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Bicentennial Campground

You can see the breathtaking Golden Gate bridge and a the bay glistening below you from the Bicentennial Campground.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, this is the best place in Golden Gate Park for some killer views. You can also grill at Battery Wallace, which is only a short walk away. Did we mention its free?

What this place offers
No campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups
3 sites
Tent
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100%
8 ratings · 10 reviews
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Julian B.
113 reviews
Recommends
· March 2025
Return Hipcamper to Bicentennial
I last bikepacked to Bicentennial Campground in May of 2021 with about 8 other Hipcampers! We booked all three sites for space for our tents and a private retreat feel. The tent pitch area at each site is relatively small, but we were able to fit 2 tents per site in the designated are without trampling any vegetation. Highly recommend hiking (walking) out to the battery to watch the sunset and catching the sunrise over the bridge in the morning. One of my all time favorite campsites!
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Denica K.
4 years on Hipcamp
October 2020
Pros: It's in an amazing and beautiful area and you get views of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge (if it's not too foggy). It's small (3 sites) so it's kept fairly clean, including the porta-potty. It's close to the city an Sausalito! Warnings: The location by the Golden Gate Bridge also means if it is foggy you will hear fog horns. This went on for hours into the night. No campfires allowed; At night it's pitch dark, so you will need to bring a few good lanterns to hang outside the tent; unfortunately, stargazing wasn't an option since it was pretty cloudy/foggy. Lastly, there is a hill -- you park uphill and bring stuff downhill. It doesn't take long but is some work. A beautiful location if you're prepared for the cold and foghorns!
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Julian B.
113 reviews
Recommends
· July 2019
Bicentennial Campground is such a gem. It's an easy 1hr bike ride from the city and makes for a great weeknight camping trip. Remember to pickup your permit from the Marin Headlands Visitor Center before proceeding to camp. Heads up: The three campsites are very close to each other. Expect to hang with your neighbors if the other sites are booked.
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Malorie L.
7 years on Hipcamp
December 2017
Fires are NOT allowed, only camp stoves. That should be corrected.
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Aja P.
3 reviews
November 2015
If you're looking for seclusion, you won't find it here. Bicentennial is one of 3 free sites you can reserve via permit from the Marin Headland's Visitor's Center (3 free nights per year per license plate!) and the most accessible of all three. You can only have 2 neighbors, and if you can overlook the noise of the tourists at the picnic site above as you set up camp, you're in for a great night. Push through the pines for unobstructed views of the bridge and the city all lit up as the sun sets behind you. If you're shy about answering the call of nature, there's an ancient port-a-potty adjacent to the campground, and a fancy pit toilet at the picnic grounds above. Don't forget to check out the battery ruins. Expect raccoon drive-bys.
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Thomas K.
9 years on Hipcamp
November 2015
Hike in only: Bicentennial Campground is the most accessible campground in the Park, approximately 100 yards from the parking area near Battery Wallace..
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Andrew P.
10 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Saw a bobcat here! Only 3 sites basically next to each other. very basic sites but we spent most of the time watching the incredible view ~200 feet from the site of the bay.
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Bart T.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Great spot if you want to sleep outdoors while visiting the city. Rangers can leave your reservation/permit at the nearby ranger station so that you can arrive after hours.
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Dina B.
9 years on Hipcamp
July 2015
This is not a first come first serve site. You must make reservations, and you must make the reservation 1 month out. For instance if you want to camp Sept 15 you must call August 15th and make a reservation. No fires allowed but camp stoves are ok.
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Andy Z.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
There isn't a whole lot of privacy, but there is plenty to explore near by.
LocationBicentennial Campground, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California, United States
What this place offers
No campfire allowed
No pets allowed
No showers
Toilets
No potable water
Picnic tables
No sewage hookups
No electric hookups

Your guide to camping in Bicentennial Campground

Overview

Biking

Whether fast single track mountain biking is your thing, or you’re more of a road bike warrior , GGNRA will be your bag, baby! Our friends at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy also have made a list of their 7 favorite rides .

Boating

Stow Lake, in Golden Gate park, is a great spot for inexperienced boaters. Cruising around this lake is truly a joy ride, as this part of the park has some wonderful views of the surrounding area and the city. Paddleboat and rowboats can be rented close to the lake.

Fishing

Recreational anglers in this area can (with a little patience and some good bait) expect to catch things like brown smoothhound, pile surfperch and white croaker. Chrissy Field also offers a spot where visitors can fish and crab without a license — just make sure to pay attention to any posted regulations.

Hiking

Golden Gate National Recreation area is huge! Whatever you are looking for in a national park, chances are Golden Gate National Recreation Area has it. There are some of the best trails in Northern California, beautiful natural areas, historic sites, and you’ve probably seen most of them on postcards numerous times (with wide eyes and a yearning to be there). One of our favorite hikes is the Land’s End Lookout, or anywhere along Bolinas Ridge. They are quality spots to go for a casual hike, or if the weather is nice, watch the sunset. One of the most popular hikes (and for good reason) is Muir Woods . The trees are insanely huge and there are gorgeous views. Just make sure you stop by for a beer at the German Tourist Club, it’s a local secret and a very unique spot. Remember to check and make sure it is open before you go (they have a very limited schedule). If you’re into checking out massive gun batteries (which were used to defend the Bay at one point), then you’ll want to check out the Marin Headlands . You’ll also be spoiled with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate bridge...nice!

Horseback riding

Trails near Golden Gate at Fort Funston offer an amazing place to ride horseback.

Paddling

Paddling at the Golden Gate is one of the most spectacular experiences you can have in California. Let your stoke levels build as you are out there on the water, with gorgeous iconic scenery surrounding you. If you’re looking for something extra special, try to hit this kayak spot at sunset. Need a kayak? No worries! You can get your rentals, or join an awesome tour !

Wind sports

Crissy Field shoreline is a popular spot for kiteboarding. Why, you ask? Well, because it’s rad (and boasts some ridiculous views)!

Surfing

Ever heard of Ocean Beach? It’s a massive expanse of coastline that happens to also have some world class breaks (on the right day). I mean, Kelly Slater did win the Rip Curl Pro here! Surfing Ocean Beach can be an amazing experience, but it is also considered a very hard paddle out, so probably best for intermediate-to-advanced surfers. Some other great options are Fort Point, which is a left handed break right under the Golden Gate Bridge, and, a bit further north, Stinson Beach. Make sure you check out conditions before you jump in.

Wildlife watching

Don’t let the urban feel of Golden Gate fool you – there is plenty of wildlife to see here. Be on the lookout for animals such as harbor seals, sea lions, river otter, mountain lions and monarch butterflies.

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