Cabin accommodations near Montara, California range from rustic structures within redwood forests to coastal retreats along scenic Highway 1. The Pacific coastal weather in this area typically brings cool, foggy mornings that burn off by midday, with temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F even in summer months. Many cabin facilities maintain year-round availability, though seasonal considerations affect pricing and reservation difficulty.
What to do
Hiking from cabin sites: At Big Basin Redwoods State Park, cabin guests can access numerous trails directly from their accommodations. "The best thing about this campground is proximity to the Berry Creek Falls... a huge series of water falls on a super long and strenuous hike," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient trail access.
Beach exploration: Coastal cabins serve as excellent bases for exploring nearby beaches with varied terrain. "The entire Mount Tamalpais watershed is within 30 minutes drive from this location. The hiking trails that join from the coast all the way to Mill Valley and central Marin are walking distance from this site," explains a camper at Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Wildlife observation: Cabin areas support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. "I've seen deer in the seaside vernal pools, wild miniature ocean bunnies boxing in the morning sunshine, and a great white shark off the cliffs one fine day," reports a long-time visitor to Mount Tamalpais cabins.
What campers like
Wood-burning stoves: Cabin heating systems provide comfort during coastal foggy evenings. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, "mornings are wet and Cold. Loved this place," observes a camper who appreciated the heating amenities during temperature drops.
Forest immersion: Redwood settings create distinctive cabin experiences. "It's a special forest though and worth a visit. Sites are on the small side as well," notes a visitor who enjoyed the surrounding trees despite more limited site spacing.
Water features: Many cabins offer proximity to streams or ocean access. "The bathrooms are super clean, kids loved the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard. Close to multiple beaches," reports a visitor to Olema Campground, highlighting water recreation options.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Securing cabins requires advance planning and persistence. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs. Unique and wonderful place to camp," explains a visitor regarding coastal cabin availability.
Mouse issues: Small wildlife intrusions affect cabin experiences. "Bring mouse traps. How is it possible that I am the first to review this place, the number one most difficult to reserve spot in all of California?! In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps," reports one camper about cabin wildlife management.
Weather variability: Coastal cabin locations experience significant temperature fluctuations. "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," advises a Mount Tamalpais visitor.
Limited phone service: Communication technology functions inconsistently at cabin locations. At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, "Wifi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30," notes a camper regarding connectivity challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Several cabin locations provide structured activities for younger guests. "This is a great camp ground for families as well as seniors! We attended a presentation on the wild birds in the area that an employee provided, and then he took us on a hike through Costanoa and over to the ocean," describes a visitor to Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA.
Playground facilities: Multiple cabin areas include developed play areas. "The grounds are IMMACULATE! Plenty of bathrooms, back-in spots had cute little decks nearby, a fire ring, and moveable picnic table. Grandkids wanted to ride the bikes before we left," reports a KOA visitor who brought family members.
Water play options: Cabin locations with water access provide recreational opportunities for children. "The campgrounds are amazing and a world unto themselves, so much so when Sunny Bell first brought my mom and I to Steep Ravine the cabins only cost $15 and we didn't even know there were campsites there for years!" recalls a long-time visitor at Del Valle Campground.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through space limitations: RV sites at cabin facilities often have size constraints. "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our Rv. But, if you expect that, it's a great place to stay," advises a camper about site spacing considerations.
Restaurant access: Several cabin locations provide on-site dining options. "The restaurant at the lodge, the Cascade, was phenomenal. This is coming from someone used to San Francisco and Oakland restaurants. The vegetables were all grown in the garden and the dishes were expertly executed," reports an RV camper who appreciated the food quality.
Power hookup variability: Electrical services differ significantly between cabin locations. "Very nice campsite, nice small town of point Reyes but can drive to hwy 1 north to go eat oysters or seafood, very friendly staff and neighbors," notes a camper who appreciated the access to local dining options when staying at developed facilities.
