Bicentennial Campground
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
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.
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.
Need to Know
There is no water available at this campground. Campers must provide their own water for drinking, cleaning, etc; bring enough water to last your entire stay. Water is also available at the public restrooms on Field Rd.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months before your arrival and may extend up to 2 days beyond this 6-month booking window.
- Only 3 nights per season per camper! This is in order to ensure everyone gets to enjoy Bicentennial Campground.
No further emails will be sent. Your confirmation is your permit.
- Please print your confirmation email after reserving a site. Place a copy of your confirmation on the dashboard of each vehicle. A maximum of 3 vehicles for each site.
The Parking area is separate from the actual campsites. This is a walk-in, Tent Only facility. No RVs or car camping is allowed. The trail from the parking area to the campsites is about 200 yards. The trail is packed dirt and moderately steep most of the way.
Leave No Trace
- Do not leave trash at campsite or in food lockers.
- Help us keep wild animals wild! Raccoons, deer, coyotes and bobcats frequent the area. Do not feed or approach wildlife; keep area clean of scented items and keep all food items in the food locker until the end of your stay.
Wood fires are not permitted. Gas camp stoves are permitted, as well as the burning of charcoal in the grill provided at each campsite.
Pets are prohibited, only trained service animals are allowed.
Campground Quiet Hours are between 10 PM and 6 AM. Please be respectful to others.
Hammocks tied on trees or structures are not permitted. Only free standing hammocks are allowed.
Check before you grill. Visit the Recreational Fire Regulations page to find out if there are grill restrictions during your stay.
In Case of Emergency call 911 or Park Dispatch at (415) 561-5656.
For more information, call (415) 331-1540 or email us at goga_marinheadlands_info@nps.gov.
Looking for something to do during your camping adventure?!
1) Beginner Birding with a Park Ranger - Join a NPS Park Ranger for a guided hike/program around Rodeo Lagoon and learn all about our local feathered friends. Taking place Saturdays at 11am during the months of March and April 2025. For more information and to sign-up: Click Here
2) Layers of History - A Ranger Guided Hike/Program - Hike along with a ranger on a 2-mile loop starting/ending at Fort Cronkhite and learn all about the multi-layered history of the Marin Headlands. For more information and to sign up: Click Here
3) Nike Missile Site SF-88 - Check out this relic and fully restored piece of Cold War history and take a FREE Ranger/Docent led tour of the site. Open all year every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with three tour options per day at 12:15PM, 1:15PM, and 2:15PM (No reservation required). For more information: Click Here
4) Point Bonita Lighthouse - Visit one of the oldest lighthouses on California's coast and catch a FREE Ranger/Docent led "Light Chat" about the site's history and ecology (12:15 PM). Check out the site's unique geology, harbor seals, and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The site is open on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 - 3:30 PM. For more information: Click Here
5) Hike to History: A Ranger Guided Hike/Program - Only offered a few times per year, hike along with a ranger up to one of the highest points in the Marin Headlands - Hill 88. This is a strenuous 6 mile loop starting/ending at Fort Cronkhite. For more information and to sign up: Click Here
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.
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.
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.
Changes & 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.
Contact Information
Physical
Bicentennial Campground Marin Headlands Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sausalito CA 94965
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 415-331-1540
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
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