Heavenly
Go Camping On Angel Island
Steal away to the Bay’s very own deserted island.
Time Required
2 Days
Difficulty
Easy
Activity Type
Camping + Hiking or Biking
Gear
A sleeping bag, a tent or bivy, warm, windproof clothes, hiking shoes, firewood, a camera
Overview
Popular for day hikes and school field trips, Angel Island is also a great destination for overnight camping. Take an early ferry so you can arrive early and explore the island in peace. There’s plenty of hiking, but you should make sure to check out Fort McDowell and the other historical installations. Set up your camp and enjoy the splendor of San Francisco’s skyline at night. Get up early to hike to the top of Mount Livermore to watch the sunrise.
Logistics
There’s a ferry that leaves from Pier 41. You’ll want the Tiburon line. Pack light, you’ll need to carry everything in and out of the campsite yourself. This is an island, and once the last ferry leaves, you’re kind of on your own.
There are campsites circling the island. The ones on the east side, facing the East Bay, are sheltered from the wind, but the views are (arguably) better on the west side facing the City. Whichever campsite you chose, make sure to book early. The booking window is 6 months in advance.
Why You Should Go
It’s a well-known fact that the best views of San Francisco are from out on the Bay, either in a boat or on one of the islands. As the highest natural point on the Bay, Angel Island gives you a 360º vantage from which its possible to see the Bay end to end, from Sonoma to San Jose. Also, Fort McDowell has some of the best ruin porn this side of Detroit.
