Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (Auxiliary Engine Ok)
4.6333 reviewsSan Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (Auxiliary Engine Ok)
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight anchoring fee of $10 per night for visiting sailboats. Reservation fees ($8 for online/app booking, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person) are non-refundable. Modifications incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee.
About this campground
Drop anchor in one of San Francisco's most spectacular hidden gems, where your sailboat becomes your floating basecamp in the heart of the city. Aquatic Park Cove welcomes sailors to a protected anchorage where the urban meets the maritime, offering front-row seats to some of America's most iconic landmarks. Wake to the sight of Alcatraz Island catching the morning light, spend your days exploring the Maritime Museum's treasures, and watch the Golden Gate Bridge transform into a glowing sculpture at sunset. Just steps from your anchorage, the historic ships of Hyde Street Pier tell tales of San Francisco's seafaring past, while the city's vibrant neighborhoods beckon with endless adventures.
Aquatic Park Cove offers a distinctive camping experience exclusive to anchored sailing vessels. Traditional camping facilities for tents or RVs are not available.
Historical SignificanceYour anchorage sits at the heart of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where every view tells a story of America's maritime heritage. The elegant Art Deco curves of the Maritime Museum, originally built as an aquatic recreation center in the 1930s, now houses fascinating exhibits on Pacific Coast seafaring. Along Hyde Street Pier, an extraordinary fleet of historic vessels—from majestic square-riggers to humble fishing boats—serves as a floating museum where you can walk the decks that once plied these very waters. The Municipal Pier, your protective barrier from the bay's swells, has welcomed fishermen, strollers, and dreamers since 1934, continuing its role as a beloved gathering place where city meets sea.
Weather and SeasonsThe cove's weather dances to San Francisco Bay's distinctive rhythm, where morning fog gives way to afternoon sunshine and brisk ocean breezes keep things lively. Summer sailors should prepare for spirited winds that test your anchoring skills and add excitement to your stay, while occasional rogue waves remind you that the Pacific Ocean is just beyond the Golden Gate. Winter transforms the cove into a more tranquil haven, with gentler breezes and calmer waters making it the perfect season for peaceful nights aboard. Year-round, the bay's famously cool temperatures create that quintessential San Francisco atmosphere—pack your layers and embrace the invigorating maritime climate that has captivated sailors for generations.
ElevationThis sea-level anchorage puts you literally at water's edge in San Francisco Bay, where the rhythms of the tides become part of your daily experience and the city rises dramatically from the shoreline around you.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in a natural amphitheater created by Municipal Pier's protective arm and Hyde Street Pier's historic embrace, Aquatic Park Cove offers a front-row seat to San Francisco's most breathtaking maritime panorama. To the east, Russian and Telegraph Hills rise like ancient sentinels, their slopes dotted with hidden gardens and crowned by Coit Tower. Alcatraz Island sits mysteriously in the middle distance, while Angel Island's green slopes provide a peaceful counterpoint to the urban landscape. The ever-changing light on the water creates a living canvas throughout the day, from misty morning pastels to the liquid gold of sunset, with the constant parade of vessels—from cargo ships to kayaks—adding life and movement to this extraordinary seascape.
Geological RegionAnchored in the sheltered waters where San Francisco Bay meets the Pacific, this unique cove represents a perfect marriage of natural harbor and human ingenuity. The protective embrace of Municipal Pier and Hyde Street Pier creates a rare calm pocket along the otherwise exposed Pacific shoreline, offering sailors a secure haven within the greater San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Here, the geological forces that carved the Golden Gate have created an ideal anchorage, where ocean swells are tamed and sailors can rest easy while remaining connected to the pulse of one of the world's great natural harbors.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is primarily accessible via watercraft. There are no detailed descriptions of ADA-compliant or other specialized accessibility features.
Sites SizeAnchorage spaces cater to small and medium-sized sailing vessels. Vessels over 40 feet in length or with a draft exceeding 8 feet must gain prior approval from the park.
Sites PrivacyAnchorage offers limited privacy due to the urban setting and close proximity to other vessels. However, reviewers noted the scenic appeal and the ability to "enjoy the sound of someone playing an instrument on shore" (VINCENT S).
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites like APA01 for scenic views and APA07 for reliable holding ground. Avoid anchoring during Fleet Week or airshows due to congestion.
Best CampsitesAPA01 is frequently praised for its scenic views and proximity to amenities. APA07 offers excellent holding ground and access to Hyde Street Pier.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sunset (overnight anchoring only)
Check-out
Sunrise
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 5 consecutive nights per visit, with a total annual limit of 30 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 12 vessels allowed overnight in the cove.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are open anchoring areas within the cove. No permanent moorings are provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityDay-use access does not require reservation except during high-use days or special events, as announced on the park's website.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night recreation use fee is forfeited for late cancellations. No refunds for cancellations after the check-in date.
Amenities available
Showers
Activities you can enjoy
Aquatic Park Cove offers unique recreational opportunities in a semi-protected urban waterfront setting. Official descriptions emphasize activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, and open-water swimming. Reviewers frequently highlighted the abundance of swimmers in the cove, with comments such as "Watch for swimmers. There are a lot of them and they seem to rule the cove" (LAUREN M). Additional activities mentioned include wildlife viewing, with seals and other marine life often observed.
Swimming
Swimming is a prominent activity in the cove with open-water swimming in a semi-protected environment. Reviewers repeatedly noted the presence of swimmers, sometimes navigating around them when bringing vessels to anchor. Brightly colored swim caps help identify swimmers.Biking
While there are no designated biking trails, the urban location provides easy access to biking opportunities in San Francisco, including routes to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge.Boating
Boating is the primary activity at Aquatic Park Cove, with overnight anchoring permitted for sailing vessels. Motorboats and jet skis are prohibited. Visitors praised the "good holding ground" and described the anchoring process as straightforward (VINCENT S, MAX P).Wildlife viewing
Common wildlife sightings include seals and other marine animals. One user described enjoying views of "seals swimming by" and the "glimmer of the city lights" (VINCENT S).Beach activities
Beach access is available for visitors landing dinghies, and the soft sand beach is suitable for picnics and relaxation.Cultural and Educational Programs
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park hosts nearby cultural and educational opportunities such as the Maritime Museum and historic ships at Hyde Street Pier.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically indicated, though the anchorage is described as quieter and more manageable in off-peak seasons.Water Sports
Popular water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing. Reviewers frequently noted the semi-protected environment suitable for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No campfires allowed. Cooking aboard anchored vessels is permitted.
- Quiet hours apply during park closure (16:30 to 08:00).
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent swimmers in the cove require caution while maneuvering. Strong winds, rogue waves from passing ships, and a swinging tide due to shallow but adequate depth are common. Anchors must be secure and able to reset.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 16.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
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
Nearest emergency services are located within San Francisco city limits, including hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 through December 31 (year-round peak season)
Trash and recyclingNo information on trash or recycling facilities was explicitly provided. Users are likely required to manage their own waste, as no land-based facilities like dumpsters are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly within San Francisco Bay. Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing are popular activities.
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews mention the lack of a secure dinghy dock, difficulty with beach landings during high surf, and concerns about late or unavailable park management responses.
HostNo campground host specified. Rangers and park staff provide oversight and assistance.
Campground Map
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fort Mason Center, Building E, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
Driving directionsSan Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is located within the city limits of San Francisco, in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, on the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. Aquatic Cove overnight stays are off shore, accessible only by non-motorized watercraft.
Accessible by non-motorized watercraft only. Located within the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, road access does not apply to this unique campground.Nearby places
San Francisco (central location)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be replenished at nearby Trader Joe's or Safeway within walking distance of the park. Additional local shops and dining options are available nearby in Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
Camper Reviews
4.6
33 reviews
Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels Only (Auxiliary Engine Ok) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews commonly highlight the unique urban waterfront location, scenic views, and proximity to San Francisco attractions. Many reviewers praised the "great value" of $10 per night, though some noted challenges like navigating around swimmers and the lack of secure dinghy docking. Winds and rogue waves were also mentioned as factors to prepare for.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the location's scenic beauty, accessibility to city attractions, good holding ground for anchors, and affordable rates. The inclusion of Hyde Street Pier's ship exhibits in the...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints included the absence of secure dinghy docks, early park closures, and challenges with windy conditions. Several users reported difficulties contacting park officials via VHF radio...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend stowing breakables due to occasional swells, acquiring a Clipper card for local transit, and using proper anchoring gear. Many emphasized caution around swimmers, with one reviewer...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are busier, with stronger winds and more swimmers. Winter is described as quieter and more comfortable for anchoring. Events like Fleet Week attract additional visitors, making the area...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great spot in downtown San Francisco at a great price!!" (MICHAEL C). "Watch for swimmers. There are a lot of them and they seem to rule the cove" (LAUREN M). "Safe, beautiful. If only there was...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
APA01 received numerous positive mentions for its location and accessibility, with users describing it as "a gem hidden in plain sight" (MAX P). APA07 was noted for good holding and scenic views....
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned pet policies or experiences.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025