Best Cabin Camping near Little Lake, CA

Cabins at Kennedy Meadows Campground provide rustic accommodations alongside Kern River with basic amenities including fire pits and picnic tables. The cabins serve as a convenient base for accessing hiking trails, horseback riding, and fishing opportunities in the surrounding mountains. "Cabins are rustic but have everything you need," noted a camper in feedback on The Dyrt, highlighting the simple but functional nature of the lodging. Lake Olancha RV Park and Whitney Portal also offer cabin options with varying levels of amenities, typically including beds and basic furniture, though bathroom facilities may be shared in some locations.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. KRS RV Resort at Camp James features riverside cabins with proximity to outdoor activities, while Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA offers family-friendly cabin accommodations with access to a pool and splash pad. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when occupancy is highest. Pet policies vary by location, with Kennedy Meadows and Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA being pet-friendly options. A visitor commented that the KOA cabins are "cute" and provide a convenient alternative for those without camping equipment.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities range from basic fire rings with grills to more equipped options with refrigerators and microwaves. The Kennedy Meadows General Store and similar facilities at other campgrounds provide limited groceries and supplies, though selection is minimal. Boulder Creek RV Resort cabins near Lone Pine feature more comprehensive amenities including electricity and indoor plumbing. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations including Kennedy Meadows, Whitney Portal, and Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA, eliminating the need to transport it from outside areas.

Best Cabin Sites Near Little Lake, California (15)

    1. Kennedy Meadows Campground

    9 Reviews
    Little Lake, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 379-5646

    "Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge."

    "The General store is currently handling site reservations at 10.00$ a night. The fishing was awful, I'm sure the area is incredibly over-fished due to popularity."

    2. KRS RV Resort@Camp James

    14 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-6119

    $39 - $340 / night

    "Book way in advance though. You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river. You can even rent a cabin. Really close to town."

    "The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down. Lots of kids and dog friendly. The WIFI was good to stream TV and ATT cell service was good too."

    3. Lake Olancha RV Park & Campground / Westside of Death Valley

    5 Reviews
    Olancha, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (442) 364-5290

    $49 / night

    "The small lake was ideal for a bit of casual kayaking and nature watching - mostly birds and dragonflies. Charming and spacious, the informality of the site was a refreshing change."

    4. Whitney Portal

    30 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 937-6070

    $34 - $95 / night

    "So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service. "

    "Great camp ground. no running water that time of year. Toilets were clean and bear boxes were easily accessible."

    5. Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

    7 Reviews
    Weldon, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 378-2001

    "Kern River is a great place in the hot California Desert. This place has everything to make you feel at home."

    "Overall nice site with full hookups & wi-fi/cell. Had a nice shade tree but it can be real sunny without one. Laundry right on site! Close to lake Isabella and all of the Kern."

    6. Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    10 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-5230

    $34 - $233 / night

    "Plenty of space and picnic tables my only complaint was that there was only one normal sized bear locker for a group campsite."

    "It was very clean and there is a bunkbed with two full size beds and another separate full size bed. The bathrooms were also kept very clean."

    7. Camp Kernville

    4 Reviews
    Kernville, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 376-2345

    $40 - $75 / night

    "I like the free air they provide for you to be able to fill the tubes."

    "We stayed at this wonderfull RV Park last week. The park is right on the river, clean and in wonderful condition. There is a sandy beach with water access."

    8. Boulder Creek RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 876-4243

    $38 - $75 / night

    "They all have water, a table and fire ring. Trees are still young. Very close to Owens lake(within view). We had a lot of wind that came blowing up the valley from the south."

    "There are many facilities including, swimming pool, hot tub, mini mart, gift shop, playground, horseshoes, basketball hoop, kitchen facility, RV dump station, fenced in dog run, laundry, showers, full"

    9. Nelson Falls RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Camp Nelson, CA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 462-5559

    $20 - $235 / night

    "Full hookups for our 5th wheel, spacious sites, flushing restrooms and showers if you wanted.  Starlink worked perfect, though there was wifi available."

    "The bathrooms had flush toilets and hot showers that were very CLEAN. That is usually very hard to find when you are camping! The entire campsite was clean and well maintained."

    10. Frog Meadow

    Be the first to review!
    California Hot Springs, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (559) 539-2607
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Cabin Reviews near Little Lake, CA

99 Reviews of 15 Little Lake Campgrounds


  • Chester R.
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Campground time forgot

    Most reviews here are dated. Campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi. Basically dispersed camping in an awesome location on concrete spurs/pads.  Each site still had picnic table and fire pit.  The mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet.  Kern creek and trails right from campground. General store and Grumpy Bear tavern close down the road.  Only 2 other campers here when I stayed in October. Great place as long as you are expecting disbursed camping experience.

  • L
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    group campsite

    We stayed at one of the group campsites with about 15 people total. Plenty of space and picnic tables my only complaint was that there was only one normal sized bear locker for a group campsite. Hard to fit coolers and food for 15 people into one bear locker.This might be normal for group campsites but this was our first time using one so we were caught off guard. Parking is also an issue as they have 4 giant group campsites with maybe one small parking lot with 15 spaces to share between them. Most of your group will have to park on the side of the road outside the entrance to the campground. Besides those two things the campground is great. There is a general store about a mile down the road if you need ice or snacks and they have WiFi if you absolutely need to get ahold of someone.

