Steep Ravine

Introduction / Overview

Steep Ravine, located on the stunning Marin County coastline near Stinson Beach, California, offers an unparalleled and highly coveted outdoor experience for locals seeking a genuine escape into nature. This unique destination within Mount Tamalpais State Park features a limited number of rustic cabins and primitive campsites, all boasting breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It's renowned for its ability to provide a cozy and immersive natural retreat, even in challenging weather, thanks to the charm of its simple yet well-maintained facilities. Steep Ravine is often considered a "holy grail" of camping in the Bay Area, a testament to its popularity and the unforgettable experiences it offers.

What truly sets Steep Ravine apart is its direct connection to the rugged California coast. Imagine being snug by a wood stove, the sound of crashing waves outside, and the vast expanse of the Pacific stretching before you. The cabins, dating back to the 1940s, offer a sparse but incredibly charming lodging option, complete with sleeping platforms, picnic tables, outdoor barbecues, and the all-important wood stoves. The adjacent campsites provide a more traditional tent camping experience, equally private and immersed in the coastal environment. For California residents, securing a reservation at Steep Ravine is a chance to experience a truly iconic piece of the state's natural heritage, where simplicity meets spectacular scenery, making it an ideal spot for reflection, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Steep Ravine is ideally situated on Rocky Point Road, just off Highway 1, approximately one mile south of the iconic Stinson Beach in Marin County, California. Its address is listed as Rocky Point Rd, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, USA. This prime coastal location places it conveniently north of San Francisco, making it an accessible, yet wonderfully secluded, escape for residents of the Bay Area and beyond. The drive along Highway 1 is renowned for its scenic beauty, setting the tone for the natural experience awaiting visitors.

Access to Steep Ravine is unique and requires a gate code, which is provided upon reservation. This controlled access helps maintain the tranquility and exclusivity of the site. While the road leading down to the cabins and campsites can be narrow, steep, and winding with blind curves, it is manageable for single vehicles. It's crucial for visitors to note that RVs and trailers are not permitted past the main gate, and parking is extremely limited, with only one car allowed per cabin or campsite. Despite these logistical considerations, the effort to get there is consistently described as well worth it. The proximity to Stinson Beach means that basic amenities, cafes, and shops are just a short drive away, offering a convenient balance between wilderness immersion and access to modern comforts. Additionally, its position within Mount Tamalpais State Park provides direct access to an extensive network of trails, connecting campers to numerous hiking opportunities right from their doorstep.

Services Offered

• Rustic Cabins: Nine simple, charming cabins, each featuring a wood stove, indoor picnic table, sleeping platforms (guests must bring their own bedding and padding), and an outdoor barbecue. No electricity or running water inside the cabins. One cabin is ADA accessible.
• Primitive Campsites: Seven walk-in tent-only sites (approximately 200 yards from the parking lot), each with a picnic table, food locker, and fire ring.
• Flush Toilets: Shared, well-maintained flush toilets with sinks are available for both cabin and campsite guests, located near the parking area. No showers available.
• Potable Water: Shared water faucets are available throughout the cabin and campground area for drinking and general use.
• Wood Stoves in Cabins: Essential for warmth, especially in cooler or wet weather, and can be used for basic heating or boiling water.
• Outdoor Barbecues: Provided at both cabins and campsites for cooking.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, typically for cash.
• Food Lockers: Provided at campsites for safe food storage.
• Limited Parking: One car per cabin or campsite is allowed past the locked gate; additional parking may be available outside the gate along the highway.

Features / Highlights

• Spectacular Ocean Views: All cabins and many campsites offer expansive, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, often described as truly amazing, even in stormy weather.
• Private Cove Access: A small, private cove is located just below the cabins and campground, accessible via pathways, perfect for beachcombing and tidepooling.
• Wood Stove Warmth: The cabins' wood stoves provide excellent warmth and a cozy atmosphere, making stays comfortable year-round.
• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground and cabins offer a profound sense of solitude, with the sounds of crashing waves often being the only noise.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: Direct access to renowned trails, including the Steep Ravine Trail, offering options for short strolls or longer, challenging hikes up to Mount Tamalpais.
• Historic Charm: The cabins themselves are historical structures dating back to the 1940s, adding a unique character to the stay.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including various bird species and marine life from the blufftop.
• Stargazing: Away from city lights, the location offers superb opportunities for night sky viewing on clear nights.
• Unique Reservation System: Due to high demand, cabins are reserved via a lottery system, while campsites use the regular ReserveCalifornia system, adding to their elusive and sought-after nature.
• Photo Opportunities: The stunning natural setting provides endless opportunities for photography, capturing the rugged beauty of the California coast.

Contact Information

Address: Rocky Point Rd, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, USA

Phone: (415) 388-2070 (Pantoll Ranger Station, for more information on Mount Tamalpais State Park, including Steep Ravine)

Mobile Phone: +1 415-388-2070 (Same as main landline for park inquiries)

For reservations, the primary method is through ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling Reserve California at 800-444-7275. It is crucial to note that the gate code for entry to Rocky Point Road is obtained by calling Reserve California with your reservation information, as this code changes periodically. Given the high demand for Steep Ravine, especially the cabins, planning well in advance is essential.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Steep Ravine is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for California locals seeking a unique and immersive outdoor experience that truly embodies the essence of the state's iconic coastline. Its prime location near Stinson Beach in Marin County makes it remarkably accessible for residents of the Bay Area and surrounding regions, allowing for relatively short drives to a profound sense of escape and wilderness. This convenience means that a much-needed break from urban life is just within reach, minimizing travel time and maximizing the enjoyment of nature.

The rustic nature of Steep Ravine, with its charming cabins and primitive tent sites, offers a distinct departure from more conventional, amenity-heavy campgrounds. This simplicity, far from being a drawback, is precisely what appeals to those seeking an authentic connection with the environment. The presence of wood stoves in the cabins, even without electricity or running water, provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, particularly appealing during the cooler coastal evenings or in the misty weather that often graces this part of California. The well-maintained shared flush toilets and available potable water taps ensure essential comforts are met, allowing campers to focus on the experience.

Furthermore, the unparalleled features of Steep Ravine make it a standout choice for Californians. The direct, expansive ocean views from almost every site are a constant source of inspiration and tranquility, providing a breathtaking backdrop for any stay. The private access to a secluded cove offers unique opportunities for beach exploration and a true sense of discovery. The immediate access to renowned hiking trails, including the Steep Ravine Trail, provides endless possibilities for outdoor activity, catering to both casual strollers and avid hikers. For locals, securing a spot at Steep Ravine is more than just booking a campsite; it's gaining access to a piece of California's most cherished coastline, a place where memories are forged, and the raw beauty of the Pacific is experienced firsthand. Its popularity and the effort required to secure a reservation only underscore its immense value as a precious local gem.

Steep Ravine

Rocky Point Rd, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, USA