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Established Camping

Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Mount Tamalpais cabins require: If cancelled between 0-6 days prior to arrival date, you lose the $7.99 cancellation fee, the $7.99 reservation fee, plus the unit fee for one night. Cancellations greater than 6 days incur the $7.99 cancellation fee and the $7.99 reservation fee.

Mount Tamalpais SP:

Steep Ravine Cabins and Campsites:

  • Cabins and environmental sites at this park may be booked 2 days to 6 months prior to the arrival date. Reservations are available for January 1 – September 30 and November 1 – December 31. Customers are limited to one cabin and/or campsite per reservation. The park will not honor multiple simultaneous cabin or campsite reservations. Only 5 people are allowed per campsite or cabin.
  • You may obtain the combination code(s) for the main gate and cabin by phoning the ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center 48 hours prior to arrival at 1-800-444-7275, 7 days a week 8 am to 6 pm PST. Be prepared to provide your reservation number, the dates you will be camping, and your name.
  • Steep Ravine Cabins and Campsites are located off Highway One. There is a main gate where Steep Ravine Road intersects Highway One. You will need a code to enter. The road is narrow, steep, and winding with blind curves. Parking is extremely limited. Only one car per cabin or campsite is allowed past the main gate, even to unload or load. Fees include entry for one vehicle only. RVs and trailers are not allowed. A site permit MUST be placed on the dashboard to avoid a parking ticket; it can be found in the cabin or campsite food locker.
  • Check-In: 2:00 pm. Check-Out: 12:00 noon.
  • With the exception of service dogs, no pets, including dogs, are allowed.
  • Smoking is not permitted in State Parks, except on paved roadways or parking facilities.

Mount Tamalpais SP

Frank Valley Group Horse Camp and Alice Eastwood Group Camp:

  • Frank Valley Group Horse Camp and Alice Eastwood Group A and B are available for reservation all-year. To book a Group site, you must have at least 9 occupants.
  • Maximum Occupancy is limited as follows: Alice Eastwood A – 50 people, 15 cars; Alice Eastwood B – 25 people, 10 cars. Frank Valley – 25 people, 12 cars, 12 horses.
  • Check-In: 2:00 pm. Check-Out: 12:00 noon.
  • _ A gate code is needed to access the properties and can be obtained by phoning the ReserveCalifornia Customer Contact Center at 1-800-444-7275, 7 days a week 8 am to 6 pm PST. _
  • With the exception of service dogs, no pets, including dogs, are allowed.
  • Smoking is not permitted in State Parks, except on paved roadways or parking facilities.

Disabled Discount Pass:

  • Discount Passes must be presented at the time of reservation. Your DMV Disabled Placard/License Plate does not automatically give you a discount on your campsite. You will need to obtain a CA State Park-issued Disabled Discount Pass (DDP) or Distinguished Veterans Pass (DVP) at parks.ca.gov.

Steep Ravine Campground, near Mill Valley, California, is a stunning spot that offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and outdoor adventure. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and access to hiking trails, it’s a prime location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The campground features tent sites and cabins, providing options for different camping styles. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and the convenience of wheelbarrows to help transport gear to your site. As one camper noted, “Once you make it down, cue instant zen & elation.”

For outdoor activities, you can hike the nearby trails or explore the beach, which is just a short trek away. The area is rich with wildlife, and you might spot seals or raccoons during your stay. Just remember to keep your food secure, as those raccoons can be quite the bandits!

Whether you’re soaking in the views from your campsite or enjoying a sunset on the beach, Steep Ravine Campground offers a memorable experience for anyone looking to connect with nature.

Description

State Park

S Rav Camp Area (sites E1-E7)

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Location

Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From San Francisco, head north on Highway 101, over the Golden Gate Bridge. Take exit 445B for CA-1/Stinson Beach/Mill Valley, travel for 1 mile. Turn left at the “T” to stay on CA-1. Follow CA-1 for 10 miles. The entrance to Steep Ravine will be on your left. There is a locked gate, for which the combination will be provided upon successful reservation of a campsite.

Address

801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Coordinates

37.8822774305999 N
122.626969272 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Most sacred

My second childhood home and one of the most sacred places I have had the blessings to be apart of, know my own children's second home. The campgrounds are amazing and a world unto themselves, so much so when Sunny Bell first brought my mom and I to Steep Ravine the cabins only cost $15 and we didn't even know there were campsites there for years! 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... This place is absolutely fabulous....and we didn't even get into the mermaid hot springs gracing the beaches during super low tides! Luv you mom! I know your up there at steep kickin it at the wine tree!

