March 1995
For those San Francisco locals who do not have a car, but do have access to a tent, sleeping bag and $20, Angel Island may be the perfect place for an overnight camping stress break.
The island is haunted by the Bay's foghorns, yet people who hike Angel Island's 5-mile perimeter and climb to the island's peak, Mt. Livermore-which holds at least two days worth of nooks, crannies and spectacular views of the Bay-should be guaranteed a good-night's sleep.
A 2-mile hike will give you a feel for the island. The island's food-lockers (bring own lock) can hold your gear, allowing for an unhindered hike. Sites also have a charcoal barbecue (no wood-burning fires allowed on the island, so bring a small bag of charcoal for cooking), running water and a pit toilet.
While the ferry may be full, a majority of the people stay at the base beach and picnic grounds. Those who explore the island's other beaches, ex-military posts, and off-the-trail tree groves, can find many sites to call their own.
There are 13 campsites to choose from, covering all sides of the island. Sites 1 and 2, facing the East Bay, are the most protected from the Bay's morning fog, winds and foghorn. Sites 7, 8 and 9 are a close second. Reservations are made through Mistix 1-800-444-7275 at $9 per site. Reservations can be made eight weeks prior to camping, but must be paid within seven days of reservation and are not refundable.
The best plan is to walk straight to your campsite from the Red and White Ferry, which runs only on Saturdays and Sundays for a $9 round trip ticket from Pier 43 1/2, leaving at 10:40 a.m. and returning from Angel Island at 4:50 p.m..
Reservations are available year-round, but Angel Island can get very cold at night, so camping might be best planned for the summer months.