Lake McSwain Recreation Area and Barrett Cove Recreation Area provide cabin camping near La Grange, California at approximately 867 feet elevation. These destinations sit along the western edge of Stanislaus National Forest, with summer temperatures often reaching 90-100°F during peak season. Winter cabin rentals remain available with milder daytime temperatures in the 50s and occasional freezing nights.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Exchequer Mountain Bike Park near Barrett Cove Recreation Area offers extensive riding options. "The riding was great. We were in awe of how empty it was. Father's Day weekend and we never came across anyone else on the trails," notes a visitor who appreciated the uncrowded experience.
Swimming opportunities: Lake Tulloch RV Campground and Marina provides designated swimming areas with beach access. A camper reported that "the kids had fun playing at the playground, jet skiing, and making sand castles at the beach," highlighting the family-friendly water activities available.
Fishing access: Lake McSwain Recreation Area offers year-round fishing opportunities directly from the shore near cabins. "Love to come and relax, throw a couple of poles in and have a good time," wrote one regular visitor who enjoys the accessible fishing.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Cabin guests at Lake McSwain appreciate the regularly serviced amenities. "The bathrooms are well maintained and stocked with paper towels and tp. They really do a nice job here," commented a return visitor who noted the cleanliness standards.
Hot showers: Many cabins provide nearby shower access with good water pressure. According to a camper at Barrett Cove Recreation Area, "I actually tried the showers and I was not disappointed. Great water pressure, plenty warm and cleaner than you might expect."
Nearby store amenities: The marina store at Lake McSwain opens seasonally with expanded hours during busy periods. "The marina isn't normally open in February, but they opened due to the volume of campers that weekend. They stocked up on the basics and even had hot coffee and breakfast burritos in the morning and sandwiches at lunch," reported a visitor during an off-season stay.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly between cabin locations. At Barrett Cove, a camper noted, "The ranger was quite accommodating and allowed me to move to a quiet spot on top of a hill," after finding their original reservation unsuitable.
Seasonal availability: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer. A visitor to Yosemite Westlake Campground & RV Park mentioned, "Great campsite near Yosemite! The host was super nice and helpful and gave us some insight on what to see locally!"
Wildlife awareness: Deer frequently visit cabin areas. A Lake Tulloch camper observed, "Deer are fearless & majestic, several 'packs' walked through our campsite all throughout Sunday night when everyone else was gone. They walked up to us to smell our campfire & our food."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin furnishings: Angels Camp Campground and RV offers larger cabin options for families. "Stayed in the cabin that sleeps 6. Super nice, close to the bathrooms. There's a community outdoors kitchen with stove and sink," reported a family who enjoyed the shared cooking facilities.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize evening programs. A visitor to Yosemite Westlake Campground noted, "This campground had a fun bonfire for everyone and included free s'mores!" which provides ready-made entertainment for children.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning. A Lake McSwain camper advised, "If you are staying in a tent make sure to layer up and bring lots of blankets because nights can get very cold," which applies equally to basic cabin accommodations without heating.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Travelers with RVs often face challenges at some parks. A Barrett Cove visitor reported, "They put us in G loop #19 which was pretty much on a hill and with my 33 foot travel trailer, there was no way for me to get it in there and level. I actually snapped a bolt off my stabilizer trying to back my rig in there."
Alternative campgrounds: When primary destinations are full, consider Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging, which offers cabin options alongside RV sites. "2 adults and 1 kid in the basic cabin over Easter weekend a few years ago. We really enjoyed our stay and the property. Petting zoo animals were adorable," noted a family who chose this option.
Connectivity limitations: Most cabin locations have limited cell service. A visitor to Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes observed, "There is no cell service and the 'pay WIFI' did not work for us...but there is complimentary WiFi at the laundry to check in on things that works just fine."