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2020

A Breath of Fresh Air

The most challenging thing about Steep Ravine is the drive from the gate on down to the parking lot. It. Is. Very. Narrow. Once you make it down cue instant zen & elation. Very clean and well maintained bathrooms with flushable toilets and sinks are right near the parking lot and wheelbarrows are available to help you unload your gear to your cabin or camp site.

I camped by tent, in site #1, and can’t wait to return. It is the quintessential California costal camp site. All of the sites are incredibly beautiful, with lots of space, and each with their own unique layout & personality. The camp hosts clearly take very good care of all of them, as we explored the next morning we spotted poison oak but never in close range to the cleared pathways and flat areas of the camp sites. Just be aware, and stay on the cleared areas, not just for poison oak but also with respect to the preservation of the natural wildlife habitat. Speaking of that NO DOGS! We read conflicting information on the Mt. Tam website but make no mistake, dogs will not be allowed, and even if they were, this place is too precious & too populated with frogs and raccoons & SEALS (like 20 feet away) when you’re jumping into the waves to even consider the best of dogs.

This is a fantastic spot. A great combination of breathtaking western skyline & crisp costal air. Only bring your favorite people & your best film.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Tai R., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Tai R., August 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Tai R., August 27, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2019

Campsite vs Cabins

Do this. “Hike in” means a paved lot with wheelbarrows to help you get your gear to your site which is less than a mile.

Yes these can be hard to get but the new “rolling reservation “ means dates are released 6months to the day not a whole month at a time. Be flexible and you can get a site. We have also stayed in the cabins which are a fantasy experience but the tent sites are cheaper and easier to get.

Tent sites have raccoons and are $25/night Cabins have mice and are $100/night

Site 2 is on the edge of the world. Several trees had been chopped down and there was little shelter but an unbelievable view! We camped for two nights in November and it was sunny and chilly.

Raccoons are abundant and brazen. They got into my lock top storage container but didn’t even try the flimsy food locker. Our bandit made off with a loaf of bread and the marshmallows.

Other tips: Site 1 is very exposed. Site 2 is ample for two tents if needed Site 3 ample for two tents with just a cedar fence between site 2 and 3 Site 4 is tucked down on the hillside with a great view south.

Beach access is via larger boulders. Have good shoes.

Firewood is available onsite for $7. Clean outhouse near tent sites. Clean bathrooms near parking lot- no soap or showers.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Joanna M., December 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Joanna M., December 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Joanna M., December 26, 2019
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Amazing Ocean Views!

I've been here two times and enjoyed it each time. The bathrooms are clean. There is running water and a small beach access for campers (if you're willing to climb over some rocks). I recommend going in August when there is less wind. July can still be very windy, some nights were calm and some were not.

You can surf, go hiking, or fishing. To hike towards Stinson Beach or Dipsea Trail - head back up to the gate entrance and walk across the street. There is a hidden hiking trail entrance called Rocky Point on the right side where you can begin your hike from.

Only one parking space per vehicle & if you need ADA access they have one for the cabins and environmental site #7 is wheelchair accessible. 5 people max per campsite, although it says 8 online.

I recommend environmental site #5 if you want more privacy and a closer ocean view from your campsite.

Beware of raccoons. Make sure to clean your site after every meal and store your items well. I wouldn't depend on the storage they have for you on site to keep raccoons out (even with a lock).

P.S. Call them beforehand for the gate code before leaving. You'll need it to enter the premises.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Ma V., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Ma V., July 10, 2019
Reviewed Mar. 6, 2019

Beautiful views, lots of space

These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light. Bring candles and lanterns and some fabric for curtains for privacy.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Amber D., March 6, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2018

Hard to get but worth it

We’ve been lucky enough to score one of these cabins twice by checking in every so often to see if someone cancelled a reservation.

wood burning fireplace (you can buy wood on site) keeps the cabin warm. Smoke detectors work too!

SiteCabin 7
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by alana C., September 24, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Worth doing at least once. Bring mouse traps.

How is it possible that I am the first to review this place, the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)?!

So the cabins are not only notoriously difficult to reserve -- you need to be ready to click "reserve" on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time when I reserved -- but kind of expensive for what they are, at $100/night plus reservation fee.

For that, you get your own seaside cabin with million dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sleeping platforms for about 6 people split among 3 semi-private rooms. Flush toilets at the parking lot and an honor system for buying firewood bundles with kindling. A full-time host lives in the house at the parking lot. There are dish washing spigots scattered among the cabins. There are wheelbarrows for schlepping your stuff to the cabins and campsites; more on that later. And charcoal grills outside each cabin. A couple general use picnic tables scattered about. So those are the basics you can read anywhere.

