Cabin rentals near Martinez provide overnight accommodations in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area. Situated where the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta meets the Carquinez Strait, these cabins offer protection from the region's seasonal fog and cooler evening temperatures that can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs. Winter temperatures average 45-60°F while summer months typically range from 75-90°F with occasional heatwaves.
What to do
Hiking trails with cabins nearby: At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, visitors can explore the historic Cross Marin Trail that follows an old railroad line along the creek. "There is a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area. They have informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information," notes a camper who stayed there.
Wine tasting excursions: The cabins at Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park put visitors in the middle of wine country. "Being right in the Napa Valley" is a major draw according to a visitor who mentioned, "If you're a wine drinker, during non-COVID times you can catch a wine bus from here!" The campground serves as an affordable basecamp for wine country adventures.
Water activities and fishing: Brannan Island State Recreation Area cabins provide access to Delta waterways. "This is a big campground with everything you need for boating and fishing. They have a big boat launch for easy launching," reports a visitor. Another camper noted the cabins are "close to stores and other swimming/fishing spots with beautiful views of the delta."
What campers like
Rustic comfort with ocean proximity: The cabins at Steep Ravine Campground — Mount Tamalpais State Park feature wood-burning stoves that impressed visitors. "The wood burning stove provides some light. Bring candles and lanterns and some fabric for curtains for privacy," advises a reviewer who found the cabins "well worth the cost." Another noted, "These cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space."
Year-round accessibility: Winter cabin stays offer different experiences than summer visits. A camper at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned visiting "in late December" and found "the only reason we didn't extend one more night was the freezing cold at night." Conversely, summer cabin rentals provide relief from heat with nearby swimming opportunities at several parks.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin rentals often include chances to see local wildlife. A visitor at Skyline Wilderness Park reported, "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" Another camper noted, "Sites backs up to Wilderness and saw a doe within 10 mins of setting up camp just a few steps away."
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing cabin rentals requires advance planning. At Mount Tamalpais' Steep Ravine cabins, a camper explained the process: "You need to be ready to click 'reserve' on the website at no less than 5 minutes before the window opens for your dates of interest, which was 6 months ahead of time when I reserved."
Basic amenities only: Expect simple accommodations at most cabins. "Standard cabin furnishings typically include beds with mattresses, though guests should bring their own linens, pillows, and blankets," notes a reviewer from Olema Campground. A camper who stayed at Brannan Island mentioned their cabin "with electricity. It has a bunk bed And a queen. Bring air mattresses cause they are just wooden frames."
Seasonal challenges: Weather varies significantly throughout the year. A visitor to Mount Tamalpais warned, "Bring layers of functional clothes since the weather on the coast of the SF bay can be anything from roasting to foggy frigid cold during the day and night year round. Don't just look at weather online and go." Brannan Island can be "hot and windy (seriously, it's like being in a super hot wind tunnel)" according to one reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: The San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA cabin rentals include access to numerous activities. "Great spot, I loved downtown Petaluma and enjoyed the safe feeling and convenience of this location. Great amenities for children too," mentions a visitor. Another camper calls it a "Great place for families" with "Swimming, play and explore all the north bay has to offer."
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature child-specific facilities. At Olema Campground, one reviewer notes, "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard." Another mentioned, "Volleyball nets and shuffleboard courts" being available on-site.
Space considerations: Cabin sizes vary significantly between locations. At Steep Ravine, a camper detailed, "Sleeping platforms for about 6 people split among 3 semi-private rooms." This contrasts with smaller units at other parks that may only sleep 2-4 people comfortably.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many cabin campgrounds have restrictions for RVs staying on adjacent sites. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground, a visitor warned it's "a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)."
Hookup availability: When staying in RVs near cabin areas, utility access varies widely. A camper at Del Valle Campground noted, "There were no hookups where we camped for the travel trailer," while Skyline Wilderness Park offers "some full hook-ups and some partial, we will ask for full hook ups next time just for ease of getting out when your ready to go."
Leveling requirements: Some RV sites near cabins require additional equipment. A reviewer at Skyline Wilderness Park mentioned, "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks," which is helpful information for RV campers planning to stay at locations offering both cabin and RV accommodations.
