Steep Ravine Environmental Campground at Mt. Tamalpais SP

Mount Tamalpais State Park stretches from inland to the sea and miles in either direction north and south. I discovered this when I planned our trip to the top of Mount Tam, not realizing that our campsite—at the Steep Ravine Environmental Campground (still within park boundaries) was 14 miles away. Ugh. Have you ever heard that the harder it is to get to your destination, the better the trip ends up being? I think that's true. We arrived at Steep Ravine more than a little bit stressed about the detour, but by the time we unloaded the car, hauled our gear to the site, set up camp, and strapped on our shoes for a sunset hike, we were giggling and relaxed. There were no other campers and just a few people in the cabins. City lights from San Francisco twinkled in the distance as our fire crackled and marshmallows roasted. In the morning, the fog lifted for an unfettered glimpse at the Farrallon Islands. Mount Tamalpais State Park feels so far away, but is remarkably accessible... as long as you know where you're going.

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Technically, “camping” just means that you sleep in a tent. Tell your friends you’re going camping on rugged Mt Tamalpais, but bring along a laptop, some movies, and your ipod. Steep Ravine’s easy proximity to civilization (it’s less than a half hour drive from San Francisco) and its remote vibe make it the perfect place for an easy overnight car camping trip. (Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as the spots fill up many months in advance.) Once you’ve secured one of the handful of secluded campsites on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it’s easy to park your car adjacent to the campground and load up the handy wheelbarrow with your down comforters, plush pillows, electronic equipment, and still-warm takeout for your sublime night of leisure under the stars.

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