Cabin camping near Orland, California offers accommodations within California's northern Sacramento Valley. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching 100°F, while winters remain mild with occasional frost. Several reservoir-based and riverside cabin options exist within a 45-minute drive radius from Orland, creating easy access to both water recreation and mountain terrain.
What to do
Water recreation at East Park Reservoir: Located near Stonyford, the reservoir provides boating, jet skiing, and fishing opportunities. One camper noted, "We picked a spot right on the water and got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese. The views were incredible no matter which way we looked, especially at sunset."
Explore Lassen National Park: Red Bluff Recreation Area provides a convenient base camp for day trips. "It is only about an hour to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at Lassen NP," mentions one visitor who appreciated the proximity to this volcanic national park.
Riverside relaxation: Enjoy the peaceful setting along the Feather River where cabins offer direct water access. A visitor at River Reflections RV Park shared, "Location is great especially if you have a boat to launch or just enjoy being at the river. Sierra Nevada brewing was a 20 minute ride in the event you are looking to slake a thirst in the hot weather."
What campers like
Quiet, uncrowded settings: East Park Reservoir remains less known compared to other regional options. A camper explained, "Not too many people are familiar with East Park Reservoir which is nice in the sense that it usually isn't over crowded on holiday weekends and especially not during regular seasons."
Well-maintained grounds: Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA receives praise for its upkeep. "Clean well maintained grounds!" noted one visitor, while another mentioned it was "the most clean campgrounds I've ever seen. This place is VERY well cared for."
Riverside views: Waterfront cabin sites create peaceful environments. A camper at River Reflections stated, "The park is on the river with grass lawn all the way to river and very well kept," highlighting the direct water access that many cabins provide.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water levels at reservoirs fluctuate significantly. One East Park visitor cautioned, "The second time we went was June 2020. This time we stayed on the other side of the lake. The water was super low, so our view was completely dried up."
Noise factors: Not all cabin locations provide complete serenity. A Gridley Inn and RV Park visitor noted, "Kinda small sites, no table or anything," while another camper at River Reflections mentioned, "I can hear a gun range and a freeway. Basically in town, so not feeling like I'm enjoying nature."
Facility differences: McCarthy Point Lookout cabins offer only toilets with no drinking water or electric hookups, contrasting sharply with more developed options. At Red Bluff Recreation Area, "Quarters required for a hot shower," indicating the pay-per-use system in place.
Tips for camping with families
Reservoir access considerations: For families with boats, East Park Reservoir provides launch flexibility. "We took our canoe and were able to launch from our site. So ideal," shared one visitor describing the convenience of waterfront cabin sites.
Amenity-rich options for children: McCarthy Point Lookout lacks facilities for children, making it less suitable for families. Meanwhile, Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA offers "a pool area and dog park," plus "a big game room," providing entertainment options during downtime.
Shade availability: East Park Reservoir has limited tree coverage. "The pricing is pretty inexpensive but the only downfall is that here isn't a whole of tree coverage for shade so make sure to bring a pop up tent/canopy," advised one camper, emphasizing the need for portable shade solutions during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Red Bluff Recreation Area experiences significant seasonal variations. One RVer reported, "In November when we stayed, there were maybe four or five other campers," highlighting the low winter occupancy that provides more cabin options during off-peak months.
Cell service reliability: For those needing connectivity while staying in cabins, coverage varies by location. A camper at River Reflections noted, "Cell service is spotty at best and unfortunately WIFI was not working properly although that is not needed for camping, working was almost impossible."
