Cabin camping near El Granada, California offers diverse overnight accommodations amid coastal redwood forests and marine terrains. The area sits at approximately 30 feet above sea level with a Mediterranean climate featuring summer fog and mild winters. Overnight temperatures typically drop into the 40s even during summer months, requiring campers to pack extra layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Big Basin Redwoods State Park, trails lead to impressive cascades. "Best thing about this campground is proximity to the Berry Creek Falls... a huge series of water falls on a super long and strenuous hike," notes Andrew D. The park's extensive trail system winds through ancient redwood groves.
Beach exploration: From Mount Tamalpais State Park, cabin campers can access secluded beaches. "It's also a great base camp for exploring Bolinas and the Pt. Reyes area by vehicle," explains Adam. The coastal location provides opportunities for tidepooling at low tide.
Wildlife watching: Forest and coastal wildlife sightings are common in the region. Francisco N. from Big Basin Redwoods reports, "Look out for the slugs please don't step on them." At Del Valle Campground, campers observe "deer and turkeys roaming the campground" according to Uriel S.
What campers like
Rustic cabin experiences: The cabins at Samuel P. Taylor State Park provide more amenities than most. "Cabins are incredible. They have electricity, outlets, and heating. All you need are sheets, pillows, and blankets," explains a camper. The cabins offer comfort while maintaining a wilderness feel.
Coastal views: Many cabins provide ocean vistas from elevated positions. At Steep Ravine Campground, Adam notes, "Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here. The views."
Cabin alternatives: Cotillion Gardens RV Park offers cabin stays in a redwood setting. "Sites can get a bit tight, but there are definitely some gems hidden in the redwoods," explains Tim & Cleo D. The park includes amenities like "a pool, hiking trails, a little river," according to Ariya B.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Coastal weather patterns demand preparation. "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round," advises Patrick O. from Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Reservation challenges: Securing cabin reservations requires planning. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy!" says Kelly S. about Steep Ravine cabins. Most popular cabins book 6-7 months in advance.
Wildlife considerations: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers comfortable cabins but wildlife encounters require caution. "There is a convenient dog park," notes Andrea A., though larger parks have more restrictions on pets in cabins.
Variable facilities: Bathroom and shower access differs between locations. Joseph F. reports that at Samuel P. Taylor, "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties. On our second visit, water was available, but it was not potable."
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers organized programs for children. "The resort also has great activities for kids that they occasionally bring on site, such as a climbing wall and nature talks with live animals," shares Daniel D.
Kid-friendly creek access: Samuel P. Taylor State Park features safe water play areas. "This campground has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," writes Adventure M. The shallow creek provides natural entertainment.
Nature education opportunities: Olema Campground serves as a good base for family nature exploration. "Every year with and without grandkids. Clean and friendly staff. The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard," explains Outdoordude D.
Evening preparations: Families should prepare for cool nights. "It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," notes Kim P. about Big Basin cabins. Evening temperatures regularly dip into the 40s, requiring warm sleeping bags and extra blankets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, Andrea A. advises, "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv. But, if you expect that, it's a great place to stay."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Wifi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30," reports Rowan B. from the Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA. Most cabin areas have limited or no cell service.
Off-site dining options: Several campgrounds offer nearby dining alternatives. At Olema Campground, Maureen F. shares, "We nestled our Sprinter between to large pine trees and took the dog for a walk. Then headed down the road for our first dinner indoors... It was excellent and the cocktails and desserts were excellent too."