  • E
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Quiet and beautiful

    It was a very peaceful and calm campground on the I stayed in one of the yurts. It was very clean and there is a bunkbed with two full size beds and another separate full size bed. The bathrooms were also kept very clean. I didn’t get a chance to go hiking in the area, but there are trails nearby. There is no service but it is about a 5 minute drive from a cafe/store/lodge that has Wi-Fi. I was in site 28. Sites 6-10 looked amazing for tent camping.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Boulder Creek RV Resort

    They say it doesn't usually blow this hard.....but the muffins were good.

    This was stop to be able to visit Manzanar Internment camp.

    Tent sites are gravel and mostly level. They all have water, a table and fire ring. Trees are still young. Very close to Owens lake(within view).

    We had a lot of wind that came blowing up the valley from the south. There is very little protection for the tent campsites. Almost killed the tent.

    Hosts were very helpful in getting us situated despite the need to switch sites(too many people).

    Free muffins and coffee in the morning! Nice pool and hot tub, as well as bathrooms and laundry facilities.

    Easy access into  town for dinner or groceries.

  • Stan H.
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground

    Solid place but no bear locker

    Relatively small campground. Camp host was nonexistent. Lots of trees in most campsites. The non yurt sites didn’t have bear lockers. Fire ring was in rough shape. Loud neighbors first night. Second had techno from group site until late. Ponderosa general store was going to be my go to for firewood but it had burned down. So foraged for wood and picked up some at the campground at trail of 100 giants. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Water spigot scattered around campground. No cell service on Verizon or wifi. Would come back here.

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA

    Very family friendly and unique!

    Kern River is a great place in the hot California Desert. This place has everything to make you feel at home. Several large sites for tents or RV's , bathrooms with full showers, a pool, splashpad and water play area. They have these weird Banana bikes which were fun. I was in complete heaven when I saw the coffee bar! There is a big pavilion with cooking areas for everyone!

    This is close to several nearby attractions. They offer great wifi services. Great places if you have little ones. so much to do and all of the staff was wonderful.

    They have Cabins too! I didnt stay in them but they are pretty cute.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Whitney Portal

    Cool, popular, gorgeous, has lots of bears

    Bears will break into vehicles with food, scraps, wrappers, etc.  Even a cardboard box can invite the critters' attentions.  So keep a clean car if parking there and use the bear boxes provided by the forest service. 

    The Whitney Portal store is a stroll away with famously good food, run by the same family since before I was a ranger there back in the 1990s.  They have some last minute supplies too, if you discover you forgot anything from rain gear to a stove canister. 

    I'd camp here to hike Meysan Lakes and the start of the Whitney trail to Lone Pine Lake, neither of which require permits for day hikes.  It's a great camp for acclimatization.  The National Rec Trail gets overlooked, but showcases the transition from forest at the Portal to desert scrub at the bottom, following the stream, albeit from a neighboring ridge. 

    I'd also consider other campgrounds in the area, as there's a fair bit to do around Lone Pine for such a small town, and the Whitney Portal's position at the end of the road means you'll need to ascend/descend a mile in elevation over 13 steep and twisting curves every time you leave or return. 

    The bears and popularity of the Portal limit my enthusiasm for it a bit, but the positives of a store and restaurant, showers, and great hikes make camping here worth the effort for a few days.  It's certainly a great way to get used to the thinner air if you're then headed for the back country. 

    If one had the luxury of time and the luck/good planning of getting reservations for Cottonwood as well as Whitney Portal, I'd check out both for additional hiking and fishing, as well as the Alabama Hills, which offer free boon docking.  

    The whole Owen's Valley is one great opportunity after another for all sorts of outdoor sports and enjoyment, but Lone Pine has more than its share of nearby attractions and the Whitney Portal is high on that list.

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Whitney Portal

    Whitney Portal in March

    Great camp ground. no running water that time of year. Toilets were clean and bear boxes were easily accessible.

  • Christy S.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Kennedy Meadows Campground

    Going back in time

    Started coming here over 40 years ago as a kid. This was (still kind of is) a working horse packing station where they ran cattle out for the summer. Most trips out now are aimed at tourists/fishermen but the vibe is still the same. Fun horse riding trips. Great family vacation to get away from everything. Cabins are rustic but have everything you need. Plenty of tent camping in the campgrounds before the lodge. This is a great starting point for many backcountry backpack trips as it is near the PCT. Lots of hiking. Great fishing spot, river is generally stocked with fish on a weekly basis.


Guide to Little Lake

Cabin camping options near Little Lake, California span from basic shelters to more developed accommodations. Located in the eastern Sierra region between 3,500-8,000 feet elevation, cabin sites experience temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between day and night. Winter nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing while summer daytime highs can exceed 90°F, making seasonal preparation essential.

