This secluded campground is an absolute gem of a campground, sitting on a blufftop with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky enough to snatch a reservation you’re in for a real treat.
Within the Mount Tamapalis State Park and right off of HWY 1 lies the most beautiful campground perched on-top a cliff overlooking the Marin Coast. Steep Ravine Cabins and Environmental Campground is one of NorCals most sought after campground, and for good reason, it’s stunning.
I had been patiently waiting for almost a year to reserve a spot, it’s a popular campsite, meaning it takes a couple tries to get a reservation. I was lucky enough to snag a campsite to celebrate my birthday.
Even though this is a very popular campground it does not feel crowded whatsoever. Only those with reservations can enter the campground, so it really keeps the grounds from overcrowding.
In this guide, I will provide useful information for camping at Steep Ravine, including details on booking a campsite or cabin, what to bring for cabin stays, and recommendations for beautiful nearby hiking trails.
This post is all about Camping at Steep Ravine: Where Ocean Views and Adventure Meet.
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Steep Ravine Campground Reservations
Cabins and Campsites are able to be reserved 6 months in advance starting at 8:00 am, just know the cabins do sell out within seconds. Campsites usually sell out within a couple minutes. Pretty insane but that’s California for ya.
I can promise you this though, it is 100% worth the effort. I recommend signing in before 8:00 am, refresh once at 8:00 am and then try to book as quickly as possible.
Steep Ravine Campsites cost $25 per night plus a $7.99 reservation fee.
Steep Ravine Cabins cost $100 per night plus a $7.99 reservation fee.
Once on the website enter Mount Tamapalis State Park and then you‘ll be able to see Steep Ravine Cabins and Steep Ravine Campsites.
Steep Ravine Cabin and Campground Info
There are a total of 9 cabins including 1 ADA cabin and 7 campsites including 1 ADA campsite.
The 7 walk in campsites come with a picnic table, food locker, and fire ring. Campsites can accommodate up to 8 people.
We stayed in campsite 5 and I can honestly say that this was the best site we’ve ever camped at. We walked around and noticed that no matter the site you chose, they’re all pretty fabulous.
Site 1 faces the same way as the cabins so it offers some pretty magnificent views of Stinson Beach. Sites 2 and 3 are right next to one another and can be a great option for larger parties.
The 1940’s cabins can accommodate up to 5 people. Cabins are basic with no bathroom, running water or electricity. Each cabin features a wood burning stove, indoor picnic table, sleeping platforms, and an outdoor barbecue.
Cabins 7, 8, 9, and 10 have the most stunning and unobstructed views. Cabin 1 is an ADA cabin and closet to the parking lot.
Visitors will need to bring their own bedding and supplies.
Camping at Steep Ravine
Steep Ravine is located off of HWY 1, between Stinson Beach and Muir Beach. Rocky Point Road will take you from HWY 1 down into the campground.
Only one car per reservation is allowed in the campground parking lot. A combination code will be provided to you to open the gate to the entrance road, you will need to call 1-2 days before your reservation to obtain this code. Reserve California ahead of time at 1-800-444-7275.
Print your reservation and leave it on your dashboard to avoid getting a ticket.
Campers must park in the central parking area and can use a park provided wheelbarrow to help haul their gear to camp.
Rustic vault toilets sit throughout the campground, two newer flush toilets with sinks are also available near the parking lot. No showers friends, sorry.
Potable water is available all around the cabins and campgrounds.
Firewood is available near the parking lot for $10/ bundle. You’ll need exact change.
What to Pack for Steep Ravine Cabin Stay
Along with the food, water, toiletries and clothing you bring I recommend the following:
- Heat: firewood, matches/lighter
- Lighting: headlamp, flashlight, LED string lights or lantern
- Bedding Supplies: pillow, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, blanket
- Privacy: Curtains to cover windows
- Misc: tablecloth, speaker, grill supplies and charcoal
Things to do at Steep Ravine Campground
Staying at this campground is going to make you want to grab a book, a glass of wine or beer and just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Take a leisure walk around the campground and for those that want to explore a bit more there is a private little cove just below the cabins.
For those with a little extra time I definitely recommend one of the hikes located near the campground. About 0.5 mile from camp are two awesome trails we love.
Steep Ravine Trail:
- Moderate but Short Hike: Dipsea & Steep Ravine Loop from Pantoll (3.7miles)
- Moderate but Medium Hike: Dipsea Trail, Steep Ravine Trail & Matt Davis Loop ( 6.6miles)
Just a Reminder
- Please use the food lockers, the raccoons are not shy and if you leave anything out they will absolutely get into it.
- Check-In time is at 2:00 pm, Check-Out time is by 12:00 pm.
- There is no walk-up availability for the camp sites or the cabins.
- Dogs are NOT allowed.
- If you forget some supplies try Stinson Beach Market.
That about covers everything you need to know about Camping at Steep Ravine: Where Ocean Views and Adventure Meet.
Leave No Trace Principles
If you love to be outdoors whether it’s hiking, backpacking, kayaking or camping please follow these guidelines. Leave No Trace Principles helps minimize our impact and aids in preserving our earth as much as possible. If you would like additional information please read this article The 7 Principles.
The 7 Principles:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Take Nothing but Pictures; Leave Nothing but Footprints
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
- Camping at McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park
- Camping in Gualala-One of Our Favorite Campsites in NorCal
- 27 Must-Have Tent Camping Essentials Every Camper Should Have
Travel Resources
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are HipCamp, The Dyrt and Campendium.
ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS: Our go to for looking up flights is SKYSCANNER, but we try to always book directly with the airline.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use SafetyWing. We are currently using them for our 1 year trip.
TRANSPORTATION: For all our bus, ferry and train transfer needs in Asia we use 12go.asia.
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