The Mount Madonna region forms a transitional zone between coastal redwood forests and interior chaparral communities within 30 miles of Menlo Park. Temperatures in these cabin rental areas fluctuate significantly, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dropping to 35°F. Nighttime temperature drops of 20-30 degrees are common in redwood cabin settings regardless of season, requiring proper preparation for overnight stays.
What to do
Explore coastal trails and beaches: Samuel P. Taylor State Park serves as a convenient basecamp for West Marin attractions. "There is also Kayaking in Tomales Bay which is okay fun. The night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," notes a visitor to Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Hike among redwoods: Mount Madonna offers year-round hiking trails through varied forest environments. "This particular site has a trail leading directly to the vast network of hiking trails. Huge bonus for us and we were pleasantly surprised that not one person used our site as a cut through," reports a camper. The park allows dogs on all trails, making it especially attractive for those traveling with pets.
Try archery: Mount Madonna County Park features unique outdoor opportunities. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares one visitor who appreciated this distinctive activity.
What campers like
Redwood cabin proximity: Campers appreciate cabins that provide immediate forest access. "We camped here every year in May or June. It's always fun. The tent cabins are super convenient," says one regular visitor to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Seasonal wildlife watching: Del Valle Campground offers opportunities to see wildlife near cabins. "There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," notes a visitor. This regular wildlife activity adds to the camping experience.
Swimming options: Beyond standard cabin amenities, water activities enhance summer stays. A camper at Del Valle reports, "The lake is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing." The campground provides organized swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. At Cotillion Gardens RV Park, visitors note, "Marginal cell coverage. Camp WiFi is acceptable. Need to use WiFi to supplement cell service." Some campers appreciate this digital detox while others need to plan accordingly.
Temperature fluctuations: Redwood cabin areas experience significant daily temperature changes. "It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night," explains a visitor. Temperature drops of 20+ degrees after sunset are common.
Reservation systems: Most cabin facilities require advance planning. "Reservation making is a pain since it's all via email/online," reports a camper at Treasure Island. Many cabins book 3-6 months in advance, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers multiple family-focused activities. "The resort also has great activities for kids that they occasionally bring on site, such as a climbing wall and nature talks with live animals," explains a visitor, highlighting why this location works well for families.
Creek exploration opportunities: Water features provide natural entertainment for children. "This campground has a creek that runs through it that the kids loved playing in all day. The slugs were hanging out in trees all around us and it was so much fun looking for them," notes a Big Basin visitor.
Cabin spacing considerations: Some cabin areas provide more room than others for active children. "The sites were very spacious and this has probably been one of my favorite campgrounds!" shares a family camper. Sites with adequate play space between cabins allow for safer outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Redwood Resort RV Park & Campground requires planning for utility connections. "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension," notes one RVer, highlighting the importance of bringing additional connection equipment.
Site selection strategy: Limited privacy exists in some cabin and RV areas. "If you have slide outs, careful to not hit your neighbor!" warns one RVer. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, another camper suggests, "The sites at the bottom of the first loop with awesome sunset views are my favorite. Very grassy and 'outdoorsy' for a KOA."
Seasonal limitations: Summer cabin camping requires advance planning for temperature management. "It's pretty hot in the summer and there are no rivers or lakes to jump in to cool off. The ocean is about a 30 min drive away," explains one Del Valle camper about managing hot weather without immediate water access.
