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Wangtao L.
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TravelerDel Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
It’s good. But not too memorable.
Cabin Camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, CA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Several cabin campgrounds sit within a short drive of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offering rustic lodging surrounded by coastal scenery and redwood forests. Steep Ravine Campground in Mount Tamalpais State Park features oceanfront cabins with million-dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground provides cabin camping among mature redwood trees. Most cabins include basic wooden furnishings, wood-burning stoves for heat, and sleeping platforms to accommodate multiple guests. Kitchen facilities typically consist of basic countertops without running water, requiring guests to use outdoor spigots for washing dishes. "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families. No electricity but the wood burning stove provides some light."
Rustic log cabins dominate the accommodation options, with varying levels of amenities depending on location and price point. KOA-style cabins at San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA provide more modern amenities than the state park options. Reservations are essential and often difficult to secure, particularly for the oceanfront cabins at Steep Ravine where bookings must be made six months in advance. Pet policies vary by location, with Steep Ravine prohibiting pets while Samuel P. Taylor and KOA cabins generally allow them. A camper noted about Steep Ravine: "We've been lucky enough to score one of these cabins twice by checking in every so often to see if someone cancelled a reservation."
Most cabin facilities provide basic furnishings with beds requiring visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and sleeping bags. Lighting is minimal or nonexistent in more rustic options, making flashlights, lanterns, and candles essential items to pack. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, visitors should "bring something to hang over windows if you need privacy" as many cabins lack curtains. Cooking facilities vary significantly between properties, with some offering only outdoor fire pits while others provide basic indoor countertops. On-site firewood is available for purchase at most locations, though matches and kindling should be brought from home. General stores in Point Reyes Station and Stinson Beach offer basic provisions, though most cabin campers bring their own food and supplies.
Best Cabin Campgrounds near Golden Gate National Recreation Area (20)
1. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground
"Site had a fire ring, picnic table, and a stone grill. The grounds had running water, flush toilets and quarter showers. Camped here at night and explored point reyes during the day."
"This campground is beautiful, set in the redwoods, with a creek and nature trails. It has all the amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pits, running water, and grills."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $225 / night
2. Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park
"These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families."
"There are dish washing spigots scattered among the cabins. There are wheelbarrows for schlepping your stuff to the cabins and campsites; more on that later. And charcoal grills outside each cabin."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $100 / night
3. Olema Campground
"My site had plenty of shade, fire pit, picnic table, and water nearby."
"Small store, full hookups in places (will bring our trailer back), tables, fire rings. Not much privacy but at least this weekend it was quiet (except for our group 🤣)"
4. Treasure Island MH and RV Park
"Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street."
5. San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA
"Like most (if not all) KOAs, you can also tent camp or tent cabins. Good size dog park for the pets to run and be free, as well as plenty of fun activities to entertain the kiddos."
"A nice KOA close to Petaluma with great facilities. We took advantage of doing some laundry and having a hot shower."
6. Skyline Wilderness Park
"A ton of great hiking and horseback riding trails. Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa. Ate at an amazing Brazilian Steakhouse and came to camp in just a short drive."
"Super easy access and safe, in the city so close to wineries, restaurants and shops. We were here as a stop in our road trip so it was a perfect stay. They provide WiFi and hot shower."
7. Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED
"We got one of the tent cabins, which are just adorable and so cozy. The sites are nice and distanced from each other, bathrooms were in great shape and it was pet friendly."
"We stayed in a tent cabin at the Huckleberry campground which was nicer than we thought it would be. It had just the right amount of space for my wife and I, our two daughters and all our gear."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
8. Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
"Water fountains/spigots relatively easy to find near most campsites. Bathhouse is next to site 10, operates with quarters."
"We set up our tent towards the back of the site closest to the creek because it was more private. The only concern was that there was a slight downward slope."
17 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $43 / night
9. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
"It’s a cozy place with boat rentals! Plenty of shade and bathrooms available. Only reason got 4 star is the constant blue-green algae, making the water unavailable for swimming."
"Our campsite (#139) could have used some shade, but we had plenty of space and the views were awesome. Almost every site was occupied, but luckily everyone respected the quiet hours."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $200 / night
10. Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park
"If you wanna rv and craving crab,chowder, and oysters this is the spot for you, full hook up,fire pit , and picnic table walking distance to a restaurant and shops great views very relaxing...the down"
"This place was great full hook up W,E,S,C you get a fire pit and a picnic table, 3 minute walk to restaurant and deli, public restroom is clean every morning and garbage gets emptied...amazing views the"
Drive Time
- 13 min from San Francisco, CA
- 33 min from Vallejo, CA
- 40 min from Santa Rosa, CA
- 51 min from Napa, CA
Recent Cabin Photos near Golden Gate National Recreation Area
5 Photos of 20 Golden Gate National Recreation Area Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cabin Reviews near Golden Gate National Recreation Area
320 Reviews of 20 Golden Gate National Recreation Area Campgrounds
- TTamatha B.Traveler
Treasure Island MH and RV Park
Henry in the office is amazing. Bathrooms are clean. laundry room very large and has many washers and dryers. Subway close walk, MUNI is at the park entrance. A gas station and Grocery store are both across the street.
