Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground sits among mature redwoods about 30 miles north of Kensington, California. The park experiences significant temperature variations with cold nights even during summer months. Cabin options throughout the region provide alternative accommodation to tent camping, with varying levels of amenities and booking requirements.
What to do
Hiking the Manzanita Trail: At Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, trails transform seasonally. "It's like a fairy wonderland on the Manzanita trail" in winter when everything turns green, according to one visitor. The park includes historical features like the Pioneer Cemetery and nearby mill.
Water activities: Del Valle Campground offers multiple water recreation options on a clear lake. "Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing. The water is super clear and they have two beaches with a lifeguard," notes a camper. The park restricts swimming in certain areas, allowing more privacy for those who venture beyond marked zones.
Visiting wineries: Camping cabins near Napa provide access to wine country experiences. Skyline Wilderness Park places visitors minutes from vineyards. "Easy drive to the wineries of Napa Valley, a little further to Sonoma but a nice drive," a reviewer mentions. Some parks even offer transportation options, as one camper notes about Bothe-Napa: "A shuttle stops at the park to take people into town for dinner if they don't want to drive after drinking."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Brannan Island State Recreation Area offers spacious riverfront camping. "Site was nice and big and along River," shares one visitor. The campground provides both hookup and non-hookup options with varying levels of separation between camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently encounter animals at sites near Kensington. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports a Del Valle camper. Similarly, at Skyline Wilderness Park, visitors regularly spot "wild turkey, deer, wood peckers" according to reviews, adding natural entertainment to the camping experience.
Practical cabin layouts: Steep Ravine Campground offers thoughtfully designed rustic cabins. "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," notes one visitor. The cabin arrangement maximizes space despite simple accommodations.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Competition for cabins varies by location. "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," shares a camper about Steep Ravine. For less competitive sites, booking windows open months ahead with varying policies.
Weather variability: Coastal cabin locations experience dramatic climate shifts. For Steep Ravine cabins, one camper advises: "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go."
Site selection strategy: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, specific site numbers matter. "Sites 47-44 had no one across the way, more private, set back... if I returned I would snag site 44. Just trust me on this," recommends a reviewer who analyzed the campground layout. Research site maps before booking when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Jellystone Park offers extensive family programming. "For October, we did an outdoor movie, magic pumpkins, costume contest, trick or treating, hay ride, and haunted house," explains a parent of a 5-year-old. Seasonal events enhance cabin camping experiences beyond standard amenities.
Managing expectations: Some family-friendly campgrounds can get noisy. At Samuel P. Taylor, one camper cautions about potential issues with inexperienced neighbors: "You are going to probably experience some of the most ridiculous first-time campers with no sense of camping etiquette." Consider weekday visits for quieter experiences.
Finding balance: Olema Campground provides both natural spaces and convenience. "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," notes a grandparent who visits annually. The campground includes a store for essentials, reducing packing needs for cabin stays with children.
Tips from RVers
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between camping cabins near Kensington. At Samuel P. Taylor, a visitor reports: "In terms of cell service, I had pretty good range, was able to listen to the Cubs win." For work needs, another camper at Skyline noted: "My fiancée and I both work remotely using hotspots on Verizon, and found no trouble at all. Data speeds wavered between 10-25 mbps."
Accessibility needs: Brannan Island accommodates visitors requiring accessibility features. "It has great facility for disabled and has great area to run around," shares a reviewer. Several cabin locations offer ADA-compliant options with varying amenities.
Check-in timing: Arrival planning affects cabin experiences. "I definitely recommend getting there well before the gates close because there were issues getting a hold of the camp host," advises a Skyline visitor who nearly faced locked gates. Most cabin locations have specific check-in windows with limited after-hours support.
