Rustic cabin accommodations near Kentfield, California include options within the forested hillsides of Marin County and along the nearby coast. Most cabin sites lie between 100 and 800 feet elevation with winter temperatures dropping to the 40s and summer reaching the 70s. The cabins vary significantly in amenities, from basic platforms with wood stoves to more developed units with electricity.
What to do
Hiking from cabin sites: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, cabins serve as excellent base camps for exploring nearby trails. "There are nice hiking trails in the park though they are closed currently (Dec 2020) due to the fire in the area. There was no damage to the campground even though the fire burned into the grounds," notes a visitor. Trails range from creek-side paths to more challenging forest routes.
Wine country exploration: Cabin accommodations at Ritchey Creek Campground provide access to Napa Valley wineries. "If you're a wine drinker, during non-COVID times you can catch a wine bus from here!" shares a camper. The cabins are positioned centrally between St. Helena and Calistoga, making them convenient for winery visits without the high costs of wine country hotels.
Water recreation: Cabins near Russian River at Casini Ranch Family Campground offer river access for kayaking and swimming. A reviewer notes, "You can kayak down the river and the campgrounds have a big variety of sizes, some on and off the river." Kayak rentals are available by the beach area for those who don't bring their own equipment.
What campers like
Private locations: Many campers appreciate secluded cabin settings. At Steep Ravine Campground, one visitor notes, "The campground and all cabins have incredible views. Bring binoculars and your good camera. Bolinas, Stinson, The Farallon Islands, fishing boats, the night sky, raptors, seals, all manner of water fowl…that's why you're here."
Wood stove heating: Cabins with wood-burning stoves provide comfort during cool coastal evenings. "The wood burning fireplace (you can buy wood on site) keeps the cabin warm. Smoke detectors work too!" writes a camper about their stay at Steep Ravine Campground. These heating options allow for year-round cabin camping, even when coastal fog rolls in.
Family-oriented amenities: Families appreciate cabin options with nearby recreational facilities. At San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA, a visitor highlights, "A nice KOA close to Petaluma with great facilities. This KOA also offered all sorts of amenities for families including a small petting zoo, a pool, playground areas, and more."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing cabin reservations requires 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," notes a camper about Steep Ravine. Many cabin sites open reservations 6 months in advance and fill immediately.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife interactions at cabin sites. "Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is so anywhere in Northern California," warns a visitor at Ritchey Creek Campground. At other locations, raccoons and mice are common visitors - bring secure food storage.
Varied facilities: Bathroom and shower access differs between cabin locations. At Spring Lake Regional Park, "The bathrooms were clean but older... 2 of the stalls were incredibly narrow. There were showers but I didn't look at them." Some rustic cabins require walks to centralized bathroom facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Choose locations with kid activities: Select cabins at campgrounds offering children's programs. "Casini Ranch is a great campground, right off the river. You can kayak down the river and the campgrounds have a big variety of sizes, some on and off the river," notes one visitor, with another adding that they have "a lot of activities for the kids."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly cabin locations may have higher noise levels. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, one camper shares, "We have previously tent camped and car camped here and we really enjoy it. 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."
Pack for temperature variations: Coastal cabin locations experience significant temperature shifts. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises a visitor to Ritchey Creek Campground. Pack extra blankets for cabin sleeping areas, especially in winter months.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives for RVers: Some RV sites offer cabin rentals when you want a break from your rig. At Olema Campground, "They have great amenities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restaurant down the road and a church next door!" This provides options for RVers who occasionally want cabin accommodations.
Proximity to services: Cabins near town offer convenience for supplies. "The campground is next to a very popular lake. Lots of trails. A great place to bring a bike too. It is close to town. We picked up a pizza at Urban Pizza on our way," notes a visitor to Spring Lake Regional Park. This accessibility makes cabin camping more feasible for those needing nearby services.
Site selection tips: Choose cabin sites based on specific needs. "Our site (3) was great and accommodated both our truck and 32" fifth wheel, as well as having plenty of space for all 3 slides. The spot felt very private and we had no problems with noise from any cars or people," shares an RVer about Spring Lake Regional Park. Similar considerations apply when selecting cabin sites.
