Samuel P. Taylor State Park is located in a redwood canyon just 30 miles from El Cerrito, making it an accessible year-round cabin camping destination. The park sits at approximately 100 feet elevation among towering redwoods, creating a cool microclimate even during summer months. West Marin's diverse terrain allows cabin campers to experience both forest and coastal environments within minutes of their accommodations.
What to do
Creek exploration: 1 mile from campsites. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, visitors can explore Lagunitas Creek, which runs through the campground. "There is also a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," writes Joseph F.
Horseback riding: 15-minute drive from campsites. The area around Olema offers additional outdoor activities beyond hiking. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding, Hog Island in Marshall (snag a picnic table and shuck your own oysters - definitely a highlight) and Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station," suggests Kathleen C. from Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn/dusk optimal. The cabin camping areas near El Cerrito feature abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. At Del Valle Campground, "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports Uriel S.
What campers like
Easy coastal access: 5-minute walk. The cabins at Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park provide waterfront accommodations with convenient amenities. "You can see the Milky Way at night while listening to the soft foghorn and every now and then a soft bark of a seal. Nice solid metal fire pits to sit around at night making smores... Wake up in the morning to either fog or bright warm sun overlooking a very sleepy glassy harbor with fishing boats bobbing in the docks," writes Duranne C.
Wine country proximity: Under 30 minutes. Cabin camping near El Cerrito offers convenient access to wine regions. At Ritchey Creek Campground, "It's so nice to be right in the Napa Valley. We found a great trail close by at Lake Hennessey. If you're a wine drinker, during non-COVID times you can catch a wine bus from here! There's a pool for warm summer days and some awesome trails," notes Peter M.
Privacy between sites: Varies by location. Many campers appreciate the seclusion at certain cabin sites. "Lots of space between campsites and lots of trees. We normally prefer less crowded campsites, but this was a nice compromise along the way," Stephen R. says about San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA.
What you should know
Reservation timing: 6-9 months advance booking. The most popular cabin campgrounds require significant advance planning. "These 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 when I reserved," explains Adam about Steep Ravine Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Extra food storage containers needed. Several cabin sites report active wildlife. "They have raccoons but don't tell you that, we didn't leave anything out but had muddy footprints all over our table in the morning! Their garbage cans are not raccoon proof so every morning there's garbage scattered around," Jennifer J. warns about Porto Bodega Marina.
Seasonal considerations: Prepare for temperature swings. Coastal cabin locations experience significant weather variations. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C. about camping at Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at multiple locations. The Olema Campground offers family-friendly cabin accommodations with dedicated recreation areas. "Olema is our go to spot. Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The store has the necessities. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," writes Outdoordude D.
Noise considerations: Weekday stays recommended. Family-oriented cabin camping experiences vary throughout the week. "Weekend usually are full, it clears out Sunday evening so during the weekdays it is really nice," explains Robert S. about Ritchey Creek Campground.
Swimming options: Seasonal availability. Families appreciate water activities near cabin sites. "The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing. They have two beaches with a lifeguard which can get crowded," notes Rosina A. about Del Valle Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Call ahead for specifics. RVers with cabin camping experience recommend researching specific sites. "Sites were cramped in tight. $65/night for water and electricity. They have a dog run area that is nice and large! Bath houses were also nice. Good hot showers," reports Jules S. about Skyline Wilderness Park.
Accessibility concerns: Cabins with varying approach difficulties. Some cabin locations require more effort to access. "The cabins further away from the parking lot are further down the hill; wheelbarrows are not an option, and footing is iffy when carrying large, heavy items up and down from the parking lot," Adam cautions about the Steep Ravine cabins.
Provision planning: Limited on-site stores. Most cabin campgrounds near El Cerrito have minimal supplies available. "The camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it's close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back," notes Uriel S. about Del Valle Campground.
