Cabin camping near Manhattan Beach, California provides access to nearby mountains and coastal areas with elevations ranging from sea level to over 5,000 feet. Most cabin options are situated within a 45-60 minute drive of Manhattan Beach, primarily in the San Gabriel Mountains and along the coast. These accommodations typically open for reservations 6 months in advance and fill quickly during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers multiple trail options for cabin guests. "There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained. This is a great campground near the city," notes Robert A. about the Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground. Trails range from easy lake loops to more challenging mountain ascents.
Beach activities: Cabin rentals at Point Mugu provide direct beach access for fishing and wildlife viewing. "We watch seals, ducks and more swimming around the beach. We practically had it all to ourselves," explains Danielle P. about the oceanfront location at Point Mugu Recreation Facility.
Outdoor recreation: When staying at cabins near Newport Beach, water activities become the main attraction. "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," reports Karissa J., highlighting family-friendly options available.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some cabin rentals offer significantly more seclusion than others. Andrea D. describes the Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway as "private and beautiful" with "stunning views," making it ideal for those seeking solitude rather than community campgrounds.
Cabin amenities: The range of amenities varies dramatically between basic and luxury cabins. "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 an oven, stove and large refrigerator," explains Chad M. about accommodation options at Newport Dunes.
Mountain settings: Cabins in elevated areas provide temperature relief during summer months. "This was a great camping spot with the guys!" notes Drew M. about Crystal Lake Recreation Area, where cabins sit at approximately 5,700 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures than coastal areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Not all cabin facilities operate year-round. Crystal Lake Recreation Area only runs from April 25 to December 20, closing during winter months when mountain roads become hazardous.
Reservation requirements: Advance planning is essential for cabin stays. The Antfarm LA location has extremely limited capacity with just two cabins available. "This place was wonderful. Peaceful, restful and a perfect getaway from the city," says James K., explaining why these limited accommodations book quickly.
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience unavoidable noise issues. "At night the loud train kept waking us up," reports Elizabeth C. about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, noting that railroad proximity affects sleep quality at certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Look for cabins with dedicated children's activities. "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," explains Derrick about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, highlighting its appeal for family groups.
Beach cabin options: Oceanfront cabins provide built-in entertainment for children. "We stay here every year. 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," notes Karissa J. about Newport Dunes.
Safety considerations: Some cabin locations present natural hazards requiring supervision. "Be careful of rattlesnakes," warns Chanel C. about Crystal Cove State Park, while Bill from Antfarm LA notes, "I did see my first rattlesnake and heard the coyotes at night."
Tips from RVers
Combined cabin-RV parks: Several locations offer both cabin rentals and RV sites. "My favorite RV resort. Located in the back bay of Newport Harbor ND has it all. This place is super clean and super accommodating. They have cottages for rent if needed," notes Geoffrey R. about Moro Campground.
Accessibility features: For campers with mobility needs, check specific accessibility options. "This is one of the best handicap accessible shower and restroom areas we've seen. The larger pool had a roll in area," reports Lara O. about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, though she cautions "they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance."
Seasonal considerations: RV parks with cabins have different peak times. "We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific," notes Amy H. about Moro Campground, highlighting winter as a potentially less crowded time for cabin stays.
