Best Cabin Camping near Forest Knolls, CA

Several cabin accommodations are available in the vicinity of Forest Knolls, California, including Manzanita Rock Meadow and Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs. Cabins at Lake of the Springs feature basic amenities with picnic tables, drinking water, and access to toilets and showers. Most cabins include electric hookups with thirty-amp service. At Manzanita Rock Meadow, cabins provide a more rustic experience with picnic tables, drinking water, and a composting toilet inside a privacy tent. The property includes a level pad suitable for smaller trailers and cabins. "The spot was clean with lots of room to spread out. We really enjoyed making a fire in the Chiminea, and enjoying the string lights that went on at sunset," noted a recent visitor.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground offers cabin accommodations with electric hookups, including fifty-amp and thirty-amp service. Lake Francis Resort provides more amenities with cabins that include picnic tables, showers, and toilets. Pets are permitted at most cabin locations, though specific rules vary by campground. Cabin sites typically require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months. According to one visitor at Lake Francis Resort: "The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes."

Most cabins include basic furnishings but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties - some cabins feature mini refrigerators, microwaves, and hot plates while others offer only basic amenities. Several campgrounds maintain on-site markets or general stores for basic provisions. Lake Francis Resort and Collins Lake Recreation Area both feature on-site markets where campers can purchase supplies. Thousand Trails properties typically provide firewood for sale, though fire regulations vary by location and season. Access roads to some cabin sites may present challenges for vehicles towing trailers, particularly at Manzanita Rock Meadow where the road is described as "a bit rough" with limited turning space.

Best Cabin Sites Near Forest Knolls, California (48)

    1. Collins Lake Recreation Area

    22 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 692-1600

    "Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"

    "We camped along the lake shore. They also have lots of great spots higher up, among the trees that come with picnic tables, firepits and water available."

    2. Manzanita Rock Meadow

    6 Reviews
    North San Juan, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 263-3656

    $40 - $55 / night

    "The solar string lights blinking on at dusk added a cozy ambiance! Galen is a warm and welcoming hostess and we enjoyed connecting with her!"

    "I don’t think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough. Don’t miss visiting the covered bridge at South Yuba State Park!"

    3. Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs

    7 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It’s definitely a place I’ll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues."

    "Clean and Rustic. WiFi is very very limited- drive to top of hill or lodge( very sporadic) Great Lake for swimming, fishing and small boats. Store on site. Clean swimming pool. Ideal for Tent or RV."

    4. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Washington, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    $35 - $165 / night

    "This park give excellent access to the Yuba River if you are looking to hike a section that does not have a ton of swimmers."

    5. Lake Francis Resort

    3 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 692-1700

    $40 - $100 / night

    "We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins."

    "Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack."

    6. Thousand Trails Snowflower

    6 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great lake for swimming and water play. Too warm for trout and too small for kayaks/SUPs. But it does make a beautiful backdrop. 
    The park is rather spread out, so a bicycle/ebike is a plus."

    "I am a member of Thousand Trails and that being said this is one of my favorite TT spots in California. Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding."

    7. Lava Cap Land

    Be the first to review!
    Forest Knolls, CA
    2 miles
    +1 (954) 245-9804

    $50 - $200 / night

    8. Woolman at Sierra Friends Center

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    Rough and Ready, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 273-3183

    $60 / night

    9. Peaceful Pond Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    Pinecrest, CA
    6 miles

    $75 - $120 / night

    10. Coloma Resort

    15 Reviews
    Coloma, CA
    31 miles
    Website

    "Coloma resort is what some friends call "Glamping", but it's so much more than that. You can tent camp (it's covered sites for camping too), rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too."

    "The sun shade provided in the tent sites came in handy when we had a short moment of rain. It was also much appreciated during the sunny weather."

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Cabin Reviews near Forest Knolls, CA

195 Reviews of 48 Forest Knolls Campgrounds


  • Gina C.
    Jul. 26, 2019

    Lake Francis Resort

    Fun cabin rental

    Some of my family has camped here in the past at one of the tent sites. We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. You can walk to the lake (it’s about 100 yards) from this location. Though it does fill up fast (by 11am it was pretty full). They have a large portable toilet there for use. We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5’ ft to 5’ back to 3.5’ ft.

