Cabin options near Los Gatos, California include rustic structures nestled within the Santa Cruz Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,600 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to the mid-30s overnight, making wood stoves and heating essential during colder months. Several parks maintain cabin accommodations that remain open year-round, though seasonal road closures can affect access during heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: At Mount Madonna County Park, multiple trailheads connect directly to campsites. "This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us," notes a visitor about site 106. The archery trail includes 28 targets through wooded areas.
Swimming options: Del Valle Campground features a swimming area with lifeguards during summer months. "The swimming area is very picturesque. There is a swimming area, & there are picnic tables & nice-sized camp sites," notes one camper. The lake maintains water temperatures comfortable for swimming from late spring through early fall.
Wildlife viewing: Cabin areas often have resident wildlife. At Mount Madonna County Park, "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," explains one camper. Morning hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities when deer and wild turkeys are most active.
What campers like
Wood stoves in cabins: Big Basin Redwoods State Park cabins include wood-burning stoves. "The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," explains a visitor to the Huckleberry campground.
Fog experiences: The unique microclimate creates interesting natural phenomena. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps washrooms functional. "Bathrooms are great," notes a camper at Mount Madonna. Another visitor at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA adds, "We found the campground to be super clean the bathrooms to be ultra clean." Most cabin areas provide shower facilities within walking distance of cabin sites.
What you should know
Temperature variations: Cabins in the mountains experience significant temperature drops. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose," warns a visitor at Mount Madonna County Park.
Reservation systems: Most properties use different booking platforms. "Registration online was really easy as was the check-in process," notes a Mount Madonna camper, though some smaller properties like Redwood Resort RV Park operate differently: "The owner was very nice setting up reservation. They only take cash, no online reservation payments."
Site sizes: Cabin sites vary significantly in size and privacy. "While the sites are a little close to each other, those on the outside of the loop had a great deal of privacy. Inner loop sites have none," reports a Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA visitor. Research specific site numbers when booking for the best experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Playgrounds and recreational facilities keep children occupied. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," advises a visitor at Mount Madonna County Park. Most cabin areas maintain play areas within sight of cabin clusters.
Slug hunting: Children often enjoy unique wildlife encounters. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, "Redwoods galore and look out for the slugs please don't step on them," advises one camper. Another camper at Big Basin notes, "The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them."
Creek exploration: Water features provide entertainment for children. "This campground has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day," shares a visitor at Big Basin. Most creeks run seasonally, with peak flows occurring January through April.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choosing appropriate sites matters for larger vehicles. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, a visitor advises, "Spots are way too small. My slide almost sat on the neighbors table. Do not come here, sites are more suited for a tent." Research vehicle length limitations before booking.
Weather preparation: Temperature variations affect cabin comfort. "We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes! Also, sometimes the fog whistles through on a stiff breeze so not only is it cold but also clammy wet," warns a visitor at Mount Madonna County Park. Pack additional blankets during spring and fall seasons.
Connection limitations: Cell service varies widely throughout cabin areas. A visitor at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA notes, "Wifi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30." Many properties offer WiFi near registration buildings but not at individual cabin sites.
