Steep Ravine Campground provides rustic glamping cabins on the California coast just 30 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Situated within Mount Tamalpais State Park at an elevation of approximately 800 feet, the area experiences summer fog and winter rainfall with temperatures typically ranging from 40-70°F year-round. Reservations for these popular oceanside accommodations must be made exactly six months in advance, with sites typically filling within minutes of becoming available.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, trails connect directly to a network of paths through old-growth redwoods. "There is also a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes Joseph F.
Beach exploration: The coastline near Mill Valley offers diverse marine experiences. "Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July," explains a camper at Samuel P. Taylor. For coastal access, try Coast Campground where "the beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed)," according to MarinMaverick.
Kayaking Tomales Bay: Launch from nearby Marshall for water adventures. "If you plan it right, you may catch a bioluminescence show in the water once the sun sets (plan for new moon times)," advises Tiffany F. about paddling to Coast Camp. "First campsites are a 30 minute paddle across the bay. The best (less crowded) can be reached by heading north 45-75 minutes out."
What campers like
Privacy options: Some glamping sites near Mill Valley offer more seclusion than others. At Bicentennial Campground, "site #1 is partial sun, least visible from road above," notes Nicole, while "All three sites here are next to each other and have no separation," according to August M.
Night sky viewing: The coastal location provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "The sky at night is ideally suited for star gazing since the north bay doesn't get as much fog as the general SF bay area and the city lights don't pollute the night sky too bad," reports Patrick O. about Coast Camp.
Wildlife encounters: The Mill Valley area supports diverse animal populations. At Samuel P. Taylor, campers report "sightings of deer, rabbits, raptors," while Nikata L. notes that at Steep Ravine "the wildlife is off the hook...I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing glamping sites near Mill Valley requires planning. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," warns Kelly S. about Steep Ravine.
Weather preparation: Coastal conditions change rapidly. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C. about camping at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Facilities vary widely: Each glamping location offers different amenities. At Olema Campground, Eric D. notes they have "hot (free) showers (cleaned daily), flush toilets, full hookup RV spots, laundromat, US Post office, fenced playground, dog park, drive in tent sites, and firewood for sale," while Bicentennial Campground has just "one porta-potty for toilet."
Fire restrictions: Rules differ between sites. "If you want to cook there are 2 restaurants next door. It's private owned so fire rings are always ok," explains Chris M. about Olema Campground, while at other sites fire bans may be in effect during dry periods.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Olema Campground offers amenities that ease first-time glamping near Mill Valley. "Olema is our go to spot. Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard," shares Outdoordude D.
Educational opportunities: Samuel P. Taylor provides learning experiences through environmental programming. "They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes Joseph F. The sites create opportunities for children to learn about local ecosystems.
Watch noise levels: Be mindful of sound disturbances in shared spaces. One camper at Samuel P. Taylor recounts a cautionary tale: "Finally things quiet down and everyone is asleep, 2 or 3 am. A woman starts SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER, every single headlamp comes on, other people start screaming too, thinking it's a bear attack... We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee... This complete nincompoop was surprised when we stooped down to her tent and said, 'What's going on?' She was defiant... She said, 'I just had a bad dream, what's the big deal?'"
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When glamping near Mill Valley in an RV, choose sites carefully. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, "We are on our way north so this was a in transit stop. It is a big campground, but very well organized and very neat. Lots of space between campsites and lots of trees," according to Stephen R.
Weather considerations: Coastal fog impacts RV camping comfort. "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down," warns Joseph F. about the Mill Valley area, suggesting campers prepare for temperature fluctuations.
Hookup options: For those requiring services, San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers "a premium price for a Saturday one nighter, but it certainly is a great VIP campsite. The host says they will come around in the morning and empty our tanks! No need to hook up our sewer hose!" according to Patrick M.
