Angel Island State Park
A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes
Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry
Ideal for first-timers
Trip · 3-day backpacking trip
For · Friends and first-time backpackers
Vibe · Moderate and fun
Distance · 10.4 miles with 1,270 feet of elevation gain
Permits · Yep, reserve a Ridge campsite
Drive · 20 minute ferry ride from SF
Ideal dates · April to October
Pets · Not allowed on the island
Spanish explorer Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala named Isla de Los Angeles (Angel Island) in 1775. It has since been a military base, immigration station, and now a state park. Angel Island is the largest natural island in the bay so you'll have sweeping views of the SF skyline. Reserve a campsite early and catch a ferry from SF to camp in one of the most unique places in the Bay Area.
Directions To SF Ferry Terminal
Main image credit: Steven Coffey
Each campsite comes with a:
Angel Island has a total of 16 campsites, and hike-in Ridge campsites have some of the best views. Ridge campsite 4 and 5 are the ones to reserve, but they're fairly exposed to the sun and wind. Ridge sites 5 and 6 are more sheltered from the elements. Camping on Angel Island involves a one or two mile trek from the ferry drop-off area, which makes this a perfect trip for campers who want to try out backpacking. It's about a 40-minute walk from the ferry to Ridge campsites.
Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM
Nightly Rate: $30
From 1910 - 1940, Angel Island was an immigration station, processing nearly a million immigrants and detaining Chinese immigrants for weeks
2,000 years ago, the Coast Miwok tribe camped on Angel Island and used it as a hunting and fishing site
For a century, the U.S. Army designated Angel Island as a military base. It was decommissioned and turned over to State Parks in 1963.
A lightweight, easy to clean customizable leash that comes in a rainbow of colors.
Pets
Pets
A neat way to pack, carry, and organize dirty shoes.
Personal Stuff
Clothes
A cute and colorful patch that repels mosquitoes with a natural repellent.
Self-Care
Self-care
It's pricey, but Supergoop! makes putting on sunscreen feel smooth and easy.
Self-Care
A nesting set of collapsible cookware that saves space in your camp kitchen.
Kitchen
Kitchen
It's pricey, but this picnic/camp/play blanket is easy to clean and lasts.
Shared Gear
Keep water cold and your family hydrated with this sleek, non-leak water jug.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Lighten the load from car to camp with this highly-rated collapsible wagon.
Essential Items
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.
