Cabin camping near Downieville, California provides access to the northern Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations between 3,000-7,000 feet. The area experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool nights dropping to 45-55°F. Winter cabin rentals remain available at select locations when roads are passable, though many facilities close from November through April due to heavy snowfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Sardine Lake offer trout fishing in scenic settings. "There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book. I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge," notes one visitor.
Swimming at natural spots: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake provides family-friendly swimming. "Sand Pond is great for swimming. There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax," explains a camper who visits regularly.
Hiking trails: Access trails of varying difficulty levels from Webber Lake Campground. "There are great little hikes to enjoy with the dog and a great place to toss a tennis ball into the lake for the dog to swim," states one review. Webber Falls offers swimming holes via "unimproved trails and a bit steep so this is not for those folks who have walking issues."
Water activities: Many cabin locations sit near lakes suitable for paddle sports. At Collins Lake Recreation Area, "We fished from kayaks and always caught fish for dinner. There are nice hiking and biking trails in and around the campground as well," reports one visitor who stayed twice in 2019.
What campers like
Historic sites: Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground cabins provide access to California gold mining history. "There is a great history lesson in this park about the mining industry in California and what it has done to our environment. You will see up close and personal the destruction of mountains by water jets in an effort to find gold," explains one camper.
Lake views: Cabin sites positioned near water receive positive reviews. "We reserved a spot #6, which was in the corner of the North Campgrounds. It was nice and secluded and on the water's edge," shares a Webber Lake visitor. Another notes the "huge campsites very close to the lake" at the same location.
Dog-friendly areas: Many cabin campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. "There are great little hikes to enjoy with the dog and a great place to toss a tennis ball into the lake for the dog to swim," mentions one Webber Lake visitor. Little Bear RV Park features a "nice dog large area without enclosed fencing."
Seasonal beauty: Spring and fall visits provide different experiences. At Collins Lake, "in the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites. 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."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unavailable at most cabin locations. "There is no cell service either although if you have 4 wheel drive you could drive up to one of the local mountain tops and get service there," reports a Webber Lake visitor.
Seasonal access: Many roads become impassable during winter months. At Movin' West RV Park, the operating season runs only from "May 1 to Oct 21" according to their information.
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain times. At Webber Lake, "in June and into July the mosquitos can be horrific - I've heard of people leaving as they can be so bad!" One visitor at Thousand Trails Snowflower noted their "group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos."
Water levels: Lake accessibility changes throughout the season. A Collins Lake visitor explained: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming spots: Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park provides family-oriented water access. "Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff!" reports one visitor.
Safe biking areas: Some campgrounds offer protected riding spaces for children. At Clio's Rivers Edge, "The kids scootered and rode bikes along the camp roads, and drivers were cautious and patient."
Ice cream stops: Several cabin locations sit near small stores with treats. A Sardine Lake visitor suggests: "Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!" Collins Lake's camp store gets high marks as "one of the best ones I have been to so far. They sell quite a bit of camping and fishing needs. They also have a great ice cream parlor."
Activity planning: Research seasonal options before arrival. At Webber Lake, "the lake itself is wonderful. The water can be on the cool side but not so much that you don't want to swim in it in August for sure."
Tips from RVers
Spacing considerations: Some RV parks offering cabins have tight sites. At Movin' West RV Park, "It would be even better if there was more space between each RV spot. It feels like your neighbor is right there in your business all the time."
Seasonal availability: Year-round cabin options remain limited. "Thousand Trails Snowflower remains open year-round for cabin rentals," while most other facilities close for winter.
Access roads: Navigation can be challenging for larger vehicles. At Webber Lake, visitors are advised to "use caution on the approximately 100 foot back-in with about 10 feet between trees" when accessing certain cabin sites.
Utility limitations: Even cabin rentals may lack certain amenities. "They are not allowing RV's to fill up with water anymore... So there's a USFS campground about 10 miles away on highway 89 (Upper Little Truckee Campground) with hose bibs and the camp host is very nice," notes a Webber Lake visitor.
