The Presidio’s Rob Hill Campground is now open following a major improvement made possible by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Rob Hill Campground is the only overnight campsite within San Francisco. It is situated at the Presidio’s highest point in a stand of eucalyptus trees overlooking Baker Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

Reservation Summary

·        Two campsites are available to the public, each holding a maximum of 30 people

·        Sites are $100/night/site, with a maximum of a 2 night stay

·        Reservation must be made in advance; a minimum of three working days is required to process reservations

·        Payments are by credit card only and fees are non-refundable

·        Reservations can be made by calling the Presidio Trust Special Events Office at (415) 561-5444

Who camps at Rob Hill?

Rob Hill has four camp sites. Each site can accommodate families/groups of up to 30 people. Advance permit is required (see below).

Rob Hill is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which is provided by the Presidio Trust, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, National Park Service, and Bay Area Wilderness Training. CAP introduces underserved children to camping experiences.

On any given night, the CAP program may occupy as many as two of the four camp sites. When CAP participants are present at Rob Hill, they have priority use of the communal campfire circle. This is a pilot year for simultaneous use of the campground by CAP and the general public. When general public groups make reservations, they will be notified if the CAP program is in session.

What is the availability?

The season runs through October 31. Please call for availability. There is a two night maximum stay. Use of a campsite costs $100 per site per day. Reservations begin at 2 pm and end at noon the following day.

How does one make a reservation?

Reservations for the 2010 season can be made by calling the Presidio Trust Special Events Office at (415) 561-5444. Reservations for the 2011 camping season will be accepted beginning in January 2011.

What facilities are available at Rob Hill?

Each of the four camp sites features a campfire circle, a free-standing BBQ grill, and picnic tables. Rob Hill has restroom facilities, but no showers. A large communal campfire circle with seating for 100 may be available for general use; participants in the CAP program are given priority, however. Campers will be notified when they make reservations whether or not the CAP program will be in session. There is limited parking, and a parking permit is provided with the reservation.

What are the use restrictions at the campground?

• Dogs are not allowed at Rob Hill, except for service dogs.
• Alcohol and smoking are not permitted in the campground.
• The campground cannot be considered a temporary residence.
• Vehicles are not permitted in the campground, and parking is limited and a permit is required. A parking permit is provided with the campsite reservation.
• No amplified music or generators are allowed. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am.

What is the history of Rob Hill Campground?

People have slept under the stars at Rob Hill for generations, beginning with the Ohlone who first inhabited the land. In 1776 the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition walked along this hillside as they established a Spanish Presidio near the magnificent harbor.

In 1852, U.S. Army engineers planned a small fort, known as a “redoubt,” on this hill. While it was never constructed, the Army operated a lookout station at this site, by then known as Telegraph Hill, to spot incoming ships. The name “Rob Hill” was derived from the survey marker “Redoubt, Telegraph Hill.” From 1898 through World War II, nearby gun batteries defended against enemy warships. After the war, the Army created a campground here to welcome Scout troops. Rob Hill remained a popular group campground after the Presidio became a national park site. In 2010, the campground was expanded and improved with a generous gift from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.

Other Local Camping Areas

Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Call (877) 444-6777 or (415) 331-1540, or www.recreation.gov. This includes Kirby Cove and the Marin Headlands campsites.

Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay: To obtain a reservation, call (415) 663-8054 between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm, Monday through Friday. You may make reservations in person seven days a week at the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

San Mateo County Parks: Call the Reservations Desk at (650) 363-4021 between Monday and Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, or visit http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us.

California State Parks: Call (800) 444-7275, or visit http://www.parks.ca.gov. This includes Angel Island.

Share Your Memories of Camping at Rob Hill!

Do you have special memories of camping at Rob Hill? If so, please share your story/photos by emailing us at presidio@presidiotrust.gov.