Haypress Campground
4.3051 reviewsHaypress Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA, 94965
Haypress Campground
$25.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$75.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates range from $25 to $75 depending on site type (individual or group). Fees do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rolling coastal scrub of Tennessee Valley, Haypress Campground offers an intimate escape into the wild heart of Marin Headlands. This secluded hike-in sanctuary features five individual campsites, each welcoming up to four adventurers, plus one spacious group site perfect for gatherings of up to 25 people. Your wilderness experience comes complete with tent pads nestled into the landscape, secure food lockers to protect your provisions from curious wildlife, and vault toilets discretely placed for convenience. The group site features picnic tables for communal meals under the stars. As a true backcountry experience, you'll need to carry in your own water and pack out all trash—a small price for the solitude and natural beauty that awaits. Leave your devices behind or embrace the digital detox, as cell service rarely reaches this peaceful hollow.
Haypress Campground provides primitive camping options, including individual sites and a group site accessible only by hiking.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Haypress places you within reach of fascinating glimpses into California's layered past. The historic Point Bonita Lighthouse stands as a beacon of maritime heritage, while the preserved Nike Missile Site SF-88 offers a sobering reminder of Cold War tensions. Nature lovers can venture to the cathedral-like groves of Muir Woods National Monument, where ancient redwoods have stood witness to centuries of change along this dramatic coastline.
Weather and SeasonsThe Marin Headlands wrap Haypress in a gentle maritime embrace year-round, with temperatures that whisper rather than shout—expect comfortable lows between 50-55°F and mild highs of 60-65°F regardless of season. From May through September, the famous Pacific fog rolls in like a living blanket, transforming the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape where eucalyptus trees emerge and vanish like ancient sentinels in the mist.
Natural Features and SceneryHaypress unfolds across a gentle meadow where native grasses dance in the ocean breeze, framed by towering eucalyptus trees that fill the air with their distinctive fragrance. This living landscape pulses with wildlife—California quail burst from the underbrush in whirring coveys, while red-tailed hawks and other raptors patrol the skies above. As dusk falls, you might glimpse the elegant forms of black-tailed deer grazing nearby, or catch sight of more elusive residents like gray foxes, coyotes, and even the occasional bobcat padding silently through the shadows. The earth itself tells ancient stories here, with dramatic outcrops of radiolarian ribbon chert creating natural sculptures that speak of prehistoric seas.
Geological RegionHaypress Campground rests within the remarkable geological tapestry of Tennessee Valley in the Marin Headlands, where the earth's deep history lies exposed for those who know how to read it. The area showcases world-renowned geological formations, including spectacular radiolarian ribbon chert outcrops—ancient seafloor sediments transformed into colorful, banded rock formations that draw geologists and rock enthusiasts from around the globe. This unique coastal scrub ecosystem represents the meeting place of land and sea, where Pacific forces have sculpted a landscape of rare beauty and scientific significance.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground trail is flat and partially paved/packed dirt, making it moderately accessible. However, there are no accessibility-specific features mentioned.
Sites SizeStandard-sized sites suitable for tents. The group site is spacious enough for up to 25 campers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the clustered layout of the sites. "All of the annoyances of car camping are present: neighbors slamming the metal food locker doors, bathroom door slamming."
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 5 offers quieter surroundings. Bring a hand cart for transporting gear due to the flat trail.
Best CampsitesSites 4 and 5 were highlighted as favorites in reviews for their layout and surroundings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is flexible during the day.
Check-out
Check-out time is flexible by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 3 nights per visit and 3 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Individual sites accommodate up to 4 people
- group site accommodates up to 25 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 25 people and includes two picnic tables and food lockers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of six sites arranged in a single loop with sites stretching from #1 nearest the entrance to #5 at the rear of the camp.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: March 7 to November 30. Reservations begin June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations for individual sites can be canceled up to the day before arrival; late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee. Group site cancellations must occur at least 14 days before check-in to avoid penalties.
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
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Haypress blends easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. While swimming and fires are not allowed, the campground is a convenient base for exploring nearby beaches and trails.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound with nearby trails leading to Tennessee Beach (2 miles), Muir Beach (3.5 miles), and Rodeo Beach (4 miles). Visitors also appreciate guided hikes and ranger programs.Biking
Campers can bike to the campground. "We bike camped overnight here - very bike friendly" with trails accessible for mountain and gravel bikes.Wildlife viewing
The area is frequented by wildlife such as California quails, raptors, deer, coyotes, and bobcats. "We saw a bobcat there and quail and heard owls and coyotes."Cultural and Educational Programs
Guided hikes and ranger-led programs, such as "Beginner Birding" and "Layers of History," are available during specific seasons.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No wood or charcoal fires allowed; gas stoves permitted.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsNo water available; campers must bring their own supply. Dense fog can lead to condensation. Wildlife frequent the area, and food lockers must be used to prevent animal disturbances.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
In case of emergency, call 911 or Park Dispatch at (415) 561-5656.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 7 to November 30.
Trash and recyclingCampers must pack out all trash. "Pack out all of your trash. Do not leave trash at the campsite."
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Tennessee Cove, a scenic beach with unique colorful sand, and within hiking distance to Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, and Battery Townsley.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted issues with vault toilet odor. Others mentioned noise disturbances due to the close proximity of campsites.
Campground Map
Haypress Campground, Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA, 94965
Driving directionsFrom San Francisco (traveling north): Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on the US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail. From Marin (traveling south): From US-101 South, take exit 445B toward Stinson Beach. Turn right on CA-1 and continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley trailhead parking lot. From here, hike on Tennessee Valley Trail to Haypress Camp Trail.
The trail is a 0.7-mile hike-in from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. The trail is flat and partially paved/partially dirt. No vehicle access to the campsites is permitted. RVs and car camping are not allowed.Nearby places
San Francisco: approximately 10 miles, 25-minute drive
Mill Valley: approximately 2 miles, 10-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
There are no supplies or water available at the campground or parking lot. Closest grocery and essentials are in Sausalito and Mill Valley.
Camper Reviews
4.3
51 reviews
Haypress Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's quiet and scenic setting, but note limitations such as the lack of water and privacy between sites. The short hike to the campground is a common theme in both positive and negative feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 51 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet, scenic environment and the campground's proximity to hiking trails. Comments include: "Great small campground, very close (0.7mi) to trail parking," and "Lovely campsite...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms focus on the lack of water and fire facilities, limited privacy, and occasional overcrowding. "The bathroom facility is atrocious," and "All of the annoyances of car camping are present."...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest packing light, bringing sufficient water, and arriving early to secure parking. "Bring a raincoat," and "A hand cart for your equipment wouldn't be a bad idea."
Based on 51 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are foggy, with condensation dripping from eucalyptus trees. Fall reviews mention clear skies but recommend bringing warm clothing. Reviews suggest that the campground is less crowded...
Based on 51 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Quiet and only half the sites were occupied," "Very quiet @ night with active owls," and "Bathrooms were fine and bear lockers provided."
Based on 51 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 5 is noted for its seclusion, but lacks a picnic table according to one review. Site 3 receives mixed feedback for privacy but is appreciated for its spacious tent pad.
Based on 51 reviewsAccessibility Features
The flat trail to the campground makes it moderately accessible, though no specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 51 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are prohibited, and reviews support the enforcement of this rule to protect the area's wildlife. "Pets are prohibited, only trained service animals are allowed."
Based on 51 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025