, either go to the daily use area for bathroom or bring your own. If you're bringing a lot of gear be prepared to haul this down from the parking lot, its not too bad of a walk just a bit steep so bring a wagon.

Sean F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 2 years ago

Great campground with clean amenities and beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge with sketchy access to a beach further down the cliffs if you feel spicy. Be aware the areas to set up tents are packed soil, it is impossible to stake anything into the ground; annoying when it is windy (which it usually is in the Headlands). Also, the porta potty servicing and picnic/campground cleanup people came at 7:30 am for some reason.

clinton M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 2 years ago

It’s a beautiful camping spot and I wish we could have stayed longer. The only downside is the ticks and the walk down to the site. Other than that it’s amazing.

Timothy D

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 2 years ago

It's a great spot. Sheltered from the wind. A lot of wild nature.

Lindsay M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

Beautiful and quiet campground with an amazing proximity to San Francisco and the national parks.

Octavio G

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

Really easy to find in Google maps, no interaction with park ranger or park personnel needed. Setup was easy and surrounding neighborhoods was quiet. The place was amazing and very beautiful to see in the early morning. There are a lot of forest friends that could be heard at night. It was very cold so bring your warm blankets. Overall it was amazing will camp here again next year.

Remy R

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 2 years ago

Pros: Intimate campground of 3 spaces, food storage / bear locker, BBQ grill, close by to trails, points of interests such as Point Bonita Lighthouse, Marina Mammal Center, Nike Missle Site and a view of Golden Gate Bridge. Cons: Hike a hill equivalent to Powell and California St to get from parking to Canpground. If you pack light great, if you have your kitchen set up, you’ll need a wagon. At night you hear coastguard helicopters and planes but it’s not a bother when you’re asleep. Great experience to check off within Bay Area

Elan B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 2 years ago

Awesome campground below the Bicentennial picnic site. Golden Gate Bridge can be seen from both the campground and the picnic area. The path from the parking area to the campsites is not long, but a wheely picnic cart would help. Remember no campfires allowed!

Tracy H

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 2 years ago

Great campground!! Would definitely recommend if you're intrested in a campground with a great view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Mark H

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

I have a picture of the service record for the Bicentenial camp ground latrine that shows the last service was November 3, 2023. The average cleaning up until that time was 2-3 times a month, more in the summer, which makes sense. But why was the latrine completely filled, had to be compressed by using a stick to make room. Who dropped the ball on this one. I did call the number on the side and talked to a kind woman who said she would call the servicing company but by the time I left 3 days later there was no relief. The site was not as promised.

Ying Tung L

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 3 years ago

The portable toilet is fully loaded! On the log book it indicates that the last time it was cleaned was 2023 Nov. That's almost one and a half months. It was too disgusting and smells badly that we have too walk up the steep slope midnight to go to the bathroom in the picnic area.

Jee C

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 3 years ago

The form in not allowing a star rating to be selected (iphone using safari). It was overall good but the bathroom (pot-a-potty) had not been cleaned since november. It was extreemly dirty and smelly and had no toilet paper too.

Mary F M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

Peaceful place to sleep, thank you!

Wesley D

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

Definitely needs to be some drain holes cut in the lumber outlining the tent pad. The rain was puddling up with no way to drain. Had to get out of my tent and start pitching water out of the tent pad with my coffee cup. Same issue I've experienced at hawk campground as well. The people need a way for the rain to exit the environmental tent pads!

Taryn B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 3 years ago

Absolutely stunning views, you do have to walk down a steep hill with all your gear, but it's pretty short. The sites are all fairly close and there's no privacy since the middle of the campground is an open field. Would have given it a 5 if it weren't for the overflowing port a port 🤢 we went up to the picnic area right above the campground to use the built in pit toilet.

