Cabin camping near Gasquet, California offers proximity to Smith River and redwood forests at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. The coastal influence creates mild temperatures, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter lows typically above freezing. Most cabins in the area don't require four-wheel drive access, though interior forest locations may have limited cell service.
What to do
River swimming access: At Redwood Meadows RV Resort, cabins are positioned for easy access to Smith River swimming spots. "The location of this park is absolutely perfect. The redwoods are right down the road. Crescent City is super close for beach adventures. A short drive up the road for a river day," notes Kristen F.
Redwood hiking trails: Walking paths directly connect Elk Prairie Campground cabins to old-growth forests. "This is a lovely campground with hiking trails accessible from the campground. We were able to hike a bunch on the campground, drive to Fern Canyon, and visit Jedediah Smith all in 3 days," reports Gisselle.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple cabins offer wildlife sighting possibilities. "We saw so many animals: elk, a bear, scrub jays, chipmunks, tadpoles, rabbits, deer, etc," shares a camper at Elk Prairie. Jedidiah Smith Campground cabins provide similar opportunities with one visitor noting, "This campground has lush green trees, a flowing rice and the good smells of a campground."
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Sustainable Ecovillage offers uniquely designed cabins within a sustainable living project. Jake C. notes this location allows visitors to "Experience a Sustainable Living Project" with several distinctive cabin options available.
Cabin comfort amenities: Many properties maintain updated facilities that enhance cabin stays. "The bathrooms and park were clean. There is some highway noise but at night it wasn't too bad," mentions Ken C. about Redwood Meadows. Visitors appreciate clean facilities with one camper at Ramblin' Redwoods mentioning, "Bathrooms and showers are super clean and taken care of daily."
Recreation facilities: Some cabin properties include extra amenities. Redwood Meadows features "a gazebo with a sink and running water...sitting right next to a cute pond," while Mystic Forest RV Park provides "hiking trails, horseshoes and an adorable little 18 hole mini golf course to boot!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Summer cabin rentals fill quickly, with most requiring bookings 6+ months in advance. At Harris Beach State Park, where cabins and yurts are available, visitors may find "one thing weird was the yurt only had a code and no key," according to Em M., who mentioned "yurts available."
Facility differences: Cabin amenities vary widely between properties. Some cabins include kitchenettes while others only provide sleeping quarters. "Most sites are very shady and spacious. A few are smaller, like mine, but we enjoyed our stay," explains one visitor at Village Camper Inn.
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin stays may encounter rain but typically mild temperatures. For Alfred A. Loeb State Park, Laura M. observes, "We've been here both in summer and winter, and the winter months is by far better in our opinion. Summers are too hot, when you have the coast and the town of Brookings so close."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several cabin properties offer specific children's features. "There is a fantastic playground and the Rangers hold Junior Ranger activities twice a day," mentions a visitor about Harris Beach State Park.
Multi-generational accommodations: Larger cabin properties accommodate extended family gatherings. Ludlum House offers space where you can "Bring your little family, or call in the siblings and cousins. It's a big, beautiful and peaceful place, for few or many to have a great time as a family."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs enhance family cabin stays. "The Jedidiah State Park visitor's center is located within the campground area, and the staff was extremely helpful and friendly," mentions Courtney D., adding that "this is one of the only campgrounds located within old-growth Redwood trees."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hybrid camping: When bringing both RVs and using cabins, position matters. "Management was extremely helpful, polite, and accommodating. We were lucky to have a beautiful and secluded site," reports Lindsey F. about Redwood Meadows, noting that "the spots can be a little tricky to get into and those with larger rigs should contact the management office."
Hookup information: Not all cabin areas accommodate large RVs, with some parks having specific size restrictions. At Mystic Forest RV Park, visitors note, "Sites are on grass with no defined camper pads. Sites 15-21 are a little wonky in that the hookups are on the left side."
Combination trips: Some visitors stay in cabins part-time and RVs other nights. "We stayed in a cabin and it was beautiful. Fire ring and table are provided as well. Well worth the price," says Patricia N. about Alfred A. Loeb State Park cabins, making them perfect for mixed-accommodation trips.
