Kirby Cove in the Marin Headlands

Kirby Cove is perhaps one of the best camping spots in all of Northern California and is within walking distance from the Golden Gate Bridge. Tucked away amid towering cypress trees, all five camping sites have water views, are close enough to hear fog horns sound all night long and spacious enough to accommodate the whole family.

Only four sites are open to the public, so plan ahead to get a reservation, which can be made six months in advance. Even if you have to plan your entire vacation around when you can get a reservation, it's worth it. Each site has room for four tents, and with a 10-person maximum, you really can turn this camping outing into a small gathering.

Kirby Cove’s greatest attribute is proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge. A black-sand beach below the campground is perfect for sunbathing, reading or simply watching boats come and go under one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

The beach's rocky shoreline features several caves to explore during low tide. As small waves break onto the coast, it's easy to dart around rugged outcroppings to reach caves that stretch inward 25 to 40 feet. Just above the beach is a small day use area with a picnic table.

Even if you're not into camping, Kirby Cove is a great hiking destination for lunch or some downtime from a hectic vacation in the city. There's plenty of room to throw a frisbee or toss the football around. Each camp site has two picnic tables and a fire ring. Although there are pit toilets, at least there are bathrooms nearby. There is no potable water.

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Kirby Cove is very user friendly (accept for getting a reservation). There are carts to haul your gear to the camping spots, wheelchair accessible paths and established places to put up each tent to ensure a flat surface and reduce environmental impact.

After you make your reservation, you will receive parking passes and the combination to the lock at the gate at the top of the fireroad. For day use, walk around the gate just north of the first parking lot near the bridge. It's about a mile from the top of the road down to the campground. It's about 100 to 300 yards from the campground parking lot to the camping sites, making those carts handy.

If you live in the Bay Area, you may think that one night at Kirby Cove will be enough to get a quick camping fix. But Kirby Cove is such a great getaway that you head away from camp already planning next year's vacation.   

Location: Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Just after the first parking lot of the Marin Headlands on the left, there's a locked gate at a fireroad. The fireroad leads to the campground.
Activities: Camping, sunbathing, hiking