Rebekah M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

I booked this campsite because I had a late flight back into San Fransico and was hoping to enjoy a quiet place to sleep before I had to drive 8 hours the next day. I got into the campground around 10:30 pm and I could not find the actual tent area. Before arriving, I spent time doing the research so that I wouldn't have to guess when I got there. After 20 minutes of searching for the road I was supposed to go down, I still couldn't find the camping area. I pulled off the side of the road and found another person was also looking for the same campground. I found the trail that led to the campground, but since I was planning on sleeping in my car, I couldn't drive down to the camp spot. Note that in the description, it doesn't mention that you have to hike to the spots. I was confused because the online form asks how many vehicles are expected to be there. I ended up parking off the road next to the other guy who couldn't find his spot. An hour later a park ranger comes by and shines lights into both of our windows. It was a very nerve-racking night. The park is very nice, but it was very confusing and I think better directions (online or in park) to the camping spots would be very helpful for people who have never visited the park before.

Breanna M

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

The campground is beautiful if you could only camp in it. Unfortunately, there is no access to vehicles which is not stated on the website and requires you to park on top of a steep hill and hike your gear up and down. Unable to see vehicle from camp site and signs nearby warning of smash and grab. We asked for a ranger to unlock the fence blocking the road and when a ranger came out we were told they are not allowed to unlock it. Ended up staying in and Airbnb and was unable to get a refund.

Thomas F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 3 years ago

you cant get a better location just outside of San Francisco than this Campground. However you have to walk a bit from the car to the Campground location and the toilets wihout water are located up the hil at the picknick area.

Cheri T

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 3 years ago

I was all ready to stay in that beautiful campground. I was on a solo trip and no other sole came to camp even though the other 2 sites were reserved. Got too scared and never stayed both nights. Stayed in hotels.

Amir A

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

Amazing scape from the city craziness. Highly recommend it. Be ready to carry your stuff 300-400 ft doesn’t the hill tho.

Jillian H

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

Wonderful, clean campground! Gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Good area for mini hikes around the campground.

Les P

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:01

Reviewed 3 years ago

We arrived to late for the visitors center to be open and the following morning it didn't open.

Deirdra E

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 3 years ago

Great view, nothing wrong with the campground. Make sure you print your confirmation beforehand. I thought it was a little hard to find the campground itself once we got up there and there was very little service. If the weather says no wind, be prepared for wind. We were not and subsequently had to sleep in the car after the tent almost blew away with us in it at 3am.

Elizabeth F

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 4 years ago

This is a truly magical place, and all those who come here seem to feel this way. It is quiet, clean, private, and above all, out-of-the-way while being close to San Francisco. It is a special place for those who want a safe place to spend a night in close contact with what the earth has to offer.

Marina B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 4 years ago

Great location! Wonderful nature, comfortable and clean campsites, and lots of attractions nearby.

Tara B

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 4 years ago

The weather was beautiful for Thanksgiving and the views were clear. The campsite could use a new coal bucket, as the one provided had a burnt, rusted out bottom. Did some picking up of small litter here and there but overall the experience was excellent. There are only 3 campsite, close together, but everyone was friendly and courteous. Campsite 3 had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge through the trees. Campsite 2 (our camp) was in the sun for most of the day (at the end of Nov) which we liked because it got chilly in the shade. Would definitely recommend and will be back!

Kenna W

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:02

Reviewed 4 years ago

Campground was awesome, great views of the Golden Gate, within walking/hiking distance of major Marin Headland attractions. Single porta potty was very clean & located away from campsites so you could not smell it at all. Long walk to/from campground & uphill going out, recommend a wagon if you have more than you can carry down in one load. Only real complaint was the campground’s proximity to the picnic area above the campground & people making lots of noise/playing music/partying early in the morning & middle of the night. We stayed at site 2 & it was great, but #3 is for sure the best!

Alexis D

Loop:Bicentennial

Site:03

Reviewed 4 years ago

Should be cheaper for the lack of amenities, sites, and accessibility. Cozy little spot if you don't mind lugging your stuff back up a hill.