Cabin camping near Chico, California offers options across diverse terrain, from the Sacramento River valley at 200 feet elevation to foothill locations reaching over 1,000 feet. Most cabin accommodations remain open year-round, with summer temperatures typically exceeding 90°F during July and August, while winter months average 40-60°F. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes affecting water levels in nearby lakes and reservoirs.
What to do
Swimming and fishing at Collins Lake: Collins Lake Recreation Area has a well-stocked lake perfect for both activities. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," reports one visitor. The lake maintains consistent fishing conditions throughout spring and fall seasons.
Explore the Sacramento River: Red Bluff Recreation Area provides direct access to the Sacramento River. A camper notes, "This is a gem in Red Bluff. CA. You are minutes from I-5 but it is impossible to hear the traffic. Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark."
Enjoy casino entertainment: When staying at camping cabins near Chico, visitors can combine outdoor recreation with casino entertainment. Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA offers both. As one guest observed, "Right behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities."
What campers like
Waterfront locations: Many cabin sites offer direct water access. At Collins Lake Recreation Area, a reviewer explained: "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both times were AWESOME!!! Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites, which meant the water or shoreline was right at our 'front door' from our 27' travel trailer."
Wildlife viewing: Cabin locations offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, a guest shared, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool! It was over 100 degrees the wknd we were there so we spent practically the whole wknd in the lake."
Riverside tranquility: River Reflections RV Park provides peaceful riverside settings. "Great gal checked us in went out of her way to show us available spots. The park is on the river with grass lawn all the way to river and very well kept we will be back on our way back down," wrote one satisfied camper.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Water access varies throughout the year at some locations. A Collins Lake visitor noted, "In the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites, especially #66. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site, which is a lake front site."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during peak months. Lake Francis Resort fills particularly quickly during summer weekends. A visitor observed, "Check in is 4pm and check out is 11am. There is also a small game room with a pool table, a baseball field, paddle boats, and kayaks to rent."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between cabin locations. At Lake of the Springs, campers report, "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great." Similarly, at Mill Creek Resort, "I couldn't get a cell signal for Verizon the whole time I was at the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Families appreciate water recreation at most cabin campgrounds. At Lake of the Springs, one visitor shared, "We spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet."
Recreation amenities: Many cabin locations offer family-friendly facilities. At Lake Francis Resort, a camper noted, "Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack." These features provide entertainment options beyond standard outdoor activities.
Tent-cabin combinations: Mill Creek Resort accommodates mixed camping groups. "This campground is just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park. It has two main sections, one for RVs and the other for tents. There are a small number of RV sites with full hookups and then a larger number of tent sites," explains a visitor, making it suitable for families with varying accommodation preferences.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Cabin camping areas often accommodate RVs as well, but size restrictions apply. At Gridley Inn and RV Park, visitors note, "Kinda small sites, no table or anything, and I can't seem to find the dog run. Overall good place to stay, right in town."
Hookup variations: When bringing an RV to cabin campgrounds, utilities differ significantly between locations. A visitor to Mill Creek Resort reported, "There are a small number of RV sites with full hookups and then a larger number of tent sites. The RV sites are fairly small, but felt separated enough to have some privacy."
Long-term occupancy patterns: Some cabin and RV sites near Chico have seasonal residents. At Mill Creek Resort, a camper observed, "The other slightly odd part is that most of the RV sites were filled with people who came and stayed for the entire summer, year after year. We were the only not long-term camper in the RV section."
