Cabins near Banning, California range in style from rustic retreats to accommodations with modern conveniences. The area sits at elevations between 2,300 and 7,000 feet, creating temperature variations that affect cabin comfort throughout the year. Most properties experience significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months, requiring visitors to pack appropriate clothing layers regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hemet Campground offers boat rentals and fishing access for cabin guests. "We rented a boat and went out on the lake to do some fishing. We didn't catch anything but we did see some bald eagles which was super cool!" notes Jennifer D., highlighting wildlife viewing possibilities while fishing.
Mineral pools access: Catalina Spa and RV Resort provides cabin guests with access to natural hot springs. "They are fed by natural hot springs and warmer than most hot tubs. The camp ground was tidy and the sports were separated by shrubbery for privacy," reports Vera S., describing the therapeutic waters available to cabin guests.
Trail exploration: Thousand Trails Idyllwild cabins provide access to hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "The setting of this camp ground is beautiful. We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back again," writes a visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings and trail options from their cabin.
What campers like
Cabin placement: At Lake Hemet Campground, visitors enjoy the location of cabins relative to water features. "We had the best time here! The lake with all the blow up toys was a blast! Every site has a picnic table and fire ring," notes Jennifer D., highlighting the recreational amenities near cabin sites.
Family-friendly amenities: Cherry Valley Lakes offers cabin guests access to recreational facilities. "This Park has bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a heated pool and spa, a playground, two catch and release fishing ponds (no license required, but only barbless hooks are allowed)," explains Michelle Z., detailing the facilities available to families staying in cabins.
Mountain weather benefits: The higher elevation cabins near Banning provide natural cooling during summer. "When I first got to Idyllwild, a little heat wave was hanging around, but by the 2nd week, the weather was beautiful. Surrounded by spruce trees, pine trees, and scotch pines reminded me of being Back East," shares Tom W., describing how the mountain setting enhances the cabin experience.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some cabin properties experience significant ambient noise. At Cherry Valley Lakes Resort, "Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it's a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days," reports Brittany W.
Bathroom access varies: Cabin facilities differ in bathroom proximity and quality. "The section we were in only had a volt potty but there were showers there in another section," notes a Lake Hemet visitor, indicating that some cabin areas have limited bathroom facilities.
Seasonal staffing affects service: During off-peak periods, cabin properties operate with reduced staff. "The bathrooms and showers were clean. The pool looked really nice and was quite busy our entire stay," mentions a Time4Dirt reviewer at Thousand Trails Idyllwild, contrasting with periods when amenities have limited hours.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Seven Oaks Lodge cabins provide stream access popular with children. "We thoroughly enjoyed the stream the trails the pool and all the good times," writes Armando C., highlighting the natural play areas available to family cabin guests.
Privacy considerations: Evaluate cabin proximity when booking for family stays. "We stayed on the right side of the road where its divided in two rows of sites. One row is right of the creek. Each site is divided by a picnic table and they are relatively close to each other," notes Antonio B., describing the layout that affects privacy between cabin units.
Temperature management: Cabins at higher elevations require planning for nighttime cooling. "Weather was cold and windy but not too bad. Bring insulation for your water hose or have some type of method that will keep your water lines from freezing. Our water hose froze the first night," advises Donovan about Lake Hemet Campground cabins.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA cabins vary significantly in quality and placement. "Sites are not level. Our dump hookup ended up being uphill so one has to milk the house to empty," notes Cindy B., describing infrastructure challenges that affect comfort.
Cabin reservation timing: Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort cabins require advance planning during peak seasons. "This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site, so you can see the problem," explains david N., highlighting competition for premium sites that applies to both cabins and RV spaces.
Weather preparation: Desert cabins require different planning than mountain accommodations. "Way too windy. We had tents and trailers. None of us slept. The trailer rocked horribly and the tents were filled with dirts. The yurts walls were impacted by the wind and the maintenance people were out trying to fix them," reports theresa O. about Palm Springs-Joshua Tree KOA accommodations.
