Cabin camping near Martis Creek Lake offers varied accommodations in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, sitting at approximately 5,800 feet elevation. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cool evenings. The surrounding Tahoe National Forest terrain features mixed conifer forests with numerous seasonal creeks feeding into Martis Creek Lake.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: A challenging but rewarding hike leads to Webber Falls near Webber Lake Campground on unimproved trails. "There is a trail that leads up to a waterfall, but we forgot to download the map beforehand and didn't have any cell service at the campground. Would suggest downloading all the google maps and AllTrails routes before heading out," advises one visitor.
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing opportunities abound on the region's lakes. At Webber Lake Campground, "The fishing was awesome. Before the lake opened up to the public, it was a private lake that was used by fishing groups. We are kayak anglers, and we had a blast here!" Remember that kayaks need to be cleaned of any possible invasive mussels before use.
Winter recreation: During snow season, access to backcountry cabin options like Peter Grubb Hut provides a base for winter activities. One visitor notes it's "far enough away that you don't get the crowds" that frequent nearby Castle Peak, making it ideal for those seeking quieter winter recreation opportunities.
What campers like
Lake access: Many cabin visitors appreciate direct water access. At Meeks Bay Resort & Marina, "The cabins were full of rustic charm, very cozy, and in a great location! One of the highlights of our trip was waking up to the beauty of Lake Tahoe right outside our window."
Pet-friendly beaches: For those traveling with dogs, Nevada Beach Campground offers specific accommodations. "We were right near Dog Beach where your pooch can play on the beach unleashed," explains one reviewer, noting this dedicated area allows dogs to enjoy the water without restrictions.
Seasonal campfire options: Campfires are permitted at most cabin locations, with firewood available for purchase at several campgrounds. A visitor to Meeks Bay Resort noted, "The campground itself was well-maintained and staffed by friendly and accommodating personnel who were very helpful when it came to our firewood needs!"
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities have limited operating seasons. At William Kent Campground, one visitor noted, "Open May 5 - Oct 11," while checking during off-season. Make reservations well in advance as cabins book quickly during prime summer months.
Wildlife considerations: Bears are active throughout the region. "You really need to pay attention to your food. Bears are not just possible here, they are likely," explains a visitor to Fallen Leaf Campground. All cabin locations provide bear-resistant storage, but proper food management remains essential.
Limited connectivity: Most remote cabin sites have no cell service. At Webber Lake Campground, "There is no cell service either although if you have 4 wheel drive you could drive up to one of the local mountain tops and get service there." Download maps and information before arrival.
Water availability: Water access varies by season and location. A recent change at Webber Lake affects campers: "They are not allowing RV's to fill up with water anymore. So there's a USFS campground about 10 miles away on highway 89 (Upper Little Truckee Campground) with hose bibs."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Fallen Leaf Campground offers facilities specifically designed for families. "It's going to be full of kids and dogs and campers who are not necessarily out there to experience nature but to see family and friends," notes one visitor, making it an excellent choice for social family camping.
Shallow swimming areas: When selecting cabin locations with children, consider water depth and swimming conditions. At Webber Lake, "The water can be on the cool side but not so much that you don't want to swim in it in August. It's shallow throughout most of the lake and much of it is a gravel bottom so water shoes are recommended."
Insect preparation: Early summer brings mosquitoes to many cabin sites. A Webber Lake visitor warns, "In June and into July the mosquitos can be horrific - I've heard of people leaving as they can be so bad!" Pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing if visiting during these months.
Tips for RVers
Access limitations: Some cabin camping areas have challenging access routes. At William Kent Campground, one RVer cautions, "Watch out for rocks...and trees. We bumped a big rock and a tree branch smacked our antenna on top." Sites designed for cabin camping often have different clearances than typical RV sites.
Utility considerations: Village Camp Truckee offers the most complete hookups near Martis Creek Lake. "There are some sites that are nice and wide giving you room from your neighbors and there are some sites like the one we had that left 1 foot of separation. We were unable to pull out our awnings due to trees," explains one RVer regarding site configurations.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some cabin camping areas. One visitor to Village Camp Truckee observed, "Cute campground if you are not looking for a quiet in-nature experience. The highway noise is dominant!" Consider site location when making reservations if seeking a quieter experience.