What to do

Fishing access at multiple elevations: Kennedy Meadows Campground sits beside the lower fork of the Kern River with fishing opportunities year-round. "The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone," notes Stacie M., who visited during winter when the area offers solitude for anglers willing to brave colder temperatures.

Horseback riding for all experience levels: Kennedy Meadows offers horseback riding for $30 per hour with trails connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. "Trail head to the PCT," mentions Marie C., highlighting how the area serves both casual riders and those seeking longer backcountry adventures.

Winter stargazing experiences: Whitney Portal campers benefit from minimal light pollution at higher elevations. "Look at ALL THE STARS!" emphasizes Derek B., indicating the exceptional night sky visibility due to the location's elevation and distance from urban areas.

Water recreation with children: KRS RV Resort@Camp James features a small creek running through the property plus river access. "The kids loved tubing down it all day. In front of us was the river," shares Amber D., describing how families can enjoy both controlled creek tubing and river activities in one location.

What campers like

Off-season tranquility: During winter months, many campgrounds remain open but with minimal visitors. "Went up during the winter and stayed the weekend. The fishing was great. The campground was empty and we were basically alone," reports Stacie M. about Kennedy Meadows, highlighting how off-peak visits offer both solitude and productive fishing.

Convenient town access: Camp Kernville provides walkable access to local amenities. "The riverfront sites are primo! A short stroll and you're in Kernville," notes Andrew B., describing how campers can easily access restaurants and supplies without driving.

Family entertainment facilities: Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA offers structured activities beyond basic camping. "They offer great wifi services. Great places if you have little ones. So much to do and all of the staff was wonderful," reports Andrea R., detailing the campground's family-oriented programming.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Deer and other wildlife frequently visit forested campgrounds. "Saw deer in and around the campground almost daily," mentions Duane R. about Nelson Falls RV Park, indicating the reliable wildlife viewing opportunities without leaving camp.

What you should know

Limited communication infrastructure: Cell service varies dramatically by location and provider. "There is very little protection for the tent campsites. Almost killed the tent," warns Andrew M. at Boulder Creek RV Resort, noting how wind exposure affects camping comfort in the valley.

Seasonal closures and conditions: Many high-elevation facilities close completely during winter months. "Campground has been abandoned for years so: no fees, busted up roads, no water, no trash, no bathrooms, no cell/wifi," reports Chester R. about Kennedy Meadows' current status, contradicting older reviews and highlighting the importance of checking recent conditions.

Insect precautions required: Sequoia National Forest Quaking Aspen Campground and similar mountain locations can have significant insect activity. "The mosquitos here are biblical at night so bring your nets and deet," warns Chester R., emphasizing the need for proper insect protection during summer months.

Water availability changes: Water access varies by season and location. "There's been no faucet water there in over 5 years. Pack it in pack it out," notes Mike The Bike about Kennedy Meadows, contradicting older information and highlighting the need for self-sufficiency with water supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Creek access for safe water play: Several campgrounds feature small creeks that provide safer water play than rivers. "We had site 81 in our class C RV. Corner site on a creek that ran through the campground. The creek was great to sit in to escape the heat and float down," shares David H. about KRS RV Resort@Camp James.

Programmed activities for children: Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA offers structured entertainment. "They offer great activities for the whole family, movie night, bingo, even rock painting," explains Andrea R., detailing how the KOA provides organized activities beyond self-directed recreation.

Temperature planning for kids: Higher elevation sites like Whitney Portal experience significant overnight temperature drops even in summer. "It did get chilly at night, but as long as you bundle up in your tent, you'll be completely fine," advises Elise F., noting that proper sleeping gear remains essential even during warmer months.

Water features for heat relief: Some facilities offer swimming pools and splash pads. "A great place to relax in the heat right down the road from Lake Isabella. They have a wonderful pool and splash pad for the kids," describes Nick B. about Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA's water features that help manage summer heat.

Tips from RVers

Full hookup limitations: Not all riverfront sites offer complete services. "You can get a site right on the river with no sewage hook ups or get all hook ups off the river," explains Johnny P. about KRS RV Resort@Camp James, highlighting the common tradeoff between premium locations and full services.

Seasonal access considerations: Mountain roads can become impassable during winter storms. "The drive up is a little daunting with going up the mountain, but the road was fine just take your time it will be worth it," advises Nathan F. about Nelson Falls RV Park, noting the challenging but manageable mountain access.

WiFi reliability varies: Internet connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds. "The WiFi didn't work and the bathroom only had two showers. It needs to be updated but it was clean and the people were nice," reports Michelle M. about Lake Isabella-Kern River KOA, providing context about infrastructure limitations.

Site spacing and privacy: RV sites vary in proximity and seclusion. "Camp sights are very close to one another not much privacy. The RV sights with full hooks up are further away from the river about 200 yards," notes Jeff G. about KRS RV Resort@Camp James, describing the tradeoff between hookups and river proximity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Little Lake, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Little Lake, CA is Kennedy Meadows Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Little Lake, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 cabin camping locations near Little Lake, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.