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This 740 acre island, San Francisco Bay’s largest island, has been a Civil War Camp, an immigration station for Chinese immigrants, a major military embarkation center during World Wars I and II, and a Nike missile base. The island offers environmental camp sites, biking and hiking trails through woodlands and meadows, and numerous other trails crisscross the island and climb to the 781-foot summit of Mount Caroline Livermore. You can also sunbathe and enjoy the picnic areas at protected groves, and the island offers wonderful views of Marin County, the City of San Francisco and a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Angel Island in San Francisco Bay is open all year and is accessible only by ferry. There is a $2.00 per person Daily Fee for admission to the island.

 Ferry Schedules:

 From Tiburon call: (415) 435-2131
From San Francisco or Vallejo call: (415) 435-1915 or 1-800-229-2784.

 Camping Reservations: 1-800-444-7275

 Camp Site Information:

Nine Environmental Camp Sites Only
Eight or less campers use Camp Sites 1 through 4
A two mile hike to the Camp Sites
Camp Sites 1 and 2 faces the East Bay
Camp Sites 3 and 4 faces the Golden Gate Bridge

 For further information about the park call the Ranger Station: (415) 435-1915

Big Basin is California's oldest state park, established early in this century during California's drive to save the ancient redwood forests. The park has grown to more than 18,000 acres, with many miles of trails that pass streams, waterfalls, and giant redwoods. There are 147 developed campsites, six trail camps for backpackers, 36 tent cabins, picnic areas, horseback riding trails, a visitors center, a store, a gift shop, guided tours, and exhibits and programs. The park is located 20 miles north of Santa Cruz via Hwys 9 and 236.

 For additional information call the Park Ranger Station: (408) 338-8860

 Reservations:

 For Tent Cabins: 1-800-874-8368

 For Trail Camping:
(this is for back packing so you will need to call the Ranger Station 408-338-8860).

 Car Camping (tents): 1-800-444-7275
(developed camp sites) These camp sites also has drinking water, bathrooms and water for showers.

 Note: Off season camping just called the Ranger Station for Reservations or for any other information pertaining to the park: (408) 338-8860

This 3,800 acre park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, only three miles from the ocean. Trails meanders through coastal scrub and redwood forests. The higher mountains afford views of Ano Nuevo Island. For those looking for camping, Butano offers 20 developed camp sites as well as 18 walk-in camping sites. The park is located five miles south of Pescadero on Cloverdale Road, and off Hwy 1 from Gazos Creek Road.

 For back packing reservations call the Ranger Station: (415) 879-2040
Car Camping (tents): 1-800-444-7275

This park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and has 3,600 acres of forestlands. Dense stands of coast Redwoods, Madrone, and Douglas Fir trees are broken by rock formations that attract rock climbers. More than 32 miles of trails for hikers and equestrians wind through the park. The only overnight camping is for backpackers only. The park is located on Hwy 35, two and a half miles south east of the Hwy 9 junction.

 Back Packing Only:
2.8 mile hike to camp sites from the the parking lot.

 For further information about the park call the Ranger Station: (408) 867-2952
Camping Reservations: (408) 338-8860

This 1,640 acre park preserves the site of San Francisco Bay’s last Chinese shrimp-fishing village that thrived there in the 1880’s. There are 30 developed walk-in camp sites, but most people come for the day to watch the multitude of bird life, hike, swim, fish, boat or windsurg. China Camp is located on North San Pedro Road, for miles east of San Rafael and U.S. Hwy 101.

 For further information about the park call the Ranger Station: (415) 456-0766

The redwoods of Henry Cowell grow at a lower elevation, with a slightly drier climate than those of Big Basin Redwoods. A picnic area is set above the San Lorenzo River. In winter, anglers fish a stream for steel-head and salmon. The park features a nature center, book store, 112 developed camp sites, and riding and hiking trails. It is located near Felton on Hwy 9 in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

 For further information about the park call the Ranger Station: (408) 335-4598
Car Camping (tents): 1-800-444-7275

The 6,300 acre park just north of San Francisco is primarily for day use, although there are 16 developed walk-in camp sites and 6 environmental walk-in camps. Ten rustic cabins perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific are also popular. The park is a hiker's paradise, and the twisting road to the top of the 2,571 foot summit attracts bicyclists. Most people, however, drive to the top. The park is located off Hwy 1 between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach.

 Pantoll Ranger Station is one of the camping sites at Mount Tamalpais State Park:

 Pantoll Ranger Station serves at the headquarters of Mount Tamalpais State Park. The Ranger Station dispenses maps, books, Mount Tamalpais shirts and advice. Near the Station are fountains, a telephone and bathrooms. Down the asphalt road are ranger residences and a maintenance facility. Pantoll is also the principal campground on the Mountain. The 16 walk-in camp sites are assigned at the Ranger Station on a first come first served basis. Approximately 1/4 mile east of Pantoll on Panoramic Highway is the Bootjack Picnic Area. Bookjack has a large parking lot, bathrooms, water fountains, picnic tables and outdoor grills.

 Call (415) 456-5218 for group reservations at the Bootjack Picnic Area. Matt Davis Trail connects Pantoll and Bootjack. For day use of Pantoll and Bootjack there is a $5.00 parking fee.

 Pantoll Ranger Station: (415) 388-2070
(Redwood Area) (opens at 7:00am)

 Camping Sites:

 There are 16 camping sites with running water. The camp sites are from 10 to 150 yards from the Pantoll Ranger Station parking lot. All year round $12.00 per night. The $12.00 includes one car. These sites are on a first come first served basis all year round and no reservations are required. There is a fee of $6.00 for each additional car per camp site. No more than two 4 man tents maximum per camp site and no more than 8 people per camp site.

Camp Fires (stone structure with grill).
Fire Wood: $4.00 bundle.
Flush Toilets.

 Dog Owners:

 Dog owners, unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any of the trails in the California State Parks. However, the only hiking trail that dogs are allowed on is the Matt Davis Trail and they must be fully controlled by keeping them on a lease at all times. The Matt Davis Trial Head is located at the Bootjack Picnic Area. There is a $5.00 parking fee at the Bootjack Picnic Area parking lot which is only for day use. A Matt Davis Trail map may be obtained at the Pantoll Ranger Station which is approximately 1/4 mile west of the Bootjack Pinic Area parking lot on the Panoramic Highway.

 Dogs are allowed for over night stays at the Pantoll Ranger Station Camp Sites (these are developed camp sites) while you are camping, and there is a $1.00 (one dollar) fee per night for each dog staying at the camp sites. At these camp sites dogs must be fully controlled by keeping them on a lease at all times.

 Dogs are not allowed at the environmental camp sites. Environmental camp sites are undeveloped camp sites with out drinking water and these camp sites only have chemical toilets. These camp sites can only be reached by back packing to the camping area.

Guide dogs for the blind are welcome at all parks.

 Directions:

 From San Francisco take Hwy 101 north past the Golden Gate Bridge, then take Hwy 1 going north to Panoramic Road, then make a right turn onto Panoramic Road, going north on Panoramic Road go for six more miles then you will see a sign called "Pantoll Ranger Station" which will be on the left side of the road.

This 2,800 acre State Park is covered with Douglas Fir, Oaks, and Giant Coastal Redwoods which reachs 300 feet in height and are one of the tallest Redwood Trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The park has 18 miles of hiking trails and has 60 developed camping sites with picnic tables, open camp fire rings, and drinking water. The camp sites also has complete full bathrooms with hot water for showers. This is the perfect place for those who are just starting to learn about tent camping, back packing and hiking.

 For back packing reservations call the Ranger Station (415) 948-9098 or for Car Camping call 1-800-444-7275

Link to the Russian River Area State Parks Web Site.

Within this park's 2,600 acres lie open hillsides laced with hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, rushing creeks, and cool canyons where redwoods thrive. There are 60 campsites, 2 group camps, and an equestrian camp. Located 15 miles west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Park Headquarter's telephone number: (415) 488-9897.

Car Camping:
Camping Reservations: 1-800-444-7275
For further information about the park call the Ranger Station: (415) 488-9897

For camping reservations and camping rules call: (415) 331-1540 between 9:30am and 12:00 noon, or come to the Marin Headlands Visitors' Center between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Reservations are accepted no more than 90 days in advance. To receive a camping permit, you will need to pick it up in person prior to arriving at the camping sites at the Marin Headlands Visitors' Center. Failure to pick up a permit at the Visitor's Center cancels the reservation. Rules are strictly enforced.

No fees are charged for camping in the Marin Headlands. However, donations made by cash or check to the Golden Gate National Park Association (GGNPA) will be use to directly support the protection and maintenance of the Park. The staff at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area at the Marin Headlands will not ask for a donation of any kind.

From San Francisco take Hwy 101 north past the Golden Gate Bridge, then take the Alexander Avenue Exit, go down to the first stop sign, then make a right turn onto Alexander Avenue and then go to Bunker Road which will be the first left hand turn that you can make onto Bunker Road, make a left hand turn onto Bunker Road and then continue on Bunker Road and pass through a tunnel until you get to the cross roads of Bunker Road and Field Road, then you will see a sign called Marin Headlands Visitors' Center, follow the Marin Headlands Visitors' Center sign until you get to the Marin Headlands Visitors' Center which is located in the historic Fort Barry Chapel.

Kirby Cove has four sites. Each site holds a minimum of two people and a maximum of ten people. Facilities include pit toilets, a wheelchair accessible toilet, pinic tables, fire rings and Bar-B-Q pits. Bring your own firewood and kindling. No water is available. Campground Hosts are located at the camground for the protection of the resource. Parking is limited to three cars per site in the parking lot.

