How much does camping cost at Steep Ravine Campground?

Camping fees at Steep Ravine Campground range from $30-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Steep Ravine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Steep Ravine Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Steep Ravine Campground before I book?

Yes! Steep Ravine Campground has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Steep Ravine Campground?

Steep Ravine Campground is open Spring to early Fall (February to October).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Steep Ravine Campground?

Steep Ravine Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Steep Ravine Campground?

Fire policies at Steep Ravine Campground: Fires are permitted in campsites in designated fire rings but not inside cabins.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Steep Ravine Campground have?

Steep Ravine Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Steep Ravine Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Steep Ravine Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Steep Ravine Campground?

Steep Ravine Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Steep Ravine Campground?

Popular activities at Steep Ravine Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Steep Ravine Campground

4.59

35 reviews

3801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Top 2% in CASpring

Scenic Views

Featured in:Forest Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$30 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$30 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Steep Ravine Campground

$30.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Environmental campsites are $30 per night, while cabins are $100 per night. An additional reservation fee of $8.25 applies.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Premium Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

415-388-2070interp@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Steep Ravine Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

3801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Steep Ravine Campground

3801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Nearby places

Mill Valley (approx. 8.5 miles, 20 minutes), San Francisco (approx. 22 miles, 50 minutes), Stinson Beach (approx. 1 mile, 5 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies can be found at Stinson Beach (~1 mile away). More comprehensive options are available in Mill Valley (~8.5 miles) or San Francisco (~22 miles).

Driving directionsFrom Highway 101 take Highway 1 to the Stinson Beach exit and follow signs up the mountain. The campground is approximately one mile south of Stinson Beach.

The campground is accessible via Highway 1 and Panoramic Highway. Roads are paved but may have steep grades; visitors should exercise caution during inclement weather. Partial closures may occur during storms due to safety hazards like fallen trees and rockslides.

Weather at Steep Ravine Campground

Current alert: Storm-related hazards including fallen trees, rockslides, and partial closures may occur. Check for updates at the Pantoll Ranger Station.

Best Time to Camp at Steep Ravine Campground

Spring delivers the best conditions. Temperatures between 50 and 70°F, blooming wildflowers, flowing creeks, and lighter morning fog than summer's thick blanket. Trails stay green, and late winter through early spring overlaps with offshore whale migration. Summer mornings bring heavy fog that usually lifts by midday, with afternoons reaching the 70s and 80s. Fall and winter average in the 50s. Sites exposed to the cliff edge can be windy year-round. Bring layers for cold nights regardless of season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Overview: Spring best—50–70°F, blooming wildflowers, green trails and lighter morning fog.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring to early Fall (February to October).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round, though storms may cause occasional site closures.

About Steep Ravine Campground

Steep Ravine Campground sits on a Mount Tamalpais cliffside where redwoods meet the Pacific. The campground has 16 sites total. Walk-in environmental campsites and rustic cabins with wood stoves. Plus access to a private beach. Fees range from $30 to $100 per night. Reservations book fast, though calling after noon sometimes yields last-minute cancellations.

Steep Ravine features primitive walk-in campsites and rustic cabins. Both options require reservations due to high demand.

Historical Significance

William Kent donated the land in 1928, preserving the coastal redwood groves and establishing a cornerstone of California's environmental movement. The ancient redwoods have stood over the Pacific for centuries.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Temperatures between 50 and 70°F, blooming wildflowers, flowing creeks, and lighter morning fog than summer's thick blanket. Trails stay green, and late winter through early spring overlaps with offshore whale migration. Summer mornings bring heavy fog that usually lifts by midday, with afternoons reaching the 70s and 80s. Fall and winter average in the 50s. Sites exposed to the cliff edge can be windy year-round. Bring layers for cold nights regardless of season.

ElevationThe campground's clifftop setting creates a dramatic vertical landscape where trails switchback from sea level to ridgeline viewpoints, offering ever-changing perspectives of the coastline below.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground perches at 82 feet elevation on terrain shaped by the San Andreas Fault, with steep coastal cliffs dropping toward hidden coves and pocket beaches accessible at low tide. Redwood groves provide shade and shelter inland from the exposed cliff edge. The underlying geology includes serpentine, sandstone, shale, and quartz tourmaline veins. Spring brings blooming coastal wildflowers and rhododendron. Sites near the cliff edge catch ocean wind and offer panoramic views when fog clears.

Geological RegionCamp atop one of Earth's most dynamic landscapes, where the mighty San Andreas Fault has sculpted a terrain of steep coastal cliffs and redwood-cloaked canyons. Beneath your feet lies a geological treasure trove featuring serpentine—California's distinctive state rock—alongside ancient sandstone, shale deposits, and glittering veins of quartz tourmaline that tell the story of millions of years of tectonic drama.