- TTwindaddy
GuideDel Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District
East Bay Parks - IYKYK
Like most/all east bay parks, this is well appointed for the masses. It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and close to suburbia. For many, these are positives. As an east bay resident they are for me as well. Del Valle is a bit more removed than many east bay parks. From my location in Fremont, it’s a one hour drive. A pleasant drive for the most part. I camp to get away for a bit and almost always to mountain bike. As such, I seek parks that have trails. Del Valle has a map of many trails. They also appear on many of the mapping services used by mountain bikers. Review those and digest them if this is also your intention - these are east bay parka style trails. In other words, mostly steep and loose fire roads, with many “social trails” sprinkled between. If you are compelled to stay legit/legal trails, bring an ebike. Now on to the camping. I picked a spot as far removed from any booked spot on the map. I triple checked this up until the day before I arrived. I want solitude! When I arrived Thursday afternoon, I was surprised to see the sites just 3 spaces away, on both sides, occupied. This is a fairly compact area. And while I’m sure they’re lovely folks, this isn’t what I expected on a Thursday. Saturday? Sure. Anyway… be aware that these reservation services aren’t completely reliable in that regard. The bathrooms and showers are amazing! Clean, smell good, cared for. Noteworthy is the hot showers in the camp grounds are free and your one push of the button provides water for two minutes I'd guess. Very nice! The space, 135 for me, is okay. A couple trees for shade, a nice table and fire pit. It’s now dark and the noise is minimal - mostly from the group campsite just down the hill. I’ll update this with more details in the coming days since it’s a 4 day visit.
Update 1: it’s my first morning here. Using starlink as there is no cell signal to be found. What I noticed last night was that this park is directly below the flight path to the local airports. Every couple minutes last night, a plane would fly overhead. According to flight aware, they’re at about 10,000 feet. If this will ruin your getaway, you’ve been warned.
Update 2: On Friday night, the majority of the spots were filled. Many large groups of people with varying degrees of consideration, but to their credit almost all (except the barking German Shepard) were quiet by 10PM. It was a bit more crowded come Saturday morning. Some friends came to visit for a mountain bike ride, and we set off at about noon. I had been complimentary of the facilities and bragged that I'd be taking a nice shower after our ride. Unfortunately, upon our return, there was no hot water and no lighting in the showers. And, sadly, someone decided to remove the tags and hangers from their TJ Maxx haul and leave them all over the floor of two of the showers.
Verdict: I'd only come back here in the springtime when it's likely to be green and have some water in the arroyo and only during the week. The density and composition of the people here was akin to being at Costco on a Saturday, and I only did that once.
- EEmma B.Guide
Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park
Nice RV Park
I enjoyed my two night stay here, the location is great right on the water.
Campsites are very close together and the Bodega Bay foghorn goes off every 10 seconds 24/7 and that got annoying.
Great for Starlink
Sidney C.TravelerOlema Campground
Loved it!
Had a late check in after scheduling in the same day, but the staff were so welcoming and helpful over the phone! The campsite is so clean you could walk around barefoot. the scenery is so beautiful with sheep, cattle, mountains and a stream surrounding/on the property. Would definitely recommend
- JJack D.Guide
Skyline Wilderness Park
Napa, California
We have stayed here a few times. I have a sister that lives here and this place is only about 3 miles from us! $80 for a back in space.
- KKimberly W.Guide
Costanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
Outstanding coastal access and amenities!
I loved my stay here! I had a lot of tasks and couldn't have asked for a better place to accomplish them. I particularly appreciated the close coastal access, the birds and the clean, comfortable surroundings. Staff was welcoming and friendly throughout my stay. Highly recommend this gem!
DJ Jazzy W.GuideWillow Campground — Brannan Island State Recreation Area
Can not wait to come back. p.s. Hot showers.
Popped in and only a few campers there. A bridge away from towns. Hot showers. Squirrels galore. Ill be back.
Lee D.
LegendCostanoa Coastal Lodge & Campground
Luxury coastal camping
General: Many different options: pull-thru and back-in FHU sites, tent sites, bungalows, tent bungalows, cabins, and a lodge. Note that in early 2025, ownership changed and it is no longer a KOA.
Site Quality: As would be expected in an RV park, the sites are very close together with little to no foliage to separate them. The sites in the Eucalyptus loop where we were had back-in sites, with a paved driveway, and are level. The sites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and wood-fenced platforms. What is confusing is that the platforms and tables are not always directly behind the site. They are labeled with the site number, but again, they are close together, and if the campground is crowded, there is no privacy. Bath/Shower: There are two bathhouses for the RV sites. Each gender has one shower, three toilets, and two sinks with soap and paper towels. They were immaculate. I was lucky not to have to wait for a shower, but if full, I heard there are waits.
