Forbes Island is a floating campground platform with enclosed spaces above and below its deck. Consider Forbes Island an outdoor exposed venue similar to a rustic campground. Rather than a luxury experience, Forbes Island is an off-grid and on-water venue that offers historic charm, privacy, and immediate access to the water. The following details the layout of our site:

• Top Deck: Open-Air platform (may be used for tent camping)
• Top Deck Tiki Room: Indoor room with few furnishings (seating)
• Below Deck Bedroom 1: Full Bed (with attached bathroom)
• Below Deck Bedroom 2: King Bed
• Below Deck “Living Room” and Bar: Indoor room with few furnishings
• Below Deck “Food Prep” room for the storage of coolers and dry goods
• Adjacent field available for tent and RV camping (for an additional fee)
• Two functional bathrooms with toilet and sink that uses non-potable water (no showers)

Forbes Island is an on-the-water campground, so visitors should bring sleeping equipment. We provide two beds and furnishing, but for a more comfortable experience we recommend bringing additional sleeping items for the rest of your party such as: tents, sleeping bags, blow-up mattresses, mattress pads, pillows, blankets, a van setup or an RV set up. 

• Propane Grill (best to heat all food on the grill)
• Gas Generator (Fuel Included in fee)
• Drinking Water (50 Gallons Provided in 5 gal Jugs)
• Toilet Paper & Hand Soap

Please note: there is no guarantee of consistent electricity due to the unreliable nature of a campground.

It is not possible to reach the mainland at will; it is important to keep that in mind when packing. You are not able to reach stores and restaurants at times that do not adhere to the ferry schedule. Please bring the following:

• Personal coolers for food storage (we do not provide food storage)
• Disposable, Cups, Plates, and Cutlery
• Additional Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
• Trash Bags (all garbage must be taken with you at check-out)
• Toiletries
• Headlamps and Flashlights for traversing the deck at night

Dress for hot days, cool nights, sunny skies, and possible wind. We highly recommend bringing both open-toed shoes for relaxation, but also bring covered shoes for any walking of the island for your safety. 

Forbes Island is not accessible by driving. You can either take the vehicle ferry located on Jersey Island or a pre-booked passenger boat which is required to reach the Island. For detailed information to reach Forbes Island and how to use the Bradford Island ferry please visit the Direction Details page.

Forbes Island is a great place to enjoy a variety of activities! Here are some our recommendations:

• Pontoon Boat Rental from Sugar Barge
• Private Boat Ride with our Passenger Boat Captain (extra fee)
• Kayaking
• Self-attended Bar 
• Swimming
• Fishing (get fishing license day pass)
• Unique space for local photography
• Yoga
• Board games 
• Rent a karaoke machine
• Make it your dream rustic vacation experience!

We have a site manager that will be available at all times during your visit. They may not always be at the venue, but they are available for your entire visit for your convenience. They will greet you upon arrival where you will be presented with a waiver to sign.

Forbes Island is a boat that has fall and drowning hazards on its adjacent docks and on its deck. Please exercise good judgment to keep your group safe. The Site Manager reserves the right to dismiss individuals from the property if the individual poses a safety threat or vandalism risk as well as the right to call the Coast Guard/Sheriff to assist.

Take precautions with common risks such as bees, wasps, mosquitos, sun/heat exposure. Please tie up all floats in accordance with strong currents in the channel. All food should be cooked outside to reduce fire hazards and all food should be indoors stored in sealed containers and coolers to avoid contamination.

For emergencies on the water, boaters should call 911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (925) 646-2441. Be sure to file a float plan before you depart if applicable. The Site Manager will be available, but in a true emergency be sure to call the appropriate authorities immediately.

Information on the Contra Costa County sheriff marine control can be found at: https://www.cocosheriff.org/bureaus/field-operations/special-operations-division/marine-patrol-unit

More information on water safety can be found at: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4747#:~:text=For%20emergen%2Dcies%20on%20the,float%20plan%20before%20you%20depart.

The closest convenience store to our venue is the Valero gas station you must stop at to purchase the ferry tickets to Bradford Island. The gas station sells food, drinks, fishing bait, and ferry tickets as well as a popular Mexican food truck and BBQ.