Best Cabin Camping near Channel Islands National Park in California

We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Channel Islands National Park. The Dyrt is the ultimate place to find cabins for your next outdoor adventure near Channel Islands National Park. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these California cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.

Best Cabin Sites Near Channel Islands National Park, CA (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    1. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    56 Reviews
    239 Photos
    852 Saves
    Santa Ynez, California

    Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort

    2. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    29 Photos
    98 Saves
    Ventura, California

    Ventura Beach RV Resort is located just off the 101 freeway in Ventura, California. The resort is a lush 14 acres and offers RV and tent sites ranging from standard to ultra deluxe sites. As well as travel trailer rentals, poolside yurts, and a summer studio. The resort has a refreshing heated swimming pool and inviting hot tub. A recreational room with billiard tables, a flat screen television, an ATM and vending machine. You can also enjoy our playground and half basketball court.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    3. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    15 Reviews
    81 Photos
    460 Saves
    Goleta, California

    Treat the family to memorable camping on California's Central Coast at Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, formerly Ocean Mesa RV Resort. Our fantastic resort is situated in Santa Barbara, where the Pacific Ocean and Ynez Mountains offer a spectacular setting and stunning backdrop for activities and adventure.

    Choose your experience with a selection of spacious RV and tent sites. Enjoy fun amenities like a heated swimming pool and our amazing market that features camping gear, souvenirs, local wine, craft beer, and beach gear. Gather for seasonal outdoor movie nights on the market lawn. Or explore trails on docent-led hikes, take the kids to our llama and goat farm, and check out the events hosted at the El Capitan Canyon Market, located at El Capitan Canyon, our sister resort.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    4. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    41 Photos
    157 Saves
    Port Hueneme, California

    UPDATE as of 10/10/20 Requires military ID and only open for Active Duty for camping at this current time. People can use the Day Use with proper identification

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA

    5. Ventura Ranch KOA

    14 Reviews
    54 Photos
    141 Saves
    Santa Paula, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

    6. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

    7 Reviews
    28 Photos
    137 Saves
    Goleta, California

    Bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River, Rancho Oso RV Camping offers acres of beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and photography. Explore 310 beautiful acres of our RV camp in California, filled with history dating back to 1845. Put on your boots and hats (spurs optional), come to our RV camp in coastal California, and experience the Western atmosphere of Rancho Oso from our RV camping sites.Have a horse? Board it with us & take advantage of our Western Village and horse camping options with spacious pasture, covered corrals and more.

    Visit the Western Village, adobe, stables, conestoga wagons, cabins, stone lodge and all the unique amenities we have to offer at our RV camp in California. At Rancho Oso RV Resort, we encourage you to participate in the recreation events, entertainment, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife native to our area. We are also just a scenic 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara or Solvang.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from El Capitan Canyon

    8. El Capitan Canyon

    Be the first to review!
    19 Photos
    10 Saves
    Goleta, California

    Escape to Nature

    A spectacular setting on the Santa Barbara coast where the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for adventure. Experience nature lodging in the beauty of the environment in camp-like surroundings with resort-style services not usually found in traditional camping.

    Glamping-style accomodations are available in cedar cabins or adventure yurts where travelers can blend modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi, alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping, in accommodations that offer all the plush comforts you enjoy and expect.

    El Capitan Canyon is a wildlife corridor. For the safety of your pets and the preservation of the Canyon, the property has a strict no pet policy.

    El Capitan Canyon sits next to the Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara RV resort and has exchange privilege access where you can stop by their Camp store, watch an outdoor movie, or soak in the hot tub.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Cabins
    • Yurts

    $225 - $600 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree
    Camper-submitted photo from Tiny house under the oak tree

    9. Tiny house under the oak tree

    Be the first to review!
    8 Photos
    6 Saves
    Thousand Oaks, California

    Fully electric solar, powered Brand new tiny house…kitchen, bathroom, living room, two sleeping lofts nice view with access to famous hiking trails. Also short drive to PCH.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Cabins
    • Trash
    • WiFi

    $150 - $185 / night


Recent Cabin Reviews in Channel Islands National Park

125 Reviews of 9 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds


  • Jon S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    Ditto no laundry right now

    Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Please Don’t Tell Anyone About This — OOPS

    This is tragi-comedy: I was invited to a wedding in Santa Barbara. It was summer and the most fleabitten motel prices were astronomical. I began to look at campsites within driving distance, I was desperate. Booked Catchuma and thought, hoorah, I’ve defeated the tourism trap. 

