Bicentennial Campground

Show on map415-331-1540
Bicentennial Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Sausalito, CA 94965

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

122 reviews
5 stars
74
4 stars
26
3 stars
11
2 stars
3
1 stars
8
Connor S
Loop:Bicentennial
Site:
Reviewed 12 days ago
Absolutely stunning views!
Oleh S
Loop:Bicentennial
Site:
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:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Rene B
Loop:Bicentennial
Site:
Reviewed 3 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:
Reviewed 4 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:
Reviewed 4 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.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Very busy

Busiest in August, when about 94% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 7 years of reservations.

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