Cabin options near Exeter, California range from rustic to more equipped accommodations within Sequoia National Forest and surrounding areas. The region sits at approximately 350 feet elevation, with nearby mountain cabins reaching elevations over 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Seasonal temperature variations can be significant, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F in Exeter while mountain cabin locations maintain cooler temperatures.
What to do
Trail access and hiking: Sentinel Campground in Kings Canyon National Park offers cabins with excellent proximity to trails. "Of all the places we took our kids on their first camping road trip (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone etc) it was right here in California that they found their favorite here at Kings; big trees (and fallen giants you could walk through) cave tours, hikes, rivers... they loved it," notes one visitor to Sentinel Campground.
River recreation: Several cabin locations provide direct river access. At Three Rivers Hideaway, you'll find "camping spots are flat with table and fire rings, and you surrounded by trees. The campsite is next to the Kaweah river and you are surrounded by trees."
Wildlife observation: Cabins in more secluded areas offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Near Nelson Falls RV Park, one camper reported, "Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily." The mountain cabins allow for a range of wildlife sightings within safe distances.
What campers like
Convenience to national parks: Cabin locations provide strategic bases for park exploration. "Good Base Camp for Sequoia," notes one visitor about Visalia-Sequoia National Park KOA, adding "This KOA is a good stopover for people on there way to Yosemite or Sequoia National Park."
Water features: Access to rivers and water features ranks high among cabin campers' preferences. At Sequoia RV Ranch, one visitor highlighted "spot 26 which was spacious on the small river (probably larger later in spring) and full hook up. Pretty mountain views from both sites."
Quiet environment: Many cabin campers specifically mention appreciation for peaceful settings. A visitor to Quaking Aspen Campground in Sequoia National Forest described it as "a beautiful campground. It is just a short (very steep) hike from The Wheel Meadow Grove of Giant Sequoias."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking, especially during peak seasons from May through September. At Sequoia RV Ranch, one camper noted, "The place was completely full for our entire stay (Easter week)."
Temperature variations: Elevation differences between cabin locations create significant temperature gaps. While Exeter remains warm, higher elevation cabins stay cooler. Lodgepole Campground's higher elevation means "it's 10-15 degrees cooler than other campgrounds."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is mandatory at all cabin locations due to wildlife activity. A camper at Grant Grove Cabins warned, "Bear are prevalent so take precautions," noting that despite basic accommodations, safety protocols remain important.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection for kids: Choose cabin locations with child-friendly features and activities. A visitor to Sequoia RV Ranch observed, "We had 2 families with 4 kids under 5 years old. They rode bikes, played in the river and ran around until they crashed every night."
Bathroom proximity: When booking cabins with children, consider bathroom proximity. At Sentinel Campground, a camper mentioned, "We had site 8, which was a large site close to the restrooms."
Entertainment options: Some cabin locations offer additional amenities for children. "The campground is super comfortable...Park staff very friendly. We had a nice site and plenty of campside room," noted a visitor about Three Rivers Hideaway.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV-compatible cabin sites vary significantly in size limitations. "If you can fit, it's amazing. It's the closest spot to the river and there is no one around you," advised one camper about Lodgepole Campground, adding a size restriction: "but it only accommodates up to 22ft."
Hookup availability: When booking a cabin site with an RV, verify hookup types. At Nelson Falls RV Park, cabins feature "water, electric, and sewer connections with shower facilities nearby," making them suitable for smaller RVs.
Access challenges: Mountain roads to cabin locations can present difficulties for larger vehicles. A Three Rivers Hideaway visitor cautioned, "The grounds are small, nothing to be excited about and they have all these little stubby trees that seem to be strategically placed just in the way as sites are all back in."