Various thoughts and recommendations, based on my solo weekend visit in mid-March 2018, staying in Cabin 7 at the bottom of the hill closest to the little beach:

  • It's a classic, twisty ride on Highway 1 to get to the entrance, and then another steep, curvy ride down to the campground. Campers sensitive to motion sickness or vertigo be warned.
  • Mice. There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them. You'd think staying in a cabin would elevate the camping experience a bit, but frankly, this brought things down a couple notches. In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps. Removing any hint of food every night might work, but that's a pain. Experienced cabin-stayers will probably have better advice than mine.
  • Views. The campground and all cabins have incredible views. Bring binoculars and your good camera. Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here. The views. And…
  • It's about a mile into Stinson Beach if you need provisions or restaurants, and you can hike right onto the Steep Ravine / Matt Davis trails and climb all over Mt. Tam from the campground. It's also a great base camp for exploring Bolinas and the Pt. Reyes area by vehicle.
  • Wind! It's typically windy in this area most afternoons from May to September. Between those months, there's always a chance of rain, so being inside the cabin with the woodburning stove does have a major advantage over the campsites.
  • Seating. Bring your camp chairs. The cabins have fixed sleeping platforms, a built-in table, and two hard wooden benches. If you want to sit close to the wood stove or just lounge comfortably inside or out, it's DIY.

My advice? If you're a small party that just wants a couple days with the gorgeous oceanfront views and location, stay at the tent sites, not the cabins. You won't sleep with one eye open waiting for the mousetraps to pop, and it's a flat, easy portage from the parking lot to the campsites. Easier to keep clean, and I find cooking outside to be less of a hassle and easier to clean up than doing it inside the cabin where there isn't any water, sink, or spillage containment solution. Cheaper and (barely) easier to reserve a tent site, too.

If you're intent on having the cabin experience, or if you're staying in winter, or staying for more than a couple days, or have kids and really want to set up house, then go for a cabin, and I'd recommend choosing a cabin close to the parking lot. They're actually more private and you can use the wheelbarrows to move your stuff from car to cabin. The cabins further away from the parking lot are further down the hill; wheelbarrows are not an option, and footing is iffy when carrying large, heavy items up and down from the parking lot. Views are the same from all cabins so you're not losing any benefits. I'll try for CB04 next time.

But take whatever cabin you can get, and check "Steep Ravine Cabins" off your camping bucket list.

SiteCB07
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Adam , August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Adam , August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Adam , August 31, 2018
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2017

Cabins are awesome

Finally got lucky and got a semi weekend reservation in Cabin 5. Bring something to hang over windows if you need privacy. Wood is for sale to heat up the cabin in the wood burning stove which you need especially during the colder months. Other than that the cabin is basic. It had the main area with the stove and there is 1 single platform there for a shorter adult to sleep. A tiny room with 1 single platform for a kid to sleep (it’s short). And then a bedroom with a single platform for a shorter adult and a double platform for shorter adults. Tall people beware. You can probably get by sleeping diagonal or with your feet hanging off.

Views are epic and you can walk down past the cabins in front of you and down to the beach mostly during low tide. The windows in the main part of the cabin open up to let air in. Lots of flies too.

Make sure you get a gate code to get in and a cabin code to unlock your door.

They have wheelbarrows to haul your stuff to and from your cabin

SiteCabin 5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., November 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., November 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., November 20, 2017
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2017

Steep ravine

Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs. Unique and wonderful place to camp. Lots of space between you and other campers. Wear layers of clothing. Can't beat the view!

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., April 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., April 26, 2017
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Kelly S., April 26, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2016

Escape the city and receive ocean front views.

If you want to escape the city, this is the place to go. Just a short drive from San Francisco lies Steep Ravine campground at the southern end of Stinson Beach. The campsite sits right on the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best sunsets imaginable. And being so close to SF you'd be surprised at how many stars appear at night. The campsites are set up well, you'd never know other people were nearby. The only sounds you hear at night are some frogs chirping and the waves crashing below.
The campground also has its own beach to explore.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Dominic P., November 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Dominic P., November 6, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Dominic P., November 6, 2016
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2016

Make Reservations During High Season, Busy But Worth It

Incredible views, hiking, and hot springs, BUT:

bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go.

Be ready to ACTUALLY camp, not just clamping drive in, unless you have one of the cabins. Many people have less than stellar experiences due to being underprepared.

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., September 1, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., September 1, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2016

Perfect Location for camping at Mount Tamalpais State Park

The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location. The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site. Be warned though, the hiking is steep, really good hiking but bring good shoes and be sure that you are physically ready for a hard workout!

  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park?

    Camping at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park can cost between $25.00 and $100.00 depending on the site.

  • Are fires allowed at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park?

    There are 24 campsites at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts