Sunrise Point Campground
00 review500 Hunters Point Expressway, San Francisco, CA 94124
Sunrise Point Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Each campsite costs $35 per night. Boat campers with reservations may launch non-motorized vessels from Jack Rabbit Beach.
About this campground
Perched on the edge of San Francisco Bay, Sunrise Point Campground beckons group adventurers with six spacious campsites designed for gatherings of 20 to 40 people. Wake up to the gentle lapping of bay waters just steps from your tent, where each thoughtfully appointed site comes complete with sturdy picnic tables for communal meals, sizzling BBQ grills for evening cookouts, secure food storage lockers to keep wildlife at bay, and fresh potable water. This hidden gem within Candlestick Point State Recreation Area puts you at the intersection of urban convenience and natural serenity, offering direct shoreline access that transforms every sunrise and sunset into a spectacular show.
Sunrise Point Campground is designed for group camping and is exclusively available to organized groups of 20-40 people.
Historical SignificanceFrom trash heap to treasured parkland, Candlestick Point tells a remarkable story of urban renewal and environmental resilience. As California's pioneering urban state park, this landscape stands as a testament to what communities can achieve when they refuse to give up on their natural spaces. Where garbage trucks once rumbled across landfill mounds, families now spread picnic blankets and children chase butterflies. Decades of dedicated restoration work by local advocates, environmentalists, and volunteers have transformed this former wasteland into a thriving ecosystem, proving that even the most damaged landscapes can be reborn with vision and persistence.
Weather and SeasonsThe Bay Area's famous microclimates create an ever-changing atmospheric canvas at Sunrise Point. Morning fog often gives way to brilliant sunshine, while afternoon breezes sweep in from the Pacific, bringing that characteristic San Francisco chill. Savvy campers come prepared with layers – think morning fleece, midday t-shirt, and evening windbreaker. Winter months amplify the bay's dramatic moods with stronger gusts and occasional rain showers that paint the landscape in fresh, glistening hues. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall often deliver the most predictable conditions, perfect for those seeking gentler weather for their group gatherings.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain sits at near sea level, offering easy access and minimal elevation changes throughout the park.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living ecosystem where rolling grassy meadows meet the rhythmic pulse of tidal waters. Candlestick Point unfolds like nature's own amphitheater, showcasing coastal salt marshes that shimmer silver-green in the morning light and intertidal mudflats that reveal their secrets at low tide. Pocket beaches tucked between rocky outcrops invite exploration, while the expansive uplands provide front-row seats to one of the Bay Area's most dynamic wildlife shows. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead on thermal currents, while great blue herons stand statue-still in the shallows, waiting for the perfect catch. Curious ground squirrels pop up from their burrows to inspect newcomers, and fleet-footed jackrabbits bound across the grasslands at dusk, their long ears silhouetted against the fading light.
Geological RegionSunrise Point Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the western shores of San Francisco Bay meet the Pacific's tidal influence. This dynamic landscape showcases the Bay Area's coastal geology in miniature – from the spongy resilience of salt marshes that filter bay waters and provide crucial wildlife habitat, to the nutrient-rich tidal flats that support an intricate food web. The grassy uplands, built atop ancient bay sediments and more recent human additions, now wave in the coastal breezes like a reclaimed prairie. This unique positioning creates a natural laboratory where visitors can witness the daily dance between land and water, watching as tides transform the shoreline twice daily in an endless cycle of revelation and concealment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe Sunrise Point Campground provides accessible trails and accessible campsites. Portapotties are also available.
Sites SizeEach site accommodates either one large tent or two smaller tents.
Sites PrivacySites are grouped together and are intended for larger groups, which may limit privacy.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive before dark as the area lacks direct vehicle access.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Campers must secure free permits but no explicit stay limits are provided.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates 20-40 people.
Groups
Each site accommodates groups of 20-40 people and requires a responsible adult for every four children under 18.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSix campsites are located on Sunrise Point.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be arranged through the Park Manager via email or phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable. All campsites require advance reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations or service projects must be arranged by contacting Park Manager Lisa Whitmer at lisa.whitmer@parks.ca.gov.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, hiking, biking, and access to the San Francisco Bay Water Trail for non-motorized boating. The public fishing pier is particularly popular among anglers. Wildlife viewing is possible at the park, with species such as hawks, herons, and migratory ducks.
Hiking
Hiking is available on accessible trails such as the San Francisco Bay Trail and the Shoreline Trail, with scenic views and paved paths suited for biking and walking.Fishing
Fishing is permissible off the public pier without a license, allowing anglers to catch jack smelt, halibut, leopard sharks, or bat rays depending on the season.Biking
Biking is supported on the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is paved and accessible.Boating
Boat campers with reservations may launch non-motorized vessels from Jack Rabbit Beach. The campground is accessible via the San Francisco Bay Water Trail.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include observing hawks, herons, ground squirrels, and migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are supported since boat campers can launch from Jack Rabbit Beach.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires and ground fires are strictly prohibited.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNearby Yosemite Slough is polluted. Direct contact with its sediment should be avoided.
Active alertsNo current alerts or closures affecting the campground.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 15.2 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
San Francisco General Hospital: approximately 5 miles away. San Francisco Police Department: Bayview Station is approximately 4 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly identified.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not mentioned explicitly. Campers are likely expected to pack out their own trash.
Proximity to water featuresDirect shoreline access to the San Francisco Bay. Adjacent to a public fishing pier.
Common complaints"Some visitors have noted the lack of showers and flush toilets." Others mentioned high winds during certain seasons.
HostPark Manager Lisa Whitmer manages reservations and permits.
Campground Map
500 Hunters Point Expressway, San Francisco, CA 94124
Driving directionsFrom Highway 101, take the Third Street exit, take the first left then continue until Gilman Ave. Take a right on Gilman Ave. and continue to the park entrance, which will be on your left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads year-round, but there is no direct vehicle access to the campsites themselves. Overnight parking is available in the nearby parking lot.Nearby places
San Francisco: approximately 6 miles, Oakland: approximately 16 miles, San Mateo: approximately 19 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries and essentials can be found within San Francisco city limits, approximately 6 miles away. Nearby fueling stations are available within 5 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Sunrise Point Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Official materials describe Sunrise Point Campground as secluded and ideal for group camping, offering scenic views of San Francisco Bay. User reviews are not provided.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include access to potable water, BBQ grills, food storage boxes, proximity to a public fishing pier, and accessible trails.
Common Concerns
Complaints might include the lack of flush toilets, showers, and individual privacy due to group-focused camping.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Plan to arrive at the campsite before dark, as vehicle access is unavailable. Overnight parking is provided at the parking lot. Boat campers should launch non-motorized vessels from Jack Rabbit Beach.
Seasonal Insights
No specific data is provided regarding seasonal trends.
Camper Quotes
Direct quotes are not available from reviews but official sources describe the campground as 'secluded camping right on the SF Bay shoreline' and emphasize the 'beautiful views of the bay and...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No data on site-specific reviews beyond official descriptions.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features include accessible trails and campsites, potable water, and portapotties.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Last updated August 10, 2025