Cabin camping near Benton, California provides access to the Eastern Sierra region at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,500 feet. Located in Mono County, the area experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer days reaching 85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s even in July. Winter access to many cabin facilities becomes limited by October due to snowfall at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at alpine lakes: The area surrounding Rock Creek Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities. "The lake will have you amazed with how clean the water is. It's crystal clear and crisp," notes one visitor. Several alpine lakes within hiking distance provide additional fishing spots.
Hiking glacier-fed lakes: From Big Pine Creek Campground, access trails leading to stunning alpine lakes. "We hiked out and back in 6.5 hours, taking an hour respite for a polar bear plunge in the near freezing lake," reports a camper. The North Fork Trail requires permits for backcountry camping but offers day hiking access to emerald-colored lakes.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Mule deer roam between campsites, ground squirrels and magpies are everywhere. We also noted a resident lizard," shares a visitor at Big Pine Creek. Bear activity is common throughout the region, making proper food storage essential at all cabin locations.
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: Several cabin accommodations provide access to geothermal features. A camper at Reds Meadow Campground explains, "Just above the campground is a hot spring. It is very hot, making a quick soak a welcome relief to tired muscles." Some springs require mixing with creek water to achieve comfortable temperatures.
Stargazing opportunities: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for astronomy. "Place was very quiet, very dark at night. The stars were amazing," reports a visitor at Crowley Lake RV Park. Cabins at higher elevations typically offer the best night sky viewing conditions.
Proximity to trailheads: Many cabin facilities provide direct access to wilderness trails. "This campground has bathrooms and plenty of space. It is very conveniently located, near the PCT and near Devil's Postpile. Great hiking from this location!" writes a camper about Reds Meadow Campground. Most trail systems remain accessible through mid-October, weather permitting.
What you should know
Bear precautions required: Bear activity throughout the region necessitates strict food storage practices. "We had a bear come into our camp the last night," warns a camper at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground. All cabin areas provide bear-resistant storage lockers, which must be used for food, toiletries, and scented items.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. "We stayed at mammoth RV park and love it! They have bathrooms and showers which are great for us RTT campers. The location is right near town and not a far drive from most of the lakes," shares a visitor, but notes these amenities are seasonal.
Temperature fluctuations: Significant day-to-night temperature drops occur year-round. "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning," reports a Mammoth Mountain RV Park camper visiting in October. Cabins provide better insulation than tents but still require warm bedding.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner fishing ponds: Some locations offer stocked fishing areas ideal for children. "There is a small trout pond where a lot of people were fishing during the day so plenty to do on the campgrounds," notes a visitor at Big Pine Creek Campground. These ponds typically require standard California fishing licenses for adults.
Recreation programs: Certain cabin facilities provide organized activities. "The guy who runs the campgrounds invited us over to the main campfire area where they had bbq, karaoke and smores," shares a Big Pine Creek Campground visitor. These programs generally operate during summer months only.
Indoor recreation options: For inclement weather days, some facilities offer indoor spaces. A visitor at Camp High Sierra mentions, "Clean showers, very family oriented, lots of kids. 41° at 6pm on June 17th. Game room." These amenities provide alternatives when outdoor activities become limited by weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Utilities limitations: Most cabin and RV sites have restricted electrical capacity. "They only offer 30 amp and don't want you to use A/C and at $45, that seems odd," notes a camper at Pine Cliff Resort. Bring alternative cooling methods for summer visits as air conditioning use may cause electrical overloads.
Site variations: RV sites with cabins differ significantly in layout and amenities. "We were under the trees this time instead of on the asphalt parking lot slab. All dirt, dirt back in site, dirt camp site accessed by a dirt road. Expect lots of dust," reports a Mammoth Mountain RV Park visitor. Request specific site information when booking to ensure compatibility with your needs.
Hookup positioning: Utility connections often require planning for optimal placement. "My long shore cord had to be stretched to get to the power box. The water and sewer fine. Why these boxes are so far back almost into the next site is puzzling," explains an RVer at Mammoth Mountain RV Park. Bring extension cords and longer hoses than typically needed.
