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 fancy stove for campers who want compact, portability, and performance all in one.
Kitchen
This spacious loveseat is designed for cuddling with loved and furry ones at camp.
Essential Items
We can confirm that these camp tables withstand hot bevvies and rock collections.
Shared Gear
Bezzi's Picks
A fun camping cot for siblings to share and sleep in overnight.
Sleep
Sleep
Bugs be gone with this rechargeable and refillable mosquito repeller.
Essential Items
Self-care
This small play tent will keep your kids busy and your main sleeping tent clean.
Essential Items
Shelters
A colorful mug with a lid to keep your bevvies warm and cool at camp.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Coolers are made for chilling and rolling in and out of camp. This one is top-notch.
Essential Items
Kitchen
Lighten the load from car to camp with this highly-rated collapsible wagon.
Essential Items
Keep water cold and your family hydrated with this sleek, non-leak water jug.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.