    Well… from the moment I arrived . . . I really could not care less about the wedding. My god. I think I’ll leave it at that. 

    Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak.

  • Khaled A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Mar. 6, 2024

    Ventura Ranch KOA

    Nice Getaway!

    Quiet and nice 2-day stay. Alexi from reception was super nice and courteous. We couldn’t be more grateful to her! Our lot was secluded, private and close to the entrance/exit. The only thing was the unlevel ground we were on. Our RV was a simple 30’ rental without any leveling. Many peacock’s roam around the premises and they can be very intrusive! Playgrounds, zip lining and a massive bounce pad were all on site. Make sure you hike down to the creek!

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Feb. 18, 2024

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Our go to place

    This was another trip here. We needed a quick getaway, and this is always a good choice for us. Check in was easy, they even changed our site after showing all that were available. The was February, so lots of available sites. We will be back!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Huge County Campground with Numerous Site Types

    The lovely county run park in the hills above the Santa Barbara coastline, is a great campground offering a wide variety of camping experiences from full hook ups to grass covered spaces under the trees along the shores of this lovely reservoir. The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. 

    The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hook ups you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system. We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life. 

    The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground. The coin operated showers got the job done, but since we were there during a chilly March, things could have been warmer. But hey, everything important got clean… 

    The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water. So plan on using the campground pool to cool off during the summer months. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area, and kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

    The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake. These are often booked out so plan ahead. 

    The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas.  There is also a cool pub down by the boat ramp which offers live music in the weekends.  The nearby tourist town of Solvang offers a great day trip to sample the amazing Dutch pastry treats, pick up some groceries, wine tasting, or a night out on the town.

  • Bryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Oct. 14, 2023

    Ventura Ranch KOA

    Fun stuff to do

    Nice campground. Plenty of things to do. Jump pad, pool, zip line, playground, creek. Front desk staff was exceptional. Few cons. Park was a bit dirty lots of trash around and generally not very clean. Bathrooms were really gross. Facilities were a little run down. Our spot was tiny but most others seem descent sized

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 13, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Quiet in the off-season

    General: Many different options from tent sites to premium tent sites, water/electric, and FHU sites in addition to yurts and cabins. 

    Site Quality: Varies greatly depending on what type of site you choose. The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups or FHU; all others were grass. Most seemed level. It was raining heavily when we were there and some of the sites were flooded. Very little to no separation/privacy between sites. We were in a w/e site, and it was long enough to easily accommodate two camper vans.

    Activities/Amenities: Off-season, everything was closed but in-season, there is a marina, boat rentals, restaurant, store, gas station, pool, and laundry. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean but very basic. No hooks or shelves for toiletries. Cold water only. The shower looked nice but did not use so cannot comment on it. 

    IMO, the best options are the premier tent sites, yurts, and cabins as they offer the best lake views. We had not planned on camping here but after evacuating from Jalama Beach, we were told this park would honor our reservation. It rained most of the time we were there, and it was off-season, so I imagine it would be an entirely different experience in the summer when all amenities were offered and the campground was full.

  • j
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 6, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Camp ground site 143 partial hook ups

    Stayed at camp site #143 no shade trees very dusty site. Rental boats pontoon type are brand new. Boat rental opens at 7am close at 7pm boat harbor is very nice with new boat docks. If going fishing the K boats are nice but anchor line to short to use I bring my own 50’ of anchor rope and use their anchor. Came hear to get away from all the illegal fire works where I live. Not one fireworks at the park yea the dog had a great nights sleep. Plus the swimming pool was great open from 12 noon to 5:30pm they have plenty of chairs and have life guards

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Luxury campground near Santa Barbara

    The staff here were very pleasant, and the sites were beautiful paved, level sites with privacy hedges between each (at least where we were). The bath house was very clean and showers were spacious and clean. Kids were having a great time at the pool. I wanted to use the hot tub, but there were 5 little kids in it. There was a big, CLEAN dishwashing sink. The laundry room was small, but everything worked great. The only real negative was the cost which was astronomical, but keeps it nice.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    Party in Ventura

    This campground had nice facilities, but the general store was minimal due to the old one burning down while trying to dry it out after the flooding. The pool was still closed and there was no pancake breakfast. The bathrooms were clean and in good working order (you need a code to get in). The sites were tightly packed together and there were lots of annoying teenagers running around and music blaring, kids on bikes and scooters, etc. It did quiet down at 10:00ish, so that you could hear the cars rushing along the freeway all night. There was a movie playing that night with free popcorn. The beach and town are a hike from the campground. The site was a double back in, but our sewer hose wasn’t long enough to reach the hookup. Even if we were looking for that atmosphere, the cost was absolutely not worth it. However, we took a tip from another reviewer and went to the Saturday farmers market which was fantastic!

  • Kimberly W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Horrible

    Horrible customer service. Beware if you try to cancel within the 14 days per the policy, they will not refund your money if you have modified your reservation at all. They stole my money and cancelled the reservation on me without me asking, after hanging up on me. Raelynn who claims to be the manger is not professional at all. This place is a joke! I will not do business with a company who operates this way. I suggest that the owners take a good look at what else shady accounting practices may be going on. I also suggest you update your cancellation policy to reflect"the rules" so that they are clear. I have never been treated so poorly. Save your money and go elsewhere.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    May. 9, 2023

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    Still Recovering From Storm Damage

    This RV park had some severe storm damage in early 2023, and at this time is partially open.  They are still cleaning up and fixing up the place - check their website for updates.  They are planning for a soft reopening and a grand reopening soon!  They are great at caring for their guests - they have all kinds of amenities, and they have a weekly weekend pancake breakfast.

    We love this area - it's right near the Emma Wood State Beach, and just a short walk to downtown Ventura.  Main St in Ventura is closed off to vehicles and is a fun place to walk and shop and eat and hang out and people watch. Saturday mornings there is a huge farmers market as well.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    May. 8, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Would stay here again!

    Lovely place and lovely staff! It’s a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They also have heated pool and jacuzzi, clean showers, and bathrooms. Trail and dog park available. Just kinda sucks you hear the cars passing at the 101. But I’d still come back.

  • John C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    May. 3, 2023

    Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    Great Location

    This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families. The spots are all paved with most having all the hookups but it is in need of updates. You can’t beat the location though.

  • n
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Apr. 12, 2023

    Ventura Ranch KOA

    Great for families

    We are at site 53. Close to restrooms and showers. Our kids love all the extra activities like the playground and jumping pillow. They are too short for the high ropes course but would love to do it when tall enough. The pool isn’t open yet either but they are having a great time with what is available.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Excellent location

    We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Close to Los Olivos (great wine tasting) and Solvang. Disc gold course.

  • Brett D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Feb. 16, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Very nice campground

    Campground is pretty great. Had hiking trails from the campground that have amazing views. Very close to the beach. Sites are large and spacious. Would for sure come back here again.

  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara
    Jan. 27, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Consistently nice!

    This was our fourth stay here. Been here in all seasons. Normally very nice weather. Had back in and pull through sites, all good experience. Great trails to hike or Mt. Bike ride. Easy access to the beach. Very friendly staff. Nice amenities. One of my favorite places. Will be back again.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Dec. 27, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Lots of different kinds of sites.

    Good experience overall. There are many kinds of sites including full hook up, partial, primitive, cabins & yurts. Many sites have views of the lake.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Mostly a good camp

    Huge campground! Variety of sites from dry to full hookups. Anything with hookups is cramped though. We originally booked FHU and opted out for much more spacious dry site. Dry sites really vary but all are largish. Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it. For such a large park with so many amenities I cannot believe the dog park is downright tiny. But park during week is largely vacant so a lot of space to let your dog run (which is against policy). Sure the place is a muddy mess is the rain. Ground squirrels got the place all torn up but hey they were there first. Generally this is a great destination resort! Go see the monarch butterflies in Goleta in winter months. They overwinter there!

  • kate B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Ranch KOA
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Ventura Ranch KOA

    Beautiful. Lots of trees and peacocks

    The campsites are in a large park, with trees and lots of space—not your basic parking lot KOA. Peacocks roam the grounds, but were not noisy. There’s a piol and playground, but no laundromat. The restrooms and showers for the Birch sites are up a long flight of stairs, mail be not great for mobility challenged folks



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Channel Islands National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Channel Islands National Park is Cachuma Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 56 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find cabin camping near Channel Islands National Park?

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 cabin camping locations near Channel Islands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.