Environmental Camping Site 10

For residents of California looking for an extraordinary escape into nature with unparalleled views of the San Francisco Bay, the Environmental Camping Site 10 offers a unique, primitive camping experience. Located within the scenic confines of Angel Island State Park, this site provides a necessary break from the hustle and bustle of city life, despite being just a short ferry ride from the mainland. This type of camping, known as 'environmental camping,' emphasizes a back-to-nature approach, focusing on the preservation of the surrounding habitat over extensive modern amenities.

The entire Angel Island State Park campground features ten primitive environmental campsites, including the designated sites within the Ridge, East Bay, West Garrison, and Sunrise areas. These sites cater to those who appreciate rugged natural beauty and are prepared for a true outdoor experience. This location serves as an excellent base for exploring the island's rich history, stunning trails, and panoramic vistas, making it a highly desirable destination for California's outdoor enthusiasts.

It is important for prospective campers to understand that this is not a traditional developed campground. The philosophy here is one of minimal impact, encouraging campers to fully immerse themselves in the island's natural environment. Visitors planning a trip should check the specific site they are reserving, as the campsites are dispersed across the island and offer varying degrees of privacy and views. The number of individual campsites is limited, reinforcing the secluded and preserved atmosphere that makes this location so special within the Bay Area.

Location and Accessibility

Environmental Camping Site 10 is uniquely situated on Angel Island State Park, an island gem in the heart of the San Francisco Bay, just south of the Tiburon Peninsula. The address provided, VH65+XR, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA, indicates the general vicinity of the camping areas on the island itself.

Crucially, the island and its campsites are only accessible by public ferry or private boat. The most direct and popular route for day-use and camping visitors is via the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry from Tiburon, California. During the summer season, ferries may also run from San Francisco and other locations, but travelers should always confirm the current schedules and fares, especially for the off-season, as services can be limited.

Once you arrive at the island's dock in Ayala Cove, accessing your specific environmental campsite, including Site 10, will require a hike. Campers must be prepared to carry all their equipment for up to two miles to reach their designated site. This "walk-in" nature further ensures the environmental focus and the preservation of the area, as vehicles (other than service vehicles) are not permitted on the island. The physical accessibility of the site itself should be considered, as the campsites are generally primitive, though the overall park system does offer one accessible site for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For those arriving by private vessel, overnight mooring buoys are available in Ayala Cove, with a fee that covers use until noon the following day. Day-use boat slips are also available. Dinghies can be taken to the dock from the moorings for island access.

Services Offered

As a primitive environmental camping area, the services offered are deliberately limited to maintain the natural character of Angel Island. Core necessities are provided to ensure a safe and comfortable stay, though campers must arrive prepared to be largely self-sufficient. Services available in the camping areas include:

• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are provided in the camping areas, though they are typically vault-style (non-flush) in the primitive sites.
• Drinking Water: Running, potable drinking water is generally available near the campsites.
• Picnic Tables: Each individual campsite is equipped with at least one picnic table for preparing meals and dining outdoors.
• Food Storage Lockers: Due to the presence of wildlife, including raccoons, food storage lockers are provided at each site and are mandatory for securing all food and scented items.
• Tent Pads: Designated tent pads are available to help protect the surrounding ground and vegetation.
• Group Campsite: The overall campground area includes a separate group campsite at the North Garrison which can support larger parties (up to 30 people), as well as a kayak-accessible site.
• Accessibility: The campground features one site specifically designated as ADA-accessible, located near Camp Reynolds.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of camping at Environmental Camping Site 10 on Angel Island are the experiences and natural features that set it apart from typical drive-up campgrounds. These features make it a must-do for Californians seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and local history.

• Panoramic Bay Views: The campsites offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the San Francisco Bay, including the iconic skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the East Bay Hills. Sunrise and sunset views are particularly spectacular from this unique vantage point.
• Island Hiking and Biking: The island boasts 12 miles of trails and roadways for hiking and bicycling, including a 5-mile perimeter road. Exploring the island on foot or by bike is the primary activity, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Historical Exploration: Angel Island is often referred to as the "Ellis Island of the West." Visitors can explore historic buildings and sites, including the Angel Island Immigration Station, the Civil War-era Camp Reynolds, and remnants of military presence from various eras.
• Wildlife Viewing: The island is a haven for wildlife. Campers often spot sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of birds, especially during migration season. The environment encourages a quiet, respectful coexistence with the natural inhabitants.
• Seclusion and Quiet: Because the sites are walk-in and limited in number, campers enjoy a high degree of privacy and a profound sense of isolation from the urban areas, even though the city is visually close. Foghorns from the bay may provide a unique auditory experience, a common feature of this coastal location.
• Seasonal Amenities: Seasonally, a café offering light fare and bike rentals for adults are available near the ferry dock in Ayala Cove. Tram tours of the island are also available seasonally.

Contact Information

For inquiries about Environmental Camping Site 10 and Angel Island State Park camping, visitors should utilize the following information. Note that reservations are handled through the state park system's designated booking service.

Address: P.O. Box 318, Tiburon, CA 94920 (Mailing Address for the Park)

Park Information Phone: (415) 435-1915

Ferry Service (Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry): (415) 435-2131 (For schedules and fares from Tiburon)

Reservations: 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or through ReserveCalifornia.com (Reservations can be made up to six months in advance.)

What is Worth Choosing

Environmental Camping Site 10 on Angel Island is particularly worth choosing for the California resident seeking a truly unique blend of natural seclusion and historical significance right in the middle of the San Francisco Bay Area. While other nearby campgrounds exist, Angel Island offers an experience that is impossible to replicate.

The primary reason to choose this site is the exceptional location and views. Waking up to a sunrise over the East Bay and having the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop are unparalleled amenities in any Bay Area park. Furthermore, the primitive nature of the environmental campsites appeals directly to those who value the "pack-in, pack-out" ethos and desire a minimal-impact connection with the outdoors. It's a prime destination for backpacking and hiking enthusiasts, as the required walk-in distance ensures a quiet night's sleep away from the crowds. The prohibition of dogs (except for service animals), skates, skateboards, and open wood fires reinforces the commitment to preserving the delicate island ecosystem and the historic structures.

Finally, for a complete local adventure, camping here offers the chance to pair a rigorous outdoor experience with a fascinating historical education. Exploring the former Immigration Station and military installations provides a profound connection to California's past, making the visit far more enriching than a typical camping trip. For those who want the feeling of escaping to an isolated wilderness without traveling far from the conveniences of the San Francisco Bay Area, Environmental Camping Site 10 is the ultimate, unforgettable choice.

Environmental Camping Site 10

VH65+XR, Tiburon, CA 94920, USA