We’re camping out overnight on Angel Island to celebrate Dixon’s Trenta-y-Tresiñera and the summer solstice. We can accommodate up to 30 people in the North Garrison Group campground — tucked above the historic U.S. Immigration Station on the north side of the island, with sweeping views of Marin, the Bay, and the city skyline.
It’s the longest day of the year, on a 740-acre island in the middle of the Bay, with no cars and no last ferry to catch. Scroll down for the practical stuff — it’s a real campout, not a glamp.
Bring WARM layers. June is statistically the windiest month on Angel Island. Daytime is 60s–70s, but nights drop to the low 50s and the fog rolls in fast. Bring more warmth than you think you need.
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Itinerary
10:15 Am(OPTIONAL) early departure from SF Ferry Building, Gate C
2:05 PM Depart SF Ferry Building, Gate B
~3:00 PM Arrive Angel Island
~3:30 PM Set up camp + shenanigans
4:50 PM Last ferry off the island (for anyone not staying overnight)
8:35 PM Sunset on the longest day of the year — views of the city, the Bay, and the Golden Gate
More shenanigans · sleep(?)
Monday Morning Ferries
10:10 AM — first ferry departs Angel Island; arrives SF 10:40 AM
11:35 AM — second ferry departs Angel Island
12:20 PM — second ferry arrives SF
Yes, it’s a Sunday–Monday — weekend reservations are hard to get. But you can be back in SF by 10:40 AM Monday if you take the first ferry off the island.
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Getting There & Hauling Gear
The North Garrison campground is about 0.8 miles from the Ayala Cove ferry dock — a short uphill walk on paved road.
Plan on 20 minutes to walk up with your stuff. We’ll regroup at the dock and head up together.
Bikes and wagons are allowed and very much used — people haul up full coolers, suitcases, the works. A folding wagon for shared loads is gold.
No shuttle service to the campsites. Whatever you bring, you carry (or roll). Think backpacking backpacks, or wagons.
The ferry ticket includes the state park entrance fee. Hang on to it.
What to Pack
Stay Warm
Fleece or puffy + a windbreaker / shell
Beanie — seriously, the wind
Long pants and warm socks for evening
Sleeping bag rated for ~40°F (or warmer with a liner)
Insulated sleeping pad
Shelter & Light
Sturdy tent — bring extra stakes and guy lines
Headlamp + spare batteries
Optional: small lantern for the picnic table
Daytime
Sturdy walking shoes
Sunscreen + sunglasses — the day sun is real
Refillable water bottle (potable water at camp)
Day pack for hikes to the summit or perimeter loop
At Camp
Picnic tables, food lockers, and a charcoal BBQ on site
Potable running water spigot — refill bottles freely
Pit toilets nearby (bring your own TP just in case)
Cell service is actually decent across most of the island
No wood fires — charcoal or camp stoves only. There’s no charcoal for sale on the island, so bring what you need.
No dogs (service animals OK). No swimming — strong currents, no lifeguards.
Travel after sunset is restricted in parts of the island, so plan to be at camp by dark.
Heads up: a portion of the perimeter road on the southeast side (near the old Nike Missile Site) is closed to vehicles due to a landslide, with a signed detour for hikers. It doesn’t affect our walk from Ayala Cove to camp, but it does affect anyone hoping to do the full 5.5-mile perimeter loop.
About the raccoons. Angel Island raccoons are bold, organized, and deeply unimpressed by your snacks. Lock everything — food, sunscreen, toothpaste, lip balm, anything scented — in the food lockers any time you walk away. Never leave food in your tent.
Food plan: TBD. Still figuring out whether we’re doing a group BBQ, everyone-brings-their-own, or some hybrid. More info before the trip. Either way, bring any snacks you want for yourself.