Cabin camping near Lawndale, California offers diverse options within 30-45 miles of the city. Located in Los Angeles County, Lawndale sits at 61 feet above sea level with mild coastal temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F. Cabin accommodations range from rustic historic structures to modern facilities with varying amenities and reservation requirements.
What to do
Hiking trails near cabins: Crystal Lake Recreation Area features several interconnected trails for day hikes from your cabin accommodations. The campground store rents tent cabins for overnight stays. As one visitor noted, "Great place with a lot to do! Take the family and bring the toys! This place is the best of both family and party atmosphere!" Another camper explained the appeal: "This is probably our favorite place to go considering we end up hear almost every other weekend year around."
Beach activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort cabins provide easy access to water recreation. A guest mentioned, "We rented the Large Cottage in the back because we needed a kitchen for cooking all the food we'd packed. The small cottage would've been fine if we didn't need to a oven, stove and large refrigerator." The resort offers water activities suitable for cabin guests. "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach."
Mountain biking: Access mountain biking routes directly from Millard Trail Campground, which features several cabins along the edge of the campground. A visitor described the accessibility: "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars. There's about 100 yd hike to the campsites." Another mentioned the surrounding activities: "Lots of trails all around with a nice hike of about 1/2 mile up to Millard Falls that is easy for kids and grown ups."
What campers like
Private cabin settings: The TINY TIKI RETRO HIDEAWAY provides a single private cabin with full amenities for guests seeking solitude. Visitors praise the privacy, with one noting it as an "Amazing spot and stunning views." The site prohibits fires and alcohol but offers complete privacy.
Beachfront cabin access: Crystal Cove Beach Cottages offers historic shoreline cabins with direct ocean access. A camper described their experience: "Sound of rhythmic waves, sand, smell of salt in the air... Crystal Cove Beach Cottages... Home away from home." Another visitor mentioned a specific accommodation: "Spot #24 is amazing." The cottages lack modern showers but provide authentic beachfront accommodations.
Mountain views: Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground tent cabins provide forest views and mountain scenery. A camper noted: "There are beautiful views of the mountains. Has bathrooms (no flush). Lots of Mosquitoes and bugs. Well worth it." Another visitor added specific site details: "We came on a Saturday afternoon, and even though 4 of the sections of camping were closed off - we found an AMAZING space in section D. It wasn't right next to the bathrooms, but the site was spaced out enough that we had plenty of privacy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during summer months. The White Lodge cabin site permits alcohol and fires, with basic amenities available on-site.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities vary widely between locations. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon cabins provide differing levels of accommodation. A visitor mentioned: "This is a good location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019." However, another noted: "As it's listed as a 'resort', we figured it would be pretty upscale. Disappointment upon our arrival."
Environmental considerations: Cabin locations may require preparation for local wildlife or conditions. A Millard Trail Campground visitor cautioned: "WARNING: Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Tips for camping with families
Kitchen options: Verify cooking facilities when booking cabin accommodations with children. Newport Dunes offers full kitchen facilities in some units. A visitor explained: "We typically camp in our 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia, but it broke down on our drive to Death Valley National Park so renting a cottage here at the Dunes was a great plan B while the Van was with the mechanic."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for cabin locations with dedicated children's activities. Newport Dunes schedules regular family programming. As one camper described: "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay."
Safety considerations: Antfarm LA cabins provide secure, gated accommodation. A visitor noted: "It's a spot where you can truly be away. We spent 5 days and didn't really see a soul. If you like to read, enjoy sunsets, exercise and travel to local spots of interest or just stay put. This is a spot for you."
Tips from RVers
Limited space concerns: Consider cabin rental when RV sites are restricted. Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park has limitations. A camper advised: "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38."
Cabin alternatives: Some RV parks offer cabin rentals when RV hookups are unavailable. Newport Dunes RV Resort provides options. A visitor shared: "Have camped at new port dunes several times, they have a beach front for group tent camping on the sand, and also have tent camping in the resort. You can camp with RV's, Trailers, tents, and they also rent out cabins."
