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 spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.