Tucked into the cliffs of the Marin County coastline, ther is a destination that offers one of Northern California’s most low-key coastal camping experiences, despite being just minutes from some of the Bay Area’s busiest destinations.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean in the Marin Headlands, Slide Ranch blends history, environmental education, and quiet outdoor recreation. The land was once a working dairy supplying San Francisco before being protected from development in the late 1960s and later preserved through conservation efforts.
Today, the ranch is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk, offering free access to hiking trails, gardens, animal pastures, and picnic areas with sweeping coastal views. Beyond everyday visits, Slide Ranch hosts a rotating lineup of hands-on programs, including family farm days, bird walks, composting workshops, and outdoor art classes.
One of the ranch’s biggest draws is its small, walk-in campground overlooking the ocean. With just 18 rustic sites spread across meadows and cypress groves, it’s been named one of Hipcamp’s favorite places to camp in the U.S. for 2025. Campers reach the sites via a short hike from the parking area, adding to the sense of seclusion…