San Francisco’s hidden gem is just an hour away from the heart of the city. Presidio’s Rob Hill campground is open to the public from the 1st of April to the 31st of October, and you should definitely make a plan to visit.
From Sunday through Thursday, it’s $92 per night for one group camp site. On Fridays and Saturdays a campsite is $140 per night. Up to 30 people can stay in one campground.
From the Mission District you can take public transportation. The 33 MUNI bus picks you up in front of MHS and you can take it to the end of the line at Sacramento and Cherry. This bus ride takes about an hour. From there, hike the rest of the way to Rob Hill Campground which takes about 30 minutes. On the way up to the campground check out the view of Angel Island and the Bay, and as you’re getting closer to the campsite, you become surrounded by taller trees and nature.
Fellow students and I felt serene while being surrounded by nature. Walking through the campground can feel very peaceful and you can get a good break from the outside world. Hearing the strong waves crashing below the campsite gave us a sense of tranquility. This trip in nature can be very eye opening and makes you more open minded about how you spend your time outdoors.
Once you’re at Rob Hill Campground, if you’re participating with Camping at the Presidio, some members from the CAP Program can tell you which campground is yours and give you a short introduction to the rules. They give you the bathroom code, ask that you leave snacks in the bear box, and show you how to handle camping equipment. They also emphasize “Leave no trace,” reinforcing the importance of cleaning up after yourself.
The CAP has a kitchen near where the restrooms are providing supplies along with propane so you have materials to cook with what you bring on your own. There is also a grill and fire pit on your campsite where you can bbq or make the traditional s’mores. After you are done using the equipment, it’s your responsibility as well to wash and return them back to their correct place.
Tents and sleeping bags are also provided with CAP which makes it easier if you hike up to the campground.
If you leave the campsite, you should be aware of surroundings as there are coyotes out and sometimes during the day. Raccoons are common as they come around the campsite searching for any food they can get.
Around the Presidio there are a variety of views. The closest ones are just right below the campground; you can hike down to Baker Beach crossing Lincoln Blvd. This should take about 15 minutes as you pass Immigrant Point where there’s a view towards the Pacific Ocean. Down at Baker Beach you can see a view of the Golden Bridge. As a tourist in San Francisco be aware that Baker Beach is known for its nudity but you will be able to see a beautiful and famous view of the bridge.
Sites to visit around Presidio (walking distance):
- Baker Beach – 15 minute
- Immigrant point – 5 minute
A scenic spot for watching sunsets over the ocean a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Golden Gate – 22 minute
- Crissy Fields – 24 minute
A nice spot where people can walk their dogs, bike, etc. It is another viewpoint of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- San Francisco National Cemetery – 25 minute
SF National Cemetery (Elianna Molina Lopez)
This cemetery is the resting place for 30,000 soldiers and their families. Also another way for people to connect and learn about history of the soldiers’ legacies.
- Korean War Memorial – 26 minute
The Presidio’s Korean War memorial pays homage to those who served in the “forgotten war.”
- Presidio Tunnel Tops – 36 minute
Presidio Tunnel Tops is a free, accessible, and stunning national park space that was built by the community for the community.
Although there is cell service in the Presidio, it’s good to disconnect from your cell phone while camping. Our peers say their experience was nothing but beneficial for their mental health and stress relief. They got a break from school as well, which can be very stressful for students. Many students needed a break from both school and their phones giving this to be the perfect opportunity to disconnect from both.
Instead, students can connect to nature by absorbing energy from an environment that doesn’t involve technology. Camp in the Presidio as a way to unwind and connect to the city with a different kind of scenery.
