Description

Get in on a little secret that lies just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Let us introduce you to the elusive Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground in Marin.

On Mt. Tamalpais, just to the north of the city, there are a group of wooden structures that date back to the 1940s. They are insanely popular and rightfully so. Each cabin features a wood stove, picnic table and several benches, sleeping platforms, and of course, an outdoor barbeque.

The cabins do not have running water or electricity, but primitive toilets, water faucets, and firewood are nearby. The best attribute is that they all feature expansive ocean views, as they are perched high up on the side of a cliff.

The Steep Ravine Environmental Campground is also a great choice (if not one of the best in the area!) for Mount Tamalpais camping. If you like tent camping, then this is your spot. It’s also hugely popular and fills up fast, as there are only seven campsites.

It is on the western edge of the park, and just to make matters more awesome, they are all overlooking the ocean. There’s lots of privacy and tons to do right around camp.

The campsites are a few hundred yards from the parking area. Each site has a table, fire pit, food locker, and space for a tent. Primitive toilets and water faucets are nearby. There are no showers, but don’t worry... it’s totally worth it.

Campsite area
Cabin, Tent sites
16 sites
Up to 5 guests per site
Other
No wheelchair access
Essentials
Campfires allowed
Toilet available
No pets
Amenities
Potable water available
Picnic table available
No showers

Activities

Offered near the campground.

Biking

While Mount Tamalpais is the birthplace of mountain biking it also offers unparalleled options for road bikers (not to mention...Read more

Fishing

If you bring your fishing gear to Mt. Tam, you could easily come home with dinner. Lakes in the park have catches such as bass,...Read more

Hiking

There are more than 50 miles of trails within the park that connect to a much grander 200 mile trail system. The climb to the p...Read more

Horseback riding

Mount Tamalpais is known for its beautiful views, and it can be even more beautiful when taken by horseback. Given the right d...Read more

Climbing

Mount Tamalpais is well suited for both novice and expert climbers. If you make it to the top, you won’t be disappointed - the...Read more

Wildlife watching

Mount Tamalpais is a great place to see some of California’s wildlife . The park has more than 150 bird species along with dee...Read more

Terrain

Natural features you'll find at Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground.

Beach
Forest
Hot spring
Waterfall
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21 Reviews

750
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Drop some Steep Ravine Cabins and Campground knowledge on us.
Hipcamper Eoin
Eoin M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
May 13th, 2021

Another successful trip to Steep Ravine Campground. Stayed at campsite 1 this time, which had a great view towards the Stinson/Bolinas coastline and privacy from other campsites (you are facing the cabins, which is not a big deal as they are a ways off).

It's hard to get a reservation here, but if you are flexible and can go on a weeknight at short notice, cancellations tend to pop up sometimes a few days out.

2nd best campground in the California State Park system.

Hipcamper Lisa
Lisa M.
recommends this listing.
November 23rd, 2018

Don't arrive early. They really don't like it.

Hipcamper megan
Megan M.
didn't provide a recommendation.
August 28th, 2018

We were lucky enough to reserve the "Hot-n-Tot" campsite one magical week in July. Our site was very private up on the bluff with ocean views in every direction. We packed a shade tent & sat there for hours watching whales breech and deer run by "our living room". Just beware of the raccoons, they are very brave! The private beach is a little rocky & only accessible during low tide, but Stinson beach is just a short drive away.

Hipcamper Jessica
Jessica F.
didn't provide a recommendation.
February 15th, 2018

I'm trying to book this but the link doesn't work and I can't find ANYWHERE else on the internet. Does anyone know if they're closed or renovating....? Help!

Hipcamper Skylar
Skylar M.
recommends this listing.
August 11th, 2017

great for family and friends groups.

Hipcamper Megan
Megan A.
recommends this listing.
July 31st, 2017

My favorite place to go for a quick trip. Whales breaching, dolphins, seals, swallows, snakes, rabbits, hawks. This is a lovely slice of heaven,. Each cabin has a view of the ocean and you fall asleep listening to waves. No water or electricity in cabins. No showers.

Hipcamper Jessica
Jessica A.
recommends this listing.
June 30th, 2017

Can be very windy

Hipcamper Damian
Damian P.
recommends this listing.
April 21st, 2017

Best place ever. Bring:
- Window-size fabrics to serve as curtains (clips provided)
- Water container for use indoors (no running water)
- Solar lights/lanterns for indoor use at night (no electricity)

Hipcamper Alyssa
Alyssa R.
recommends this listing.
March 16th, 2017

The cabins have tables, wood burning stoves, and place to sleep - but you should bring lighting, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. Be sure to sleep with the windows open to hear the waves!

Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park
State
California
Country
United States
Phone Number
(415) 388-2070
Directions
View on Google Maps
Official Website
View Website
Coordinates
37.883° N, 122.627° W
Unknown price
Tent Only - Hike In: 7 Sites
(Up to 5 people per site)
Unknown price
Cabin & Lodging: 9 Sites
(Up to 5 people per site)