Cabin camping near Bella Vista, California offers options in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest at elevations between 800-2,200 feet. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with minimal rainfall, while spring and fall temperatures range from 50-75°F. Winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations, affecting cabin access on forest roads.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Siskiyou: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort provides kayak rentals for guests staying in their cabins or camping areas. "Great kayaking, easy launch and enjoy the hiking trail around the lake," notes one visitor who appreciated the accessible water activities.
Swimming in volcanic lakes: For a unique experience, stay in cabins at Manzanita Lake Campground where visitors can access multiple swimming spots. "Access lake manzanita from this bucolic setting. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are overpriced so bring your own," advises one camper who found the lake perfect for cooling off during summer visits.
Local history exploration: Many cabin sites serve as gateways to historical areas. "You can go boating, see the Caverns, visit Lassen, Burney Falls or study a little CA history from the gold rush. The place is great," reports a visitor at Shasta Lake RV Resort, highlighting the educational opportunities within driving distance.
What campers like
Year-round access: Unlike many seasonal cabins, some locations maintain availability through winter. "We enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference!" shares a camper who found relief from valley heat.
Recreation variety: Multiple cabin locations offer diverse activities beyond hiking. At Lakehead Campground & RV Park, "I really liked this rustic little campground. The owner was nice and the grounds were simple and naturally pretty. Unexpectedly, there was a little place to play a game of pool," reports a satisfied visitor.
Proximity to waterfront: Cabin campers value locations with direct water access. "We found a rope swing hanging on a tree and tied up and did some rope swing fun into the lake," describes a family who rented a pontoon boat during their stay at Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Different loops within the same campground can affect your experience. At Manzanita Lake, "We had a perimeter site in the A loop, adjacent to the trail that runs to the lake. These sites feel particularly spacious. Due to the type of pine forest, none of them will be private."
Winter challenges: Many cabins have limited cold-weather amenities. At Mountain Gate RV Park, "We stayed over night and will do so again. The park is beautiful! Close to the mountain for skiing. Close to the lake for skiing... Our Starlink worked extremely well here," notes a winter visitor who appreciated reliable internet during cold months.
Pet policy inconsistency: Rules vary significantly between locations. "This campground is very spacious with lots of trees for shade which was great since we went when it was extremely hot. The owner was very nice and got us situated right away," reports a visitor at Lakehead Campground who brought pets during summer.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for cabins with dedicated recreation areas. "We loved our stay. We felt safe and it's probably one of the most cleanest campground and facilities I've ever been to. Clean bathrooms, showers, zero trash around," shares a parent who stayed at Mountain Gate RV Park.
Junior Ranger programs: Some cabin locations near national parks offer educational opportunities. "The lake is a short 5 min drive or less away and the museum has a Junior Ranger program which is a book of neat educational tasks for the kids to complete so that they can show it to a ranger and get a Junior Ranger Badge," explains a parent who stayed at Manzanita Lake.
Beach access considerations: For families with small children, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provides cabin options with accessible beaches. "Beach is nice nice cool water fall," states a visitor who found the combination of waterfront and cabin accommodations ideal for family needs.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Some cabin locations also cater well to RVs. "Mountain Gate is a comfortable park to stay. It is relatively quiet as it is off the Highway. We would stay here again. I recommend you check it out," suggests an RV camper who appreciated the quieter setting.
Seasonal pricing variation: Costs fluctuate significantly based on season. "Gas station right up the road and many access point to the lake," notes a visitor at Shasta Lake RV Resort who found the convenience worth the seasonal price increase during summer months.
Advance planning requirements: "Stayed here on the second day of a bicycle trip. Stayed in the hiker biker site which was only $5.00. Nice! However they stick you back in the woods away from the main sites," reports a visitor to McArthur-Burney Falls who found significant price differences between standard cabins and alternative accommodations.