Haypress has five sites. Each site can accommodate up to four peoplewith two tents. The camp ground is a gentle 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot, making it an ideal location for beginning backpackers. One site is specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Groups are only allowed from November 1st to March 31st. The facilities include chemical toilets and picnic tables. No Bar-B-Q grills are provided. No water is available. Bring your own water and camp stove. No fires are allowed.

This is the most primitive of the area's campgrounds. It is a three and a half mile back packing trek up the Bobcat Trail to reach Hawk Camp, where three sites can each accommodate up to four individuals. Facilities include a chemical toilet and picnic tables. No Bar-B-Q grills are provided. No water is available. Bring your own water and camp stove. No fires allowed.

This small walk-in camp has three sites. Each site can accommodate up to two people with one tent. Facilities include a chemical toilet and picnic tables. Water is located close by. No fires are allowed.

This is an historic military fortification, now adapted for group camping. Groups must have a minimum of 15 people with a maximum of 80. Facilities include chemical toilets, fire pits, drinking water and picnic tables. Bring your own firewood and kindling. Electricity and a limited number of bedsprings are available. A $25.00 key deposit is requested on the day of arrival.

Reservations must be made for large group areas. Small groups may use these sites on a first come first serve basis when not reserved for large groups. There are other picnic areas for small groups as well. Many of the day use areas are designed for handicapped accessibility. For reservations, directions, and further information call: (415) 331-1540 between 9:30am and 12:00 noon.

A large flat area for group activities. Facilities include chemical toilets and picnic tables. No Bar-B-Q grills are provided. Drinking water is available at the Visitors' Center nearby. Suitable for large groups by reservation.

A large, open space suited for group activities. Suitable for large groups by reservations. This can be used for overnight camping for large groups with specific requirements and a Special Use Permit. For information call: (415) 556-1070.

Reservations are required. Open 9:30am to dusk. This is a scenic location for groups of ten or more, with a maximum of 25 people. Facilities include pit toilets, Bar-B-Q pits, fire ring and picnic tables. A maximum of four car permits can be issued. No fires are allowed on the beach. Bring your own firewood and kindling. No water is available.

Individual picnic areas with a grand view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Facilities include picnic tables, stand-up Bar-B-Qs and chemical toilets. These sites are available on a first come first serve basis. Reservations are not accepted and the area is not designated to accommodate large groups.

Picnic tables, Bar-B-Qs and chemical toilets are available. Reservations are not accepted, this area is on a first come first serve basis and is not suitable for large group use.

Crescent City, California

 Redwood National Park and three adjacent state parks create a 113,200-acre preserve of ancient redwood and Douglas fir forests, prairie-oak woodlands, streams and some of the most rugged and pristine coastline in the Pacific Northwest. These redwoods are among the world's largest and tallest living organisms. The parks also feature a vast array of wildlife and plants and offer many hiking, backpacking, bird, elk- and whale-watching opportunities. There is also horseback riding, picnicking and photography. There are interpretive trails, three information centers, tide pool walks and guided kayak programs. The Coastal Trail allows hikers to backpack nearly the entire length of the parks, from Enderts Beach Road in the north to the Tall Trees Grove in the south. Park streams offer swimming and great fishing for harbor steelhead and cutthroat trout and Chinook salmon. Developed campgrounds are located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods and Prairie Creek Redwoods state parks.
 

Three Rivers, California

  These two national parks harbor the world's largest living trees, the giant sequoia. The two parks meet in the High Sierra. Kings Canyon National Park contains two enormous canyons of the Kings River and the summit peaks and mountain wilderness of the High Sierra. Mount Whitney, which at 14,494 feet is the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, towers over Sequoia National Park. At the northern end of Sequoia is Grant Grove, home to four of the world's five-largest sequoias. The largest tree, the General Sherman, stands in Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park. The 46-mile General's Highway is the main road connecting the two parks. It provides access to scenic overlooks, Indian pictographs and interesting rock formations. The parks have more than 1,000 miles of trails in the high country and well-stocked lakes and streams. During the winter, snowshoe excursions, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing on 75 miles of marked trails and snow camping at Big Meadows are popular. A wilderness back packing permit is required.
 

Link to the United States National Park Service Web Page.

The Outdoors At Your Fingertips
Link to the Park Search Web Site.

 Fact-filled summaries and handsome photos show you ahead of time what to see, what to do and when to go. Find great spots for paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, biking, hunting, hiking, rock climbing and many other popular outdoor sports and activities. Conveniently provides park addresses, phone numbers, picnic facilities, campgrounds, visitor centers, fees (if any), and more.

 Easy to use. Search our nation's parks and forests by region, state, name, activity or service. Narrows your search by selecting the specific geographic locations, seasons, activities and services desired. If you would like to browse a wider range of parks, do not specify as many variables.

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