Camping Report- Steep Ravine

This week we have the pleasure to appreciate one of the sweetest camping spots in Northern California perched at the edge of the Pacific. I had on multiple occasions scoped out all 6 sites when staying at the Steep Ravine Cabins. After a few late night refreshes on ReserveCalifornia, I finally snagged my desired target- Site #5 Kelp.  Weather was my only worry since August is Fogust and early September one still risks foggy mornings but the fog burns off by afternoon.

Fog has it's own charms.

This site has has no trees and hence no shade except the larger rock gives a little reprieve in the afternoon so fog was quite welcome.   Fog misting over trees and over the pacific has a quiet beauty all it's own.

2 rocks makes this site extra special.

I took the above photo when I first came here last year. I reuse it here as our various camping and kitchen gear make for a messy unromantic photo.

No neighbors in sight except one can hop on the rocks to see the campers by the pine tree

The view of the ocean is a lot more expansive from the site than can be conveyed from this panorama.  There is no easy access to the beach below so you have to navigate very steep narrow paths in front of the pine trees accessible from a path between camp site #2 Cormorant and #3 Starfish.  Hiking poles are a must since the dirt paths are crumbly slippery and one risks falling into the bushes with poison oak landmine. However I've seen plenty of agile youngsters do this without hiking poles.

Can you spot a yellow shirted fisherman?

When the fog starts rolls in, it's time for roasting sausages on a fire. Mindful of carbon emissions, we burn small batches of wood.

Sausage and zuke skewer. I prefer just a sausage.

The firepit here lacks a grill so skewers do the job beautifully. I regret not having marshmallows.

Seasoned campers know the routine but hungry critters and dew are the two annoyances.

• DO NOT have FOOD in your tent! Put food away in lockable containers you brought in at all times.  Tie up with string as racoons are dexterous.
• Dew will cover everything after sundown- everything will get wet unless so put away anything in tent or your plastic bins.
• Poison oak. Put your pants in a plastic bag before you get in the tent. See guide here.

Gangs of intrepid racoons will invade at night and as there's dew on everything, dirty wet paw prints will tip you off if you weren't awoken at night.  My husband wedged the cooler under the picnic table seat. While our food was secure, the bin was positively mudded up with paw prints by the end of the third day. My cartoon imagination had the the 3 plump racoons heaving and huffing pushing together against the cooler making the picnic table jump up and down. 

Did not succeed.

While staying at the cabins is admittedly an easier vacation, there is deep-seated hominoid satisfaction in being completely outdoors, huddling before a fire when cold.  When the weather and the winds are relatively mild, I'd go even far as to say this is one of the top 3 best camping spots in the Bay Area we've been lucky enough to enjoy.