Nestled in the rugged mountains of Trinity County, cabin camping near Junction City, California offers a retreat in a region where elevations range from 1,700 to 2,200 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional snowfall. Winter cabin rentals typically require tire chains or 4WD vehicles from November through March due to mountain road conditions.
What to do
River fishing access: Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort provides easy access to prime fishing spots. "The park is about 1/4 mile from the Trinity River. We fished Lewiston lake less than 10 min away and Whiskeytown Lake about 20-25 min away with great luck," notes a visitor. The resort includes a dedicated fish cleaning station for your catch.
Kayaking and paddling: During higher water levels, several cabins offer direct water access. As a camper at Pinewood Cove Resort noted, "Breath taking view of the lake," making it ideal for paddlers who want to launch directly from their accommodation during spring and early summer when water levels are highest.
Winter sports: Cabin rentals remain open year-round, providing access to winter recreation. The area receives periodic snowfall between December and March, with nearby Mount Shasta offering skiing about an hour's drive away. Mountain Gate RV Park cabins serve as a convenient base, with a visitor noting "Close to the mountain for skiing. Close to the lake for skiing."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cabin guests consistently praise the maintenance standards. At Trinity Lake KOA Holiday, "Staff are driving around quite literally into the night hours keeping things clean," reports one visitor. Bathrooms and shower facilities receive regular attention throughout the day at most cabin properties.
Family-friendly activities: Many cabin properties offer recreational options beyond just lodging. "There is a large grassy area that slopes down to the river for people staying in all three cabins to use," notes a Trinity River Adventure Inn guest about the shared outdoor space. Families appreciate the diverse recreation options available without leaving the property.
Proximity to trails: Most cabins provide quick access to hiking trails in the Trinity Alps. As a Forest Glen Guard Station guest explains, "The small riverside access along the creek was perfect to relax and let the dogs swim." Many cabins serve as base camps for day hikes to wilderness lakes and streams within 15-60 minutes driving distance.
What you should know
Seasonal rental availability: Many cabin rentals operate seasonally or with limited winter services. "Mountain Gate is a comfortable park to stay. It is relatively quiet as it is off the Highway," notes a visitor, though they maintain year-round operations when other facilities close. Reserve cabins 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends and holiday periods.
Limited grocery options: The nearest full-service grocery stores require planning. A small market at Lakeview Terrace Resort offers basic supplies, but as one visitor notes, the "Old School Cabin in the woods" setting means "they have it all here," including essentials like ice, firewood, and simple food items—but no major groceries.
Variable cellular service: Cell coverage fluctuates dramatically between cabin locations. "There was no cell service. Wireless is only available at the KOA store," reports a Trinity Lake KOA visitor. Most cabin rentals provide Wi-Fi but signal strength varies; satellite internet is common but can be affected by heavy tree cover or stormy weather.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for cabins with dedicated play spaces. "The jungle gym for the kids was sweet and a cool tree house... the kids loved it," mentions a visitor at Lakeview Terrace Resort. Several properties feature shallow swimming areas, game rooms, or outdoor recreation areas specifically designed for younger guests.
Boat rental options: If traveling with children, cabin locations near boat rentals provide easy entertainment. One Del Loma RV Park and Campground visitor shared, "We enjoyed riding our bikes around the loop, and walking down to the Trinity River. There are 2 river spots from the campground." Properties near Trinity Lake offer seasonal boat and equipment rentals within 5-15 minutes of cabins.
Space considerations: The Hensons' Hideaway and similar cabins provide generous multi-family accommodations. "It was plenty of room for two couples, two toddlers, and two labs," writes a guest about the spacious layout. Many cabins include fold-out beds or sleeping lofts to accommodate larger family groups.
Tips from RVers
Parking restrictions: Some cabin properties have limited space for additional vehicles. "These spots are VERY hard to back in to. The trees are leaning toward the center of the sights literally giving us a foot of room on each side to back in a 24 foot trailer," warns a Pinewood Cove Resort guest. Call ahead to confirm parking arrangements for boats or extra vehicles.
Off-season discounts: Winter cabin rentals often cost 30-50% less than summer rates. "We stayed over night and will do so again. The park is beautiful! Close to the mountain for skiing," reports a Mountain Gate RV Park visitor who took advantage of off-season pricing while maintaining access to winter recreation options.
Accessibility considerations: Cabin access varies significantly between properties. Review descriptions carefully as some require negotiating steps or uneven terrain. "Our 35 foot fifth wheel easily navigated the space," notes a visitor about Old Lewiston Bridge RV Resort, which offers level access to most cabin units despite the mountainous terrain.
