Sunrise Campground
08 reviewsSunrise Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation fees for hike-in campsites at Sunrise Campground are $30 per night. An additional reservation fee of $8.25 is required. Campsites include amenities such as food lockers and picnic tables.
About this campground
Perched on the slopes of Angel Island, Sunrise Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an extraordinary escape just miles from urban civilization. This exclusive hike-in sanctuary, accessible only by ferry or private boat, rewards those who make the journey with breathtaking panoramic views stretching from the glittering towers of downtown San Francisco to the rolling hills of the East Bay. Here, where morning light first touches the bay, campers discover a tranquil retreat that feels worlds away from city life, yet remains tantalizingly close to one of America's most iconic metropolitan areas.
Sunrise Campground exclusively offers hike-in camping sites for individuals and small groups.
Historical SignificanceEvery trail and vista at Sunrise Campground whispers stories from centuries past. Long before European settlement, the Coast Miwok people navigated these shores, using the island as their seasonal hunting grounds and leaving behind a legacy of sustainable living. The island later transformed into a Civil War military fortress, its strategic position guarding the Golden Gate. Most poignantly, from 1910 to 1940, Angel Island served as the 'Ellis Island of the West,' where hopeful immigrants, primarily from Asia, awaited their fate at the U.S. Immigration Station—their poems and stories still etched into the walls of the preserved buildings below.
Weather and SeasonsAngel Island's maritime climate creates a refreshing year-round camping experience, with temperatures hovering between a comfortable 52°F and 61°F throughout the seasons. Winter brings dramatic skies and rejuvenating rainfall that transforms the island into a lush green paradise, while summer days dawn crystal clear before the Bay Area's famous fog rolls in like a gentle blanket, creating an ever-changing atmospheric theater. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for camping, with mild temperatures and stunning visibility that showcases the bay's natural splendor.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery by each visitor, Sunrise Campground's hillside location provides an elevated perspective that transforms the camping experience, offering sweeping vistas and cooling breezes that make every sunrise and sunset a memorable spectacle.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry surrounds Sunrise Campground in a tapestry of California's diverse ecosystems. Ancient oak groves provide shaded retreats, their gnarled branches intertwining with fragrant bay laurels and vibrant madrone trees that shed their rust-colored bark like parchment. Towering eucalyptus and Monterey pines, though introduced, now stand as stately sentinels adding their unique character to the landscape. The island pulses with wildlife—black-tailed deer emerge at dusk to graze the golden grasslands, while ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between wildflowers. Overhead, red-tailed hawks circle on thermal currents as seagulls call from the rocky shores below, creating a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep.
Geological RegionRising from the heart of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island showcases the dramatic geological forces that shaped the Bay Area millions of years ago. This natural jewel encompasses a remarkable variety of ecosystems—from windswept coastal scrublands that cling to rocky outcrops to sheltered oak woodlands that provide refuge for diverse wildlife. The island's unique position offers unparalleled 360-degree views encompassing the Golden Gate Bridge's art deco majesty, the San Francisco skyline's urban peaks, and the vast expanse of bay waters that shift from deep blue to silver as light and weather play across their surface. This convergence of land and sea creates a microclimate and ecosystem found nowhere else, making each camping experience a journey through California's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited due to the hilly terrain and the hike-in nature of the campground. Advance notice is recommended for visitors with limited mobility.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized for hike-in campsites.
Sites PrivacySites offer partial privacy, with some natural shading and visual barriers.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites #001 and #002 offer partial shade and proximity to pit toilets and water spigots. Campsite #003 is closer to water features but has no shade.
Best CampsitesCampsites #001, #002, and #003 are highly rated for their scenic views and amenities such as food lockers and picnic tables.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 pm.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 pm.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site is 8 guests.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSunrise Campground features three hike-in sites located along a hard-packed dirt and gravel road approximately 0.5 to 0.6 miles uphill from the Perimeter Road.
