Cabin camping near Old Station, California provides rustic accommodations in the volcanic highlands at elevations around 4,500 feet. Located within the southern Cascades, this region experiences warm summer days with cool nights and winter temperatures that often drop below freezing. Fall cabin rentals typically require advance reservations due to limited availability during the September-October shoulder season.
What to do
Swimming at natural sites: At Manzanita Lake Campground, water activities offer refreshment during summer months. "Access lake manzanita from this bucolic setting. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are overpriced so bring your own," notes Karl L. The lake has some limitations, as one visitor points out: "The lake allows no water Recreation due to a over population of beavers; Beavers are apparently dangerous."
Wildlife viewing: Deer and birds frequently visit cabin areas. At Hat Creek Resort, wildlife observation is common near the water. "We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park for closed for the season and what a nice surprise," reports Kristi D. Wildlife viewing extends to larger mammals: "We drove up to the the other side of Lassen 30min away and saw the Sulphur Works hydrothermal vent. We also saw a small bear and deer there."
Fishing opportunities: Many cabins provide access to fishing spots. "Hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning," explains Frank P. Fishing in the Old Station area requires a California fishing license, available online or at some local stores. Fall and spring offer the best fishing conditions when water levels are optimal.
What campers like
Comfortable rustic experience: Cabin amenities vary significantly between locations. "That was pretty awesome it's just a small cabin that has a bed, all cooking and hanging out is done outside the cabin. It has a little porch was pretty cute," writes a visitor about the McArthur-Burney Falls cabins. At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, cabins provide basic sleeping quarters. "I stayed at the state park in a cabin for 2 nights... nice too good amount of trails...only few of them were closed due to a storm an fires...the falls are not even far to get too maybe 5 minute walk," notes sergio T.
Location near attractions: Cabin locations provide strategic access to regional highlights. "We enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference," shares Kim G. about Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins. The cabins allow easy access to hiking trails: "We booked a 1 room camping cabin for 2 nights during a hiking trip. It was a great little place to stay for a few nights. It had the feel of camping but also some amenities of a cabin."
Privacy levels: Site layouts affect privacy between cabins. "We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," notes Jason D. about his experience at Hat Creek Resort. Some sites offer more separation than others, with many in forested settings that provide natural screening between accommodations.
What you should know
Bathroom and shower access: Facilities vary between cabin locations. "Bathrooms in B loop nicer than in A loop. But A loop closer to lake," notes Kim G. about Manzanita Lake. At Mill Creek Resort, visitors report mixed experiences: "The vault toilets in the tent area are very dark even during the day, and are not well maintained. The showers were also very dirty with bugs everywhere."
Weather conditions: Temperature fluctuations require preparation. "It got real cold, like 27 degrees at night in early sept there," warns Michael K. about Lassen area cabin camping. The mountain location means weather can change quickly, with temperature drops of 30+ degrees possible between day and night, even in summer months.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. "I couldn't get a cell signal for Verizon the whole time I was at the campground," reports Ambra V. about Mill Creek Resort. Most cabin areas have limited or no cell service, though some report better reception at higher elevation points.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger activities: Educational opportunities engage children. "The museum has a Junior Ranger program which is a book of neat educational tasks for the kids to complete so that they can show it to a ranger and get a Junior Ranger Badge," explains Jillean G. These programs typically require 1-2 hours to complete and are available at visitor centers.
Child-friendly recreation: Several campgrounds offer designated recreation spaces. "It's great seeing the kids ride around the loop on their bicycles and scooters," shares Celina M. about Manzanita Lake. The Village at Highlands Ranch provides varied dining options suitable for families: "An upper class restaurant and a bar so something for everyone."
Swimming holes for children: Natural water features offer cooling recreation. At Cattle Camp Campground, accessible swimming spots accommodate various age groups. "Trail to a gorgeous swimming hole. Water is very cold though. Rope swing. Lots of kids at swimming hole!" reports Marisa Y. These swimming areas typically require a short walk from cabin areas, with most within 15 minutes by foot.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Choosing the right site affects comfort levels. "Be ready to level your camper," advises Kim G. about Manzanita Lake. The volcanic terrain throughout the region creates naturally uneven surfaces requiring adjustment.
Seasonal considerations: Weather dictates camping conditions. "We were in two different sites as we made same day and next day reservations. Yes, some of the spots are tight, but we were able to get two nice sites that felt more open," notes Kim G. Late-season cabin camping requires careful planning, as Kristi D. explains: "Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"
Supply planning: Limited store options necessitate advance preparation. "They had a little grocery store with ice cream..we had some ice cream. It was delicious," shares Kristi D. about Hat Creek Resort. Most cabin areas have minimal supply options, with gas stations 20-30 minutes away in surrounding towns.
