Cabin camping opportunities in the Lakeshore area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are situated at an elevation of 6,800-8,200 feet, providing a cool retreat during summer months when temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day and 45-55°F at night. Winter access becomes severely restricted due to heavy snowfall that typically closes mountain roads from late October through April, with Kaiser Pass receiving up to 20 feet of snow annually.
What to do
Thermal lake swimming: Two thermal lakes near Mono Hot Springs provide unique swimming opportunities with naturally heated waters. "There are also tons of hiking trails and other lakes in the area including 2 thermal lakes and tons of breathtaking views," notes a visitor who explored beyond the main hot springs.
Fishing spots: Access remote fishing locations within Sierra National Forest, especially around Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs. "Rainbow and German Browns can be caught" at these higher elevation lakes according to a visitor at Wishon Village RV Resort, who adds that "Courtright at 8200' opens later than Wishon at 6600'."
Hot springs exploration: Multiple natural hot springs pools of varying temperatures can be found across the hillside near Mono Hot Springs. "There are several different pools located across the river from the campgrounds. They are all over the hillside and range in temperature from lukewarm to bath water to Hot."
Cliff jumping: Doris Lake offers adrenaline seekers natural cliff jumping opportunities. "Doris lake is pretty, with several cliffs to jump from ranging all sizes up to 60 feet," reports a visitor who found this activity to be one of the highlights of their stay.
What campers like
Natural hot springs: Visitors appreciate the variety of hot springs options. "The springs are the main reason to come out and camp," explains a camper at Mono Hot Springs who explored multiple pools.
Unique creek features: The water features at High Sierra RV Park impressed families with children. "The creek, waterfalls & rope swing over the swimming hole was unbelievable!! The kids enjoyed the rope swing while the mom enjoyed the walk back to the falls & thru the shallow waters."
Off-grid seclusion: Many cabin rentals and campgrounds in this area offer minimal cell service and limited internet connectivity. "There is no signal unless you buy the wifi internet pkg. I can't remember the price but around $15 for 3 days I think," notes a regular visitor to Wishon Village.
Bear boxes at remote sites: Safety features for food storage are available even at more remote locations. "I love that there are bear boxes at such a remote place!" mentioned a camper who appreciated this practical amenity while staying in a riverside campsite.
What you should know
Challenging access roads: The drive to many cabin rental locations requires caution and time. "The last 18 miles over Kaiser Pass took 1.5 hours. A sub-par road surface little bigger than one lane in many places made transit interesting," explains a visitor to Mono Hot Springs Campground.
Water source considerations: While most cabin rentals provide some access to water, visitors should check the specifics for their location. At Dinkey Creek, one camper noted: "Hot and isolated, bring water or a filter. No cell service, so check in on your needs around Pine Flat lake."
Limited services: Many cabin camping areas have reduced amenities and services. "Bathrooms in great condition, WiFi was good and limited free," explains a camper, suggesting that paid wifi may be the only connectivity option at many locations.
Seasonal closures: Before booking, check operating dates as many facilities close completely during winter months. "Open and close dates vary depending on snow," advises a camper familiar with the seasonal nature of these mountain facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming holes for children: Look for natural water features that offer safe play areas. "We have been going to Wishon for years and it's our favorite spot. 20 min drive to Courtright," explains a regular visitor at Dinkey Creek, who appreciates the variety of water recreation options for children.
Cabin selection for space: Families need adequate space in cabins, which vary significantly in size and layout. "Our campsite was right next to the river, and hiking trails to lakes, meadows and hot springs run directly off of the campground. The host was wonderful, it was all around perfect. Just remember to bring bug spray!"
Bug protection: Parents should pack insect repellent, especially for creek-side or lakefront cabins. "Bring extra bugspray for these sites as you are close to the water," advises a camper who stayed at a riverside location.
Bear awareness: Teach children about proper food storage in bear country. A camper warned, "Make sure to use the bear box as we had a bear come into our camp the last night," after their experience at Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground.
Tips from RVers
Road restrictions: RV travelers should research road conditions and restrictions before attempting to access remote cabin areas. "I advise against trailers but I have seen them while driving in. It is one lane and you must pull out for opposing traffic," notes one visitor familiar with the challenging mountain roads.
Site selection: For those bringing trailers, careful site selection matters. "We have a 35 foot 5th wheel and the spots we like here are 37, 50-52, 38-41. We haven't stayed in any other sites so I'm not sure how they are for bigger trailers," shares a repeat visitor to Wishon Village.
Leveling challenges: Pack extra leveling blocks for uneven mountain campsites. One RVer at Outdoorsy Yosemite noted, "The hook-up was perfect for our RV and the facilities on site were convenient and clean," showing that some locations do offer better prepared sites than others.
Off-season temperature planning: Mountain temperatures drop significantly at night even in summer months. "It was also pretty chilly for what we thought was still the fall season, only 30 degrees when we arrived and 22 when we woke up in our tent the next morning," shares a camper who experienced unexpected cold weather.