Open and Closed SeasonSunrise Campground is open from February 1st to December 15th. The entire park is closed seasonally from December 16th to January 31st.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia at www.reservecalifornia.com.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, but reservations are strongly encouraged due to limited campsite availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled through ReserveCalifornia, but specific penalties or refund policies are not outlined.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Sunrise Campground provides activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The island itself offers a broader set of recreational opportunities, including biking, narrated tram tours, and historical explorations.
Hiking
Hiking is a primary activity, with trails leading to the summit of Mount Caroline Livermore and scenic views of San Francisco Bay. "Special caution should be used around historic buildings and bluffs."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available offshore, where fish like salmon and striped bass migrate.Biking
Biking is permitted on the island's main roads. Bikes can be rented seasonally near the Angel Island Café.Boating
Boating access is available via private boat docks and public ferries.Wildlife viewing
Diverse wildlife includes deer, raccoons, seals, sea lions, robins, hawks, and pelicans. "Birds that are often seen include robins, scrub jays, sparrows, and hummingbirds."Beach activities
Beachcombing and sunbathing are popular activities at protected beaches like Quarry Beach.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs include access to historic sites like the Immigration Station and Civil War-era buildings.Winter Activities
Limited winter activities are available due to seasonal closures.Water Sports
Opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding are available around the island’s shoreline.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood fires are not allowed. Charcoal grills and portable stoves are permitted.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include strong water currents near beaches, poison oak in some areas, and eroding bluffs. Visitors should exercise caution near historic buildings and trails.
Active alertsSeasonal closures from December 16th to January 31st. Limited ferry service in winter months.
Weather forecast
56
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 91%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 22.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Tiburon and Marin County. Emergency contact numbers include Marin County Fire Department (415) 473-6245 and California State Parks Bay Area District (415) 269-8623.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season pricing applies during summer months. Seasonal closures occur from December 16th to January 31st.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans and recycling bins are located approximately 75-165 feet from campsites.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located approximately 0.7 miles from China Cove Beach and 1.1 miles from Quarry Beach.
Common complaintsUser reviews have noted limited ferry schedules during off-season months and the hike-in distance to campsites as potential inconveniences.
HostInformation about campground hosts is not available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsAccess to Angel Island State Park is by private boat or public ferry from San Francisco or Tiburon. Detailed ferry schedules can be found at www.angelislandferry.com and www.goldengate.org for Tiburon and San Francisco respectively. From Tiburon, ferries run daily during the summer; ferry service is limited during the off-season. From San Francisco, ferries run seven days a week.
Access to Angel Island State Park requires ferry transportation, as the island is not reachable by car. Visitors must take a public ferry or private boat to reach the park. The ferry service from Tiburon and San Francisco operates on varied schedules, with reduced service during the winter months.Nearby places
Tiburon (2 miles, approximately 15-minute ferry ride), San Francisco (6 miles, approximately 30-minute ferry ride), Oakland (13 miles, approximately 45-minute ferry trip).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Tiburon, including groceries, fuel, and essential camping items. Additional food and snacks are offered at the Angel Island Café near Ayala Cove on the island itself.
Camper Reviews
0.0
8 reviews
Sunrise Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize the scenic views, remote location, and amenities suited for hike-in campers. Some reviewers appreciate the proximity to nature, while others mention limited facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
"Views of downtown San Francisco and the East Bay" are frequently praised. Partial shade and food lockers are appreciated features.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited facilities such as no showers or flush toilets are common complaints. "Night travel after sunset is restricted in some areas."
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water bottles to supplement potable water and prepare for uphill hikes to reach campsites. "Advance notice is recommended for visitors with limited mobility."
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter closures and limited ferry services are noted during November to January. Summer months provide more operational ferry routes and access to amenities.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Site is .6 miles uphill from the paved Perimeter Road along a hard-packed dirt and gravel road." "Pit toilet, potable water spigot, trash can, and recycling bin located approximately 75 feet from...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #001 has partial shade and two picnic tables, while Site #003 has no shade and one picnic table. Distance to pit toilets ranges between 75-165 feet.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited accessibility due to hilly terrain and hike-in setup. "Advance notice is strongly recommended for persons with limited mobility."
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Sunrise Campground sites. "This does not include the use of emotional support animals, which are not covered by the ADA."
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025