Deep in the heart of the Presidio, just minutes from downtown San Francisco, lies a hidden gem. This gem is Rob Hill Campground. Generations have slept under the stars here. It is one of only two campgrounds in San Francisco.
Rob Hill Campground offers a unique national park camping experience. You don’t have to drive to Yosemite or Yellowstone. The four acres of cypress trees make you feel like you’re deep in the wilderness.
Let’s step into this unique campground. Rob Hill is open for public tent camping from April 1 to October 31. There are four group campsites. Each welcomes up to 30 people. You must reserve sites in advance through Recreation.gov.
Each campsite at Rob Hill comes with great amenities. You’ll find picnic tables, grills, and access to indoor restrooms. During the off-season, from November to March, you can still enjoy the day-use area for picnicking.
Imagine falling asleep to the sound of a Great Horned Owl. Then, wake up to a beautiful Presidio sunrise at Rob Hill Campground. The campground is located next to the Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. This gives you easy access to other Presidio destinations.
The campground parking lot includes four spaces for those with mobility limitations. A paved 200-foot wheelchair-accessible path leads to the campground. Two campsites, Ishmen and Yunahia, offer raised pads for wheelchair users.
Take a walk on the nearby Batteries to Bluffs Trail. It connects to the Sand Ladder at Baker Beach. Enjoy breathtaking views and a connection to the iconic beach.
During the off-season, take advantage of the campground’s amenities. Grills and campfire circles are ideal for preparing a picnic feast. The spacious campsites provide plenty of room for small group gatherings. It’s perfect for casual celebrations.
Pack a picnic basket. Pair your meal with a walk on the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. It offers breathtaking views.
Rob Hill Campground is perfect for large gatherings of family and friends. As of 2023, reservations cost $92 per site per night from Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights cost $140 per site. Active and retired military personnel receive a discounted rate of $75 per site per night.
Each campsite at Rob Hill features a fire ring. You’ll also find a charcoal BBQ grill, two food storage lockers, and four picnic tables. Campers have access to water, restrooms, refuse receptacles, and bike racks. Four reserved parking spots are available per permit.
Remember that RV camping and vehicle camping are not allowed at Rob Hill. Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in the BBQs and fire pits. Collecting wood is prohibited. You can bring your own wood.
Each year, Bay Area naturalists come to Rob Hill Campground. They participate in the Western Monarch Butterfly Count. Army records show the monarch has come to the Presidio since the beginning of the 19th century. The butterflies overwinter and mate in nearby eucalyptus trees.
Rob Hill Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent. It’s a place to connect with nature, history, and each other. As San Francisco’s only group campground, Rob Hill offers memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, Rob Hill welcomes you.