Scenic ViewsSites provide views of the Pacific Ocean, Farallon Islands, and occasionally San Francisco. Cabins have direct ocean-facing views.

Lodging & AccommodationsNine rustic cabins are available, each equipped with a wood stove, picnic table, sleeping platforms, and an outdoor barbecue. Cabin #1 is accessible, featuring accessible beds, a table, and counter designs. Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites can accommodate 5 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEnvironmental sites are walk-in and scattered along the cliffside. Cabins sit grouped in rows. Privacy varies. Some sites are sheltered by redwoods, others sit more exposed near the cliff.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia (www.reservecalifornia.com) or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites are not available at Steep Ravine Campground; all sites must be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with specific deadlines (check ReserveCalifornia guidelines). Fees may not be refunded if cancellation occurs too close to the check-in date.

AccessibilitySteep Ravine offers accessible parking near cabins and environmental campsite #7. Cabin #1 features accessible design elements.

Site SizeThe environmental campsites vary in size. Site #6 is the largest and can accommodate two large tents, whereas #1 and #6 have limited shade.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites; Site #4 is described as the most private and shaded, while sites like #6 are more exposed.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking shade should opt for sites #2 or #3. Site #4 is more private, while #6 accommodates larger groups.

Best CampsitesSite #4 offers the most privacy and shade. Sites #1 and #6 have direct ocean views. Site #6 is the largest environmental site, fitting two large tents, though it has limited shade. Sites closer to the cliff edge trade wind exposure for better views.

Need help booking Steep Ravine Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Steep Ravine Campground offers both environmental campsites and rustic cabins. Amenities include potable water from nearby spigots, trash and recycling bins by the restrooms, picnic tables at each site, and fire rings with grates. Running water is available near outhouses and cabins, but there are no showers or electricity.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Steep Ravine offers hiking, whale watching, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Steep Ravine Trail connects to other scenic trails like the Dipsea Trail. Visitors can access a private beach via a short hike.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of raccoons, ticks, poison oak, and mice. Windy conditions may affect tent stability.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available at campsites but may not accommodate larger coolers or boxes.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in campsites in designated fire rings but not inside cabins.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are Stinson Beach Fire Station (1 mile away) and Marin General Hospital in Greenbrae (~15 miles away). Pantoll Ranger Station offers limited assistance.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available near the restrooms, with bins provided for proper disposal.

Water FeaturesLocated above Webb Creek and near the Pacific Ocean. A short trail leads to Steep Ravine Beach.

Camp HostNo on-site campground host is mentioned. Visitors should contact Pantoll Ranger Station for assistance.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Steep Ravine Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

35 reviews

Top-Rated

Steep Ravine Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the stunning views, serene environment, and rustic cabins. However, reviews highlight challenges with mice and high demand for reservations.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 35 reviews.

Site #2Loved
Site #2: Shaded and close to the ocean; preferred by reviewers.
Site #4Loved
Site #4: Most private with shade.
Site #6Mentioned
Site #6: Largest site but lacks shade and privacy.

What Campers Love

Beautiful views of the coast, accessible private beach, peaceful atmosphere, and cozy cabins with wood stoves.

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with mice in cabins, lack of privacy in certain sites, and difficulty securing reservations.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bungee cords to secure food, layers for cold nights, and curtains for cabin privacy. Call after noon for last-minute cancellations.

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for lush greenery, while winter offers whale-watching opportunities. Summer nights can get extremely cold.

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The views are amazing as you're on the cliffs overlooking the coast.' - Kristopher Hong 2. 'Bring layers; it gets super duper cold here, especially at night.' - Tara Sosa 3. 'Views of sunset...

Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

Cabin #1 and environmental campsite #7 are praised for accessibility, with nearby parking and restrooms.

Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets, except service animals, are prohibited in cabins and campsites.

Based on 35 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

1 review

Community Insights

Cell Service Reports

Verizon

Excellent(1 report)

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Steep Ravine Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Go if

Cabin renters and tent campers who plan months ahead for spring conditions: whale migration offshore, wildflowers blooming, temps in the 50s-70s, and site #4 offering the most shade and privacy on the cliff. San Francisco is 50 minutes away if you need a bail-out.

Skip if

Cabin bookings come with a real mouse problem, reviewers recommend bungee-cording everything and bringing extra food storage. No showers, no pets, no RVs, and the exposed cliff sites get genuinely punishing wind. If reservations stress you out, this place will.

Nearby Campgrounds

801 Panoramic Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Pantoll Campground sits at 1,532 feet in Mount Tamalpais State Park, 16 walk-in sites spread across a hillside about 100 yards from parking. First-come, first-served only. Fees run $7–25 per night. Dense tree cover, flush toilets, potable water, and trailhead access define the experience.