About Hawk Campground
Overview Hawk Campground is located above Tennessee Valley and offers sweeping views of the Marin Headlands. The site is a 2.5 mile uphill hike from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot, or a 3.5 mile uphill hike from Miwok Trailhead in the Marin Headlands. Car or RV camping is not allowed. This campground is recommended for experienced backpackers. The hike may be steep, but the views are more than worth it!! Recreation Tennessee Valley and the Marin Headlands are noted for great hiking, and are often populated by hikers regardless of time-of-year. Consider hiking to Tennessee Beach (4 miles), the Marine Mammal Center (4 miles), Rodeo Beach (4.3 miles), or the Point Bonita Lighthouse (5 miles). Contact the Marin Headlands Rangers at (415)-331-1540 to inquire about a ranger-led program or guided hike during your stay. Facilities This primitive campground has three overnight sites that accommodate up to four guests each. Water must be packed in, and trash must be packed out. There is no water available at this campground - campers must bring any water necessary for drinking, cooking, etc. Each site has a tent pad, a food locker, and a picnic table. There is one port-a-john. There is limited cell service at the campground, and no cell service at either of the recommended parking areas (Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot or the Miwok Trailhead parking area.) Natural Features Hawk Campground sits atop of the rolling landscape of the Marin Headlands, within a biodiverse coastal scrub landscape. While the campground itself is situated under a cluster of Monterey cypress and pine, the undulating hills leading up to it are dotted with manzanita, coyote brush and sagebrush. Raptors frequently soar overhead, and deer, coyotes, foxes and bobcats share the landscape with campers. The geology that underlies the Marin Headlands and Tennessee Valley is unique and world-renowned; for example, the outcrops of radiolarian chert that line the trails are frequently admired by
How to Get There
From San Francisco (traveling north) Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on the US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. From here, locate the white service gate near the stables and hike up Marincello Trail to the Hawk Camp Trail. From Marin (traveling south) From US-101 South, take exit 445B toward Stinson Beach. Turn right on CA-1 and continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. From here, locate the white service gate near the stables and hike up Marincello Trail to Hawk Camp.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Hawk Campground
Heading to Hawk Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Hawk Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Hawk Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258815) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Hawk Campground?
From San Francisco (traveling north) Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue on the US-101 N. Take exit 445B toward Mill Valley/Stinson Beach. Continue straight until you can turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road. This road will dead-end at the Tennessee Valley Trailhead parking lot. From here, locate the white service gate near the stables and hike up Marincello Trail to the Hawk Camp Trail. Fro…
How do I contact Hawk Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: (415)-331-1540 or email: n/a.
References & Official Resources