Cabin accommodations near Bonny Doon, California sit at elevations between 1,300 and 2,600 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains. These forest retreats experience significant temperature variations, often 15-20 degrees cooler than nearby coastal areas, especially during foggy conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below 40°F at night, making wood stoves and heating essential for comfortable cabin stays.
What to do
Hiking in redwood forests: Mount Madonna County Park provides extensive trail networks through diverse forest terrain. "Mount Madonna is located in the redwood covered hills between Gilroy and Watsonville. The park itself contains miles of hiking trails that wind through the redwoods and along the ridgetops," writes Darin D. of his experience at Mount Madonna County Park.
Beach excursions: The Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday puts guests within driving distance of multiple coastal attractions. "There is relatively quick access to Santa Cruz to the north and Monterey to the south," notes Daniel D., who stayed at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. Many families use cabin accommodations as a base for day trips to beaches.
Wildlife viewing: Unique opportunities for animal sightings exist throughout the region. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," reports April N. at Mount Madonna County Park. The deer population, once hundreds, has been reduced to preserve native species.
What campers like
Redwood immersion: The massive trees create distinctive camping environments with natural climate control. "In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," explains April N., describing how redwoods harvest fog to create their own microclimate at Mount Madonna County Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers activities beyond basic camping. "Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite. Kids liked the pool and clubhouse," shares Jacob B. from his stay at Cotillion Gardens RV Park. The recreation areas provide options during inclement weather.
Proximity to attractions: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA places visitors near natural areas and dining options. "The restaurant at the lodge, the Cascade, was phenomenal. The vegetables were all grown in the garden and the dishes were expertly executed, and so dang fresh we could not believe we were at a KOA," remarks Alma L. after staying at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
What you should know
Temperature variations: The region's elevation creates significant weather differences from coastal areas. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns April N. about Mount Madonna County Park.
Reservation challenges: Most cabin facilities require advance planning. "This is a KOA, so if you are into tent camping or an immersive forest setting, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a quick weekend jaunt for RV campers, this location slightly more than an hour from the Bay Area is hard to beat," advises Daniel D. about Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA.
Site differences: Cabin facilities vary greatly in size and privacy levels. "The sites were spaced nicely and clean. We were there the first of January (off season) so some amenities were not offered but we had an enjoyable time," explains Michael P. about his experience at Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camping cabins near Bonny Doon with play areas offer additional entertainment. "This campground has great bathroom facilities and has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day. The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them," shares Adventure M. after staying at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Activity planning: Seasonal programs provide structured options for children. "In mid October the campground is still running kids activities daily and they're good! Great culture here - friendly, lots of things to do (pool, basketball, volleyball, horse shoes, playground, billiards, karaoke, tennis)," notes Derek & Kristen A. about their stay at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Wildlife exploration: Natural features become highlights for young visitors. "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them. The sites were very spacious and this has probably been one of my favorite campgrounds!" continues Adventure M. about Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choosing appropriate locations matters for vehicle access. "Site 211 was listed as 30' trailer but that was definitely not the case as it was a weird triangle parking area. We made it work and enjoyed the park," explains Weston W. about his experience at Mount Madonna County Park.
Utility access: Hookup availability varies between properties. "No sewer hook up but dump station was close from our side. Overall happy with the stay," shares Tina M. about accommodations at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facility access and comfort levels. "We stayed here the summer before it burned down. It was 95 degrees in this redwood forest. We drove 9 miles to Boulder Creek and found an epic swimming hole by Cafe to help cool us in the 95 degree heat," recounts Jeannie B. about Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
