Best Cabin Camping near Paskenta, CA

Four cabin accommodations are available in the vicinity of Paskenta, California, each with distinct features and amenities. Pine Mountain Lookout offers a rustic experience with cots, bunk beds, a table, chairs, and a clean outhouse. Post Creek Guard Station provides a larger layout with separate living room, bedroom, and restroom areas. East Park Reservoir cabins include picnic tables and nearby toilet facilities. Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area features cabins with access to drinking water, showers, and toilets. "This is a gorgeous, and larger than expected, structure. It has a living room, restroom & bedroom. Sadly, the area was devastated by fires several years ago but the views & privacy are breathtaking!"

Rustic cabin options predominate in the Paskenta region, with most properties being former forest service structures rather than modern KOA-style accommodations. Pine Mountain Lookout provides exceptional views but has several boarded-up windows due to past vandalism. Post Creek Guard Station requires advance reservations and costs approximately $60 per night. Most cabins permit pets but have varying seasonal availability - East Park Reservoir opens in April while Red Bluff Recreation Area operates year-round. Access roads to some cabins, particularly Pine Mountain Lookout, may require four-wheel drive vehicles. One visitor noted, "The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting."

Basic furnishings are provided in most cabins, but guests should bring their own sleeping bags, linens, and food supplies. The cabins typically lack electricity and running water, with Pine Mountain Lookout offering only non-potable water access. Visitors should secure food properly overnight as wildlife intrusions are common. According to feedback, "Keep your food up on the table at night--the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter." Cellular service is non-existent at locations like Post Creek Guard Station, so travelers should plan accordingly for emergency communications. Weather conditions can affect accessibility, with seasonal road closures possible due to snow or fallen trees.

Best Cabin Sites Near Paskenta, California (4)

    1. Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Red Bluff, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 527-2813

    "There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass. No sewer dump available.

    I did not use the showers or bathrooms. Quarters required for a hot shower."

    "This is a great spot close, but not too close to the highway. About 5-7 drive off the highway right next to the Sacramento River. There were about 20-25 sites that need to be booked online."

    2. Post Creek Guard Station

    2 Reviews
    Platina, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 623-2121

    $75 / night

    "The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water."

    "It has a living room, restroom & bedroom. Sadly, the area was devastated by fires several years ago (August Complex 2020) But the views & privacy are breathtaking!!"

    3. East Park Reservoir

    4 Reviews
    Stonyford, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 458-0466

    "It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us.  Amazing sunsets.

    The second time we went was June 2020.  This time we stayed on the other side of the lake. "

    "It is a pretty good size that has plenty of space for small parties or large party campsites. It is not too far out from the town of Stonyford but still has enough privacy."

    4. Pine Mountain Lookout

    3 Reviews
    Potter Valley, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $50 / night

    "A simple, rustic cabin.  As noted by others, it suffers from a little damage/neglect—many of the windows are boarded up—but it's an old fire lookout so we didn't expect a rental cabin atmosphere. "

    "This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I’ve stayed in, however, and looks to have Ben vandalized some time in the past."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Paskenta, CA

2 Photos of 4 Paskenta Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