    The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes. Dining table and futon in the living area. Nice wide front porch to sit on and enjoy the view, communal tables and bbq for all the cabins. This unit also had a swamp cooler to help manage the heat.

    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.

    The down side is how quickly the easiest access to the lake fills up. Everyone has to drive over from the tent RV site to access the water. There are other places you can drive and park to get to the water, but there it a drop off into the water from there vs a gradual walk in.

  • m
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Thousand Trails Snowflower

    SUP and kayak friendly

    we found there to be a lot of rules at this campground such as no fires, however there is a community fire pit. No driving over 5 MPH, no charcoal grills or smokers, only electric and propane grills. They are also very serious about the 11pm quiet time.

    Aside from all the rules this was a very clean, family and pet friendly campground. Very clean bathrooms with showers!! There are a few lakes that are very nice for fishing and kayaking. Nice calm water for a leisurely SUP experience.

  • J
    Jul. 11, 2023

    Meeks Bay Resort & Marina

    Great Place to Stay

    Clean and best play to stay with beach access, cabins, tents sites and rv sites. Tent site can fit 2 or more tents with fire pit and picnic table. Restroom with shower and warm water.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2021

    American River Resort

    Family of 4 roof top tent camping

    Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers. A little pricey for a tent site - 45.00 and 5.00 for the dog but it’s California.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2022

    Ascension Ranch

    Heaven On Earth

     WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned, we're a small operation with big dreams. Offering a serene environment, an abundance of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, we invite you to spend some time with us out on the ranch! Come play for the day or reserve a private campsite, and see what all the fuss is about. Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around and of course, good company.

  • Aly M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2024

    Meeks Bay Resort & Marina

    Family, campfires, and S’more: The Lowdown On Meeks Bay

    Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Tahoe, our family's stay at the cabins was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear Tahoe water. My wife and I were having a celebratory wedding weekend with family, we had just gotten married (eloped) in Yosemite the day before driving to Tahoe. The cabins were full of rustic charm, very cozy, and in a great location!

    One of the highlights of our trip was waking up to the beauty of Lake Tahoe right outside our window. Whether we were sipping coffee on the porch or enjoying a family campfire by the shore, the lake served as the perfect backdrop for our celebratory memories.

    The campground itself was well-maintained and staffed by friendly and accommodating personnel who were very helpful when it came to our firewood needs! We took advantage of the various recreational activities available, from hiking trails to water sports, and even had a chance to roast marshmallows over a campfire under the starry night sky.

    Overall, our experience at the Meeks Bay Resort cabins exceeded our expectations in every way. It provided the ideal setting for quality family time, relaxation, and adventure amidst the stunning beauty of nature. We can't wait to return for another unforgettable getaway. Everyone voted that we should do this every year so we are looking forward to making this a yearly event!

  • m
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    clean and friendly

    We love Collins!! Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!

  • Rosina A.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Coloma Resort

    Nice place next to river

    This place is north east of Sacramento. Coloma resort is what some friends call "Glamping", but it's so much more than that. You can tent camp (it's covered sites for camping too), rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. One negative, is you have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it. You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages. A large grass area great for games, and if you are up for it, rafting, kayaking and fishing in the cold American river. You can also learn some history about the discovery of gold and check out Sutter Mill!

  • B. Douglas J.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Webber Lake Campground

    One of our fav's

    We've camped at Webber for several years now and we make it an annual trip for so many great reasons. 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. It's shallow through out most go the lake and much of it is a gravel bottom so water shoes are recommended. 

    There are two campgrounds - the old Northside campground and the new Westside campground. The Northside has more campsites with various views. The layouts can be sorta hodge podgie - it's not like a state campground where sites are clearly marked etc, but almost all are nice at both campgrounds. The north site has better views of the mountains overlooking the lake while the sites at the west one have better access to the lake. They do allow you to scavenge for firewood in the area - there's a lot of dead and down in the nearby forest so just drive around and pick up what you need. In June and into July the mosquitos can be horrific - I've heard of people leaving as they can be so bad!

    They open up reservations usually in March and the website can be finicky and a few letters to ask them to improve it haven't helped. The sites go fast. Their cancelation policy is draconian so make sure you're able to go because getting a refund may not be possible. 

