Campsite 5

For Californians, the call of the wild often conjures images of towering redwoods, vast deserts, or pristine Sierra Nevada peaks. Yet, within the bustling heart of the San Francisco Bay, a truly unique and breathtaking camping experience awaits: Angel Island State Park. Among its limited, highly coveted campsites, Campsite 5 stands out as a jewel, offering an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and spectacular panoramic views. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a "backpacking experience" that rewards those willing to embark on a short ferry ride and a scenic hike. It's a place where the sounds of nature replace city noise, and the Golden Gate Bridge becomes your nightly backdrop. This article will guide you through the wonders of Campsite 5 on Angel Island, detailing its exceptional location, the essential services provided, its standout features, and why it offers an unforgettable adventure for local Californians.

Campsite 5 is located on Angel Island, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920, USA. This places it within Angel Island State Park, a remarkable natural and historical landmark situated in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The island itself is only accessible by public ferry or private boat, adding an exciting layer to your camping adventure. Ferries operate regularly from Tiburon (Angel Island Tiburon Ferry) and San Francisco (Golden Gate Ferry), with schedules varying by season, so checking in advance is crucial. The ferry ride across the bay offers stunning preliminary views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge, building anticipation for your island escape.

Once on Angel Island, reaching Campsite 5 requires a hike. It is described as a "hike-in" site, located approximately "a mile and a half from the ferry terminal" in Ayala Cove, with some sections uphill. While this means you'll need to carry your gear, the journey is part of the experience, offering "well graded trails and the perimeter road" and revealing new "outstanding views" with each turn. Campsite 5 is specifically found in the "Ridge" camping area on the southwest side of the island, nestled "right above Battery Wallace." This strategic elevation and position ensure the magnificent views it's famous for. Despite the rustic nature of a walk-in site, the feeling of seclusion and immersion in nature, combined with the accessibility of a short ferry ride from the mainland, makes it a uniquely convenient yet adventurous escape for Californians.

Angel Island State Park provides environmental campsites, which means the facilities are designed to be rustic yet functional, supporting a true outdoor experience. For campers at Campsite 5, the following services and amenities are typically available:

• Tent-Only Camping: Campsite 5 is designated for tent camping. RVs, trailers, or other camping vehicles are not permitted on the island or at the campsites.
• Potable Water Source: A water spigot with potable water is located approximately "60 paces away" from Campsite 5, ensuring access to drinking water.
• Vault Toilets: A shared "vaulted toilet" is conveniently located about "30 paces away" from the site, providing basic restroom facilities. Note that there are no showers on the island.
• Picnic Tables: Campsite 5 is equipped with at least "two picnic tables," providing a dedicated space for meals and gathering.
• Food Storage Lockers: Each campsite includes a food storage locker (also referred to as a "food storage cabinet") to safely secure food and scented items from wildlife, particularly raccoons, which are known to be active.
• BBQ Grills: Small, free-standing BBQs are typically available at sites for charcoal fires. Wood fires are generally not permitted on the island due to wildfire risk, so campers should bring their own charcoal or camp stoves.
• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: Sites offer designated areas for pitching tents, with "lots of places to pitch tents." Campsite 5 is particularly large.
• Visitor Center & Cafe at Ayala Cove: The ferry landing at Ayala Cove offers a small store and cafe where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and sometimes rent bikes. This is located further from the campsite but is a resource on the island.
• Accessible Features: While Campsite 5 itself may not be ADA-specific, Angel Island State Park does have some accessible facilities and pathways, demonstrating an effort to make parts of the island accessible.
• Ferry Services: The primary service is transportation to and from the island via public ferries from Tiburon and San Francisco, providing direct access to the park.

Campsite 5 on Angel Island is celebrated for several exceptional features and highlights that consistently make it a favorite among campers, often being considered "the best spot" on the island:

• Unrivaled Views: The most significant highlight is the "perfect view of GG (Golden Gate Bridge) and the city from the picnic bench." Reviews rave about the "spectacular sweeping views of Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco," including Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge. Sunrises and sunsets from this vantage point are truly "amazing" and make for a "photographer's dream."
• Prime Location Above Battery Wallace: Being situated "right above Battery Wallace" offers both historical interest and an elevated position for optimal views and a sense of being part of the island's rich past.
• Spacious and Versatile Layout: Campsite 5 is noted as being "large" with "lots of places to pitch tents." It offers both an open area and a "shaded area" under dense tree cover, allowing campers to choose the best spot based on weather conditions and preference, while still providing "great views."
• Unique Rope Swing: A delightful and unexpected feature mentioned by a reviewer is the presence of a "rope swing," adding a fun and memorable element to the camping experience.
• Privacy: Despite its popularity, Campsite 5 is recognized for having "excellent privacy," allowing campers to enjoy the stunning surroundings without feeling crowded.
• Abundant Shade: Reviewers appreciate the "lots of shade" available, offering respite from the California sun, particularly during warmer months.
• Tranquil Atmosphere at Night: Once the last ferry departs, the island becomes incredibly quiet, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature, listening to sounds like "great horned owls hooting you to sleep."
• Rich History and Exploration: Angel Island itself is a California Historical Landmark with a fascinating past, including its role as "West Coast Ellis Island" (Immigration Station), military forts, and a Nike Missile site. Camping here provides an opportunity for historical exploration beyond typical outdoor activities.

For reservations, current ferry schedules, or any specific inquiries about camping at Angel Island State Park, including Campsite 5, please use the following contact information. Remember that campsite reservations are highly recommended and can be made through the California State Parks reservation system (ReserveCalifornia.com).

Address: Angel Island, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920, USA (Angel Island State Park)

Phone: (415) 561-5083 (This is a general number for Presidio Trust, who manage some aspects of the Presidio campgrounds. For Angel Island State Park specific inquiries, direct numbers are also available for the park office.)

Mobile Phone: +1 415-561-5083

For Angel Island State Park Ranger Office: (415) 435-5390

For ferry schedules: Angel Island Tiburon Ferry (angelislandferry.com) or Golden Gate Ferry (goldengate.org)

Campsite 5 on Angel Island offers an unparalleled and highly suitable camping experience for locals in California, especially those in the San Francisco Bay Area seeking a unique escape. For Californians, the ease of accessing such a remote-feeling natural wonder via a short ferry ride is an extraordinary convenience. It provides a true sense of adventure and disconnection from urban life, without requiring extensive travel time.

The site’s features, particularly its "perfect view of GG and the city," its spacious layout with ample shade, and the quirky addition of a rope swing, create a memorable and highly enjoyable environment. It caters to those who appreciate a rustic, hike-in camping experience, rewarding their effort with solitude and breathtaking panoramas once the day visitors depart. For families, friends, or individuals seeking a distinctive outdoor adventure coupled with historical exploration and stunning photographic opportunities, Campsite 5 at Angel Island is a truly special local gem. It allows Californians to experience a side of the Bay Area that few truly get to know – a peaceful island oasis with world-class views, right on their doorstep. It's more than just a campsite; it's an immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the Golden State's unique charm.

Campsite 5

Angel Island, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920, USA