Haypress Campground

Show on map(415)-331-1540
Haypress Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Sausalito, CA 94965

Overview

Haypress Campground is nestled within the coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. The hike to this campground is 1 mile from the Tennessee Valley Trail head parking lot, which means car or RV camping is not allowed. Typical Haypress campers enjoy hiking to Tennessee Cove, where they can admire the dramatic geology and colorful sand of this unique beach. 

Recreation

Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and trails are often populated with hikers regardless of the time of the year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), historic Battery Townsley (3.5 miles), or Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay.

Facilities

This primitive hike-in campground has five overnight sites that accommodate up to four guests, and one group overnight site that accommodates up to 25 guests. Water must be packed in, and trash must be packed out. There is no water available at this campground. Each campsite has a tent pad and a food locker, and the group site has two picnic tables. The campground has two vault toilets in total. There is generally no cellphone service at the campground or at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. Please be prepared for a 1 mile walk from the parking area to Haypress Campground. The trail is flat and partially paved/partially packed dirt. 

Natural Features

Haypress Campground spans over a large grassy swath that is lined by eucalyptus trees. California quails frequent the area, and raptors are often soaring overhead. Deer, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats share this open space. The geology that underlies Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert that line the trails are frequently admired by visitors from near and far. 

Temperatures are mild year-round. Expect lows from 50-55 degrees and highs from 60-65. Fog is prevalent in the summer months from May-Sept. It is best to bring clothing that can be layered. Lightweight summer clothes are rarely comfortable to wear at Haypress Campground.

Nearby Attractions

The San Francisco Bay Area has no shortage of fun and interesting things to do and see. The 150-year-old Point Bonita Lighthouse (a secret jewel of the Bay Area) and the historic Cold War era Nike Missile Site are just a 20-minute drive away from the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. Awe-inspiring Muir Woods National Monument, with its old-growth coastal redwood forest and numerous hiking trails, is a 25-minute drive. Mount Tamalpais State Park, with hiking and sweeping views of the Bay Area, is another 10 minutes past Muir Woods. 

Within the Marin Headlands, consider visiting the historic Battery Townsley, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, or Nike Missile Site SF-88.

Charges & Cancellations

Group Site Cancellations and Modifications

The Haypress Campground Group Site must be cancelled or modified more than 14 days before your check-in date otherwise it will be considered a late cancellation.   

Refer to Recreation.gov's Rules & Reservation Policies. 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 6 camp sites:

  • Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From San Francisco (traveling north): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on the US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail. From Marin (traveling south): From US-101 South, take exit 445B toward Stinson Beach. Turn right on CA-1 and continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

80 reviews
5 stars
49
4 stars
18
3 stars
7
2 stars
5
1 stars
1
Dolores A
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
The site was remote but very memorable It had raised long hills and only took20 minutes to hike to It was realistic but amazing star gazing
Ilana Z
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed 25 days ago
Short walk, practically no mosquitos or bees!
katarina t
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Always a great spot. One of the campsite's bathrooms was closed, but that was alright. The open one was pretty clean which was great. Trails were clean and campers were respectful! Will be coming back.
Lisa A
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
One of the vault toilets was out of order. There was only one working toilet, which wasn't enough for all the people staying there. The group site was packed. Otherwise, great experience!
Rio B
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Stunningly beautiful place! Very close to the San Francisco Bay Area. No running water at the site so bring water with you!
D C
Loop:Haypress Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Nice quiet camp
Availability

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

Popularity: Moderate

Busiest in August, when about 53% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 5 years of reservations.

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