Cabin camping near Burlingame, California offers lodging options within a 45-minute drive radius of the Peninsula city. Located in San Mateo County at an elevation of around 40 feet above sea level, Burlingame's central location provides convenient access to both coastal and inland cabin sites. Summer temperatures in the cabins average 70-85°F during day and can drop to 45-55°F at night, requiring proper clothing layers and heating preparation.
What to do
Kayaking at Tomales Bay: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, visitors can base themselves just 30 minutes from kayaking opportunities. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall. I would highly recommend... Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight)," notes a camper at Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Horseback riding excursions: While staying in cabins near Point Reyes, outdoor enthusiasts can book trail rides. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," suggests a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park, where cabin rentals serve as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding attractions.
Nature programs and guided hikes: Costanoa KOA offers educational programs right from your cabin doorstep. "We attended a presentation on the wild birds in the area that an employee provided, and then he took us on a hike through Costanoa and over to the ocean. He was awesome and the hike was great!" shared a senior traveler at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
What campers like
Creek access for summer cooling: Cabin sites near streams provide natural recreation for hot days. "The sites are a decent size with lots of trees to climb on, hide in, and play on... Fun creek behind campground for pups to splash around," shares a visitor about Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park before its closure.
Wine region proximity: Skyline Wilderness Park cabins allow for day trips to Napa Valley wineries. "Location itself is GREAT. 5 mins from everything in town. Had good cell service and park was clean," notes a camper at Skyline Wilderness Park, appreciating the convenience of wilderness accommodations near civilization.
Ocean views from cabin porches: The coastal cabins at Mount Tamalpais offer unmatched scenery. "The campground and all cabins have incredible views. Bring binoculars and your good camera. Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here," recommends a visitor at Steep Ravine Campground.
What you should know
Mouse prevention measures: Pack traps if staying in coastal cabins. "Mice. There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them... In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps. Removing any hint of food every night might work, but that's a pain," warns a camper about Steep Ravine Cabins.
Reservation timeframes: Cabin bookings require advance planning, especially for peak seasons. "How is it possible that I am the first to review this place, the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California (and therefore presumably all of America)?! So the cabins are not only notoriously difficult to reserve -- you need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time."
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for variable conditions inside cabins. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Some cabin sites include swimming facilities. "We spent most of our time with relatives, so we didn't have a lot of time to use the amenities, but there were lots of kids around using the playground, bicycling, playing basketball, and swimming in the pool," notes a visitor at Cotillion Gardens RV Park, which offers cabin rentals among redwoods.
Kid-friendly indoor options: Look for cabin sites with recreation buildings for rainy days. "There was also a large clubhouse with foosball, ping pong and arcade games which is open from 9am - 9pm. My daughters used the clubhouse while I set up camp and after waking up while I stayed in bed for a little while."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin locations often feature animal sightings kids enjoy. "We literally WALKED OVER toward the screaming banshee, that went on for a few bloodcurdling minutes... I said, 'You just devastated about 200 people, and children are crying everywhere, thinking there's a bear.' (Not)." A somewhat humorous account from Samuel P. Taylor State Park highlights the excitement of potential wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Limited cabin site access: Some roads to cabin areas have size restrictions. "Entrance is a little nerve racking on your first visit, but once you're at your site you can relax," advises an RVer about Cotillion Gardens, noting the narrow access roads to cabin areas.
Weekend popularity: Expect more neighbors during peak periods. "Because of the holiday and the proximity to Oakland/San Fran, the campground was in FULL EFFECT with a gang of variant families camp site hopping... Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all."
Wi-Fi availability: Cabin sites vary in connectivity options. "There was no AT&T service for me, but free WiFi was available so it was fine," notes a camper about Cotillion Gardens cabin area, while another camper at Olema Campground mentions that they "had full hook-ups @ our site" near cabin rentals.
