Accessible only by ferry from Tiburon or private boat, Sunrise Campground sits on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay with unobstructed views across the water. The campground operates year-round with ten walk-in sites scattered around the island, requiring campers to backpack their gear from the ferry landing. Reservations through the California state park system are essential given the limited number of sites available.
Sunrise occupies an exposed location on the island's eastern side, offering direct water access but little protection from Bay Area winds and fog. Brittany R. notes the site is "completely exposed" and recommends bringing extra tent stakes for wind protection. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables, vault toilets, drinking water spigots, food lockers, and small barbecue grills for charcoal use. No campfires are permitted.
The island features a five-mile perimeter road suitable for hiking and cycling, with historical sites including immigration buildings and former military installations. Campers can explore beaches around the island and take advantage of views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. Ferry service operates daily, with the last departure leaving campers alone on the island until morning service resumes.
The combination of backpacking access, exposure to marine weather, and ferry scheduling makes this destination best suited for experienced tent campers comfortable with primitive conditions and changing Bay Area weather patterns.
Description
In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits Angel Island State Park, offering spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The island is also alive with history. Three thousand years ago the island was a fishing and hunting site for Coastal Miwok Indians. It was later a haven for Spanish explorer Juan de Ayala, a cattle ranch, and a U.S. Army post. From 1910 to 1940, the island processed thousands of immigrants. During World War II, Japanese and German POWs were held on the island, which was also used as a jumping-off point for American soldiers returning from the Pacific. In the '50s and '60s, the island was home to a Nike missile base. Today, there are two active Coast Guard stations - at Point Blunt and Point Stuart - on the island. Angel Island became a State Park in 1958.
CAMPSITES
11 environmental, including an ADA site (each site accommodating up to 8 people) and a kayak-accessible site (holds up to 20 people).
For more information contact the rangers office: 415-435-5390
Please check in with the park staff upon arrival on the island.
Be prepared to carry and/or transport your equipment up to 2.5 miles. Some sections are uphill, total elevation gain may be over 300 feet. Tables, food-lockers, running water, pit-toilets, and a barbecue are located at each site.
Bring charcoal or a stove as no wood fires are allowed. Raccoons are active making food-locker storage very important. Travel on the island after sunset is prohibited in some areas for park security and public safety.
Reservation Info
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
To make reservations, visit the California State Park website at www.parks.ca.gov/camping Campsites not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Campers should check the ferry schedule 1-2 weeks prior to their arrival date. The park is only accessible by boat, and ferry schedules change every couple of months. Because you made your reservation up to 6 months prior to arrival, the ferry schedule most likely was modified.
Angel Island State Park is accessible by public ferry or private boat. Campers should check ferry schedule 1-2 weeks prior to arrival. Schedules change seasonally and may be limited during certain times of year. You may need to check both providers for service that works best for your trip.
Service from San Francisco: www.goldengate.org
Service from Tiburon: www.angelislandferry.com
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSunrise Campground — Angel Island State Park is located in California
Directions
Access to the Island is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco, Tiburon and seasonal service from Oakland and Alameda. There is limited weekday ferry service to Angel Island during the winter. (check with ferry provider)
Address
P.O. Box 318
Tiburon, CA 94920
Coordinates
37.861389 N
122.425278 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 26 min from San Francisco, CA
- 39 min from Vallejo, CA
- 46 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 51 min from Napa, CA
