Cabin camping near Orinda, California offers rustic lodging options with varying levels of comfort just 30-45 minutes from the city. Located in the hills east of Berkeley at around 1,200 feet elevation, this area experiences coastal fog and temperature swings that can create surprisingly chilly evenings even during summer months. Campground cabins in the region frequently maintain waiting lists during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Hiking and trail running: At Del Valle Campground, visitors can access numerous trails ranging from beginner to advanced. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque," notes Emmy. The cabin lodging puts you minutes from trailheads.
Horseback riding: Five Brooks Ranch in Olema provides guided trail rides near Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground. "The win on this campground is how close it is to Point Reyes National Seashore, San Rafael, Olema, Novato and Marshall. I would highly recommend Five Brooks Ranch in Olema for horseback riding," suggests Kathleen C.
Wine tasting: Cabin guests at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park can easily explore nearby vineyards. "Nice campground halfway between St. Helena and Calistoga giving you access to the Napa Valley at a very reasonable price," notes Robert S. The park's location allows for daytime wine tours while maintaining affordable lodging costs.
What campers like
Ocean proximity: The oceanfront cabins at Steep Ravine Campground offer unmatched coastal views. "For that, you get your own seaside cabin with million dollar views just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sleeping platforms for about 6 people split among 3 semi-private rooms," writes Adam. These cabins require advance planning as they book quickly.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate natural encounters near their cabins. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Joseph F. notes "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" Similarly, cabin guests at Steep Ravine report diverse wildlife: "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."
Woodstoves for winter comfort: Cabins with wood-burning heating systems provide cold-weather options. According to Adam at Steep Ravine: "If you're staying in winter, or staying for more than a couple days, or have kids and really want to set up house, then go for a cabin... the wood burning stove provides some light." Bringing extra blankets remains advisable despite heating options.
What you should know
Cabin reservations timing: Securing cabin accommodations requires planning. For Olema Campground, Maria M. advises "Lucky to reserve one night here for Thanksgiving. Some non reserved available when we arrived." At Steep Ravine, Adam explains: "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."
Pest management: Wildlife encounters sometimes extend to unwanted cabin visitors. Adam warns Steep Ravine visitors: "Mice. There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them... In two days, I caught three and actually had to buy more traps."
Temperature considerations: Night temperatures drop significantly, particularly in cabins without electrical heating. At Samuel P. Taylor, Kathleen C. advises: "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers." Similarly, Robert S. notes at Bothe-Napa Valley: "Make sure you are prepared for the temperature swing. 89 in the day and down to 51 at night."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: San Francisco North-Petaluma KOA offers extensive recreational options. "Great place for families. Playgrounds, swimming pool, lots of space to run and scream. We stay when visiting the area and endure the screaming kids," notes Linda A. Their cabin accommodations include tent cabins suitable for families.
Learning opportunities: Many area cabins provide educational experiences. Joseph F. notes Samuel P. Taylor has "informational signs all over the place providing historical or ecological information." Several cabin locations feature nature programs during summer months.
Cabin selection considerations: When booking family cabin stays, think beyond location. Adam explains for Steep Ravine: "I'd recommend choosing a cabin close to the parking lot. They're actually more private and you can use the wheelbarrows to move your stuff from car to cabin. The cabins further away from the parking lot are further down the hill; wheelbarrows are not an option."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: For those considering RV sites instead of cabins, Skyline Wilderness Park offers both options. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," notes Rich J. The park's cabins and RV sites provide similar amenities.
Cell service considerations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. At Skyline Wilderness, Moriah M. reports: "My fiancée and I both work remotely using hotspots on Verizon, and found no trouble at all. Data speeds wavered between 10-25 mbps depending on where we were on the property, but we could video conference and stream with no issues."
Combined cabin-RV trips: Some groups book both cabins and RV sites. At Olema Campground, Maureen F. explains: "We nestled our Sprinter between two large pine trees and took the dog for a walk. Then headed down the road for our first dinner indoors since February!" This approach allows groups with different preferences to camp together.