    The best improvement in the past couple of years is that they now have drinking water. There is no dump station or hookups. 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.

    They do rent out one of the small cabins and also there's a big house that sleeps 10 - you have to rent it for 6 days mandatory. It has solar, generator, hot showers, bathrooms, etc., and books out very fast. We're going to be there for the first time in September so I'll try to report about it then.

    Kayaking on the lake is the best but you need to sign the release that says you have cleaned your kayak of any possible mussels etc - there's a serious epidemic happening now so please make sure your boats are clean.

    Nearby Webber Falls has some great swimming holes although the hike is on very unimproved trails and a bit steep so this is not for those folks who have walking issues. 

    The Tahoe Truckee Land trust owns the property. The camp hosts are good although there are new hosts this year but my interactions on the phone have been great.

    Update - They are not allowing RV's to fill up with water anymore. I personally think this stinks. 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.


Guide to Forest Knolls

Cabin camping near Forest Knolls, California offers access to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September, while spring and fall provide milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. Most cabin sites in this area sit within oak and pine woodlands that provide partial shade during summer months.

What to do

Water activities at Collins Lake: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides boating opportunities with rentals available on-site. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," notes Daniel S., highlighting the proximity to water activities. The lake is regularly stocked with fish for anglers.

Gold panning history: At Coloma Resort, visitors can experience California's gold rush heritage firsthand. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," explains Jill F.

Hiking nearby trails: Cabin accommodations at Manzanita Rock Meadow provide access to multiple trail systems. "Galen was a great host. She told us of some cool hiking trails nearby, and where we could paddleboard," reports Aaron E. The Yuba River trails offer seasonal wildflower viewing during spring months.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The cabin areas around Lake of the Springs attract abundant wildlife. "We had such a fun time at this campground. 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!" shares Nicole G. about her cabin stay experience.

Lake swimming in summer: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers designated swimming areas near cabin accommodations. "I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," Veronica N. observes.

Historical attractions: The region features several historical sites within short driving distance from cabin locations. "Don't miss visiting the covered bridge at South Yuba State Park!" suggests Karen B., who stayed at Manzanita Rock Meadow. Many cabin properties provide information about nearby historical points of interest.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Connectivity remains a challenge at most cabin locations in the Forest Knolls area. "Very nice campground, but cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," reports Pamela H. about Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.

Reservation timing matters: Cabin sites book quickly during peak seasons. "One negative, is you have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it," advises Rosina A. about securing cabin accommodations at Coloma Resort. Most properties recommend reservations 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.

Road conditions vary: Access to some cabin sites requires navigating unpaved roads. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough," notes Karen B. about Manzanita Rock Meadow.

Tips for camping with families

Look for designated swimming areas: Lake Francis Resort offers family-friendly water access near cabins. "We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store," shares Gina C., noting the convenience for families with children.

Check cabin occupancy limits: Many cabins accommodate larger family groups with multiple sleeping areas. "The cabin was nice. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes," explains a visitor at Lake Francis Resort.

Consider on-site activities: Properties like Coloma Resort offer structured recreation options. "You can tent camp, rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too. You can pan for gold, relax, or bike, hike along the river, and kids can play along several playgrounds for kids of different ages," reports Rosina A.

Tips from RVers

Check access road specifications: Cabin sites with RV accessibility may still present challenges. "Clean and Rustic. WiFi is very very limited - drive to top of hill or lodge (very sporadic). Great Lake for swimming, fishing and small boats. Store on site. Clean swimming pool. Ideal for Tent or RV," notes Tamara P. about Thousand Trails Snowflower.

Electrical service varies: Not all cabin and RV sites offer the same hookup capabilities. "We had 4 spots and all were easy to back in. Some Pros - the market was well stocked; majority of the staff were very helpful; campsites on the outer rings had shrubbery for site separation and inner rings are great for groups," explains Eric P. about his stay at Lake of the Springs.

Consider site location carefully: RV sites near cabins offer different experiences based on location within campgrounds. "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level. Nonetheless, I loved the place and will definitely go back. If you prefer parking lot RV parks though, go somewhere else," advises Paul R. about Thousand Trails Snowflower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Forest Knolls, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Forest Knolls, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Forest Knolls, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 48 cabin camping locations near Forest Knolls, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.