Activities/Amenities: There is a spa on site, but we did not check it out (not sure if you need to be a lodge guest to use). Other amenities include a restaurant (which was fantastic), general store, sauna, meeting space, playground, giant Jenga and chess board, and community fire pits. You can rent bikes, golf carts, and dune buggies. On weekends and in season, there are other activities and a bar cart that makes the rounds.
This is not our preferred type of camping, and it is expensive, but we enjoyed time here as we met family for a couple of days.
Guide to Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Cabins near Golden Gate National Recreation Area provide rustic lodging within a region that receives consistent coastal fog throughout summer months, producing average July temperatures of 60-65°F. Winter storms typically occur between November and April, with most rainfall concentrated in these months. During peak summer weekends, cabin reservations often require booking 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
Morning hikes from campgrounds: Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground offers hiking along a paved path that follows the creek. "There are all kinds of trails available, as well as 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," explains Joseph F., who notes the trail system includes "informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information."
Horseback riding excursions: Located just minutes from Olema Campground, Five Brooks Ranch offers guided trail rides. "I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," suggests Kathleen C., who visited while staying at Samuel P. Taylor. The ranch provides rides suitable for various experience levels with trails that explore the surrounding hills.
Seasonal kayaking: At Del Valle Campground, visitors can rent kayaks during warmer months. "Great lake for paddling as the speed limit for boats is low. Good fishing too," notes Tom G. The lake provides calmer waters than the coastline, making it suitable for beginners and families.
What campers like
Wood stove warmth: The cabins at Steep Ravine Campground include wood-burning stoves that provide both heat and ambiance. "The wood burning stove keeps the cabin warm. Smoke detectors work too!" reports alana C., highlighting the practical heating solution for coastal evenings when temperatures drop.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning wildlife sightings are common at many campgrounds in the area. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports Uriel S. about Del Valle Campground. Similarly at Samuel P. Taylor, Joseph F. notes "Lots of poison oak in the unmaintained areas and off the trails, so be aware," indicating the natural, undeveloped setting that supports diverse wildlife.
Proximity to culinary destinations: Porto Bodega Marina & RV Park provides easy access to coastal dining. "If you wanna rv and craving crab, chowder, and oysters this is the spot for you, full hook up, fire pit, and picnic table walking distance to a restaurant and shops," writes Filipino Jack T., emphasizing the convenience of fresh seafood options within walking distance.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Most cabin facilities require advance planning. "We've been lucky enough to score one of these cabins twice by checking in every so often to see if someone cancelled a reservation," says alana C. about Steep Ravine Campground, reflecting the competitive reservation process.
Temperature fluctuations: Coastal cabin locations experience significant day-to-night temperature swings. Kathleen C. advises about camping near Samuel P. Taylor: "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers."
Noise considerations: Road noise can impact some cabin sites. Tai W. notes about Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, "if you're tent camping, the vehicle noise from the nearby Sir Francis Drake Blvd can be distracting if you are a light sleeper."
Seasonal restrictions: Access to natural features varies throughout the year. Joseph F. points out, "Access to the creek is seasonally restricted for spawning, and I believe that goes from spring to about mid June or July."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: At Samuel P. Taylor, site selection significantly impacts experience. "Because of the holiday and the proximity to Oakland/San Fran, the campground was in FULL EFFECT with a gang of variant families camp site hopping," reports Kathleen C., who recommends: "Had I chosen the site to my left, or a few more down the road, I would have barely noticed them at all - sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back."
Plan for playground access: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers extensive kid-friendly facilities. "This KOA also offered all sorts of amenities for families including a small petting zoo, a pool, playground areas, and more," explains Kelsey L. Another visitor, Adrian G., summarizes it as a "Clean simple and fun place with loads to do for the family. Swim, play and explore all the north bay has to offer."
Pack entertainment for foggy days: Coastal fog can limit outdoor activities. "It can get warm in the summer, but the cool moist ocean fog comes in and blankets the area in the evenings, which can really cool it down," explains Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor, suggesting families should prepare indoor cabin activities for foggy periods.
Consider cabin accessibility: When selecting cabins, factor in distance from parking. Adam from Steep Ravine Campground advises, "If you're intent on having the cabin experience...I'd recommend choosing a cabin close to the parking lot. They're actually more private and you can use the wheelbarrows to move your stuff from car to cabin. The cabins further away from the parking lot are further down the hill; wheelbarrows are not an option."
Tips from RVers
Limited cabin RV access: Many cabin areas have restrictions for larger vehicles. Tai W. notes about Samuel P. Taylor, "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)."
Full-hookup alternatives: For those requiring more amenities, Porto Bodega provides waterfront options. "We had a dry spot right on the marina side so the view was nice," notes Jennifer J., though she cautions the campground is "slightly run down but still nice," with bathroom facilities that had "clean but the water pressure and the temperature fluctuations in the shower were just bad."
Early morning noise considerations: Fishing activities can create early morning disturbances at waterfront locations. Jennifer J. warns about Porto Bodega: "The fishermen docked in the marina start getting ready at about 4:30am! They are not quiet."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin
campsite near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Golden Gate National Recreation Area is Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find
cabin camping near
Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Golden Gate National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 cabin camping locations near Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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