Camping Under the Stars at Rob Hill Campground

Destinations West California San Francisco

Camping Under the Stars at Rob Hill Campground

San Francisco may conjure images of cable cars and crowded piers, but beyond the city's heartbeat lies Rob Hill Campground, a rare escape tucked into the Presidio. This unexpected oasis blends natural serenity with urban convenience, offering the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

When night falls, Rob Hill becomes a sanctuary. The Golden Gate Bridge’s silhouette glows softly in the distance, framed by a canopy of stars. Eucalyptus trees sway in the ocean breeze, their scent mingling with the smoky embrace of a crackling campfire. Whether sharing stories under the Milky Way or savoring the quiet rustle of leaves, the campground’s magic lies in its contrasts.

Rooted in history, Rob Hill reflects the Presidio’s evolution from a military stronghold to a gateway for modern explorers. Its four group campsites, equipped with grills, food lockers, and nearby restrooms, offer all the essentials for a seamless camping experience. A quick jaunt to the city ensures you’re never far from provisions—or civilization.

Rob Hill Campground isn’t just a place to pitch a tent; it’s where city lights flirt with the cosmos. So pack your gear, embrace the chill of Pacific winds, and prepare for a night where nature and urban energy collide in perfect harmony.

Adventure Guide to Rob Hill Campground

Location: Rob Hill Campground, Presidio of San Francisco, at 1475 Central Magazine Rd.
Reservations: Essential! Reserve on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website.

What You’ll Find:

Group Campsites: Four sites, up to 30 people each, with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities.
Nearby Trails: Lover’s Lane, Batteries to Bluffs, and more.

Driving Directions:

From Downtown SF, take California Street to Presidio Blvd. Follow signs to Central Magazine Rd. (~15 min).

Pro Tips:

Pack layers—it gets chilly, even in summer.
Firewood isn’t sold on-site; come prepared.
Quiet hours are 10 PM-6 AM, ensuring a tranquil retreat.

Camping at Rob Hill is a chance to immerse yourself in the Presidio’s rugged beauty without leaving the city—a must for any adventurer’s bucket list.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Ansi Taing8 months ago

The perfect introduction to camping, ideal for kids and those seeking a relaxed outdoor adventure. Nestled in the beautiful Presidio Park of San Francisco, this campground offers a pristine setting and very well-kept facilities. While there are no showers, you'll find clean bathrooms equipped with running water and toilets. The campground offers a weekend getaway or a weekday escape, this spot comes highly recommended for its convenience and charm. Already thinking about my next trip back!

Dennis Palatov2 years ago

i didn't know quite what to expect, hope the following will help future/prospective campers. first, it's a very unique place - only four campsites, in the middle of a city park. great natural setting with amazing views only short walk away. the price is high (though i only paid $87 for the night) but when you realize each site can take many tents (you get 4 vehicle permits per site), it makes more sense. i was just by myself and still to me the experience was worth it. during my stay, all 4 sites were booked but there was only one other tent and i saw no people. odd, but quiet. sites are well separated. traffic dies down by 10pm so the loudest thing was the owl. and the distant bridge fog horn. it's dark, and damp in the fog, so be prepared for that. parking is remote from the sites and you don't want to leave anything in the car. there are 'beware of crime' signs everywhere. campers get access code to use the bathrooms, which are clean. overall the place is clean and well maintained. this is not for everyone, but i thoroughly enjoyed it. a memorable experience.

K O H2 months ago

Great location was super fun. No showers, but restrooms were in good working order. Bring mosquito spray!

Irma Avila2 months ago

This place was wonderful, clean, organized. The trails are beautiful, shaded and very well cared. It is located in a very nice location with a super pretty view specially for sunset lovers. We had a good experience and were planning to go back next year.

Karen Aguilar7 months ago

The restrooms were clean, no showers, we were there at probably not the best time of the year. The best times were booked solid so we camped in the cold and rain 2 of the 3 days we were there. The grounds are priced for groups, 1 can camp or up 40 with up to 10 tents. Late spring and summer are the best times to go. There are so many places to hike to and explore. This was our end of the year camping trip for the 5th grade and usually we would have gone the 1st week of May, warmer and not cold and rainy. I would definitely go again, with a group to share the cost of the site, plus it could be fun. Especially during the summer when it's warmer most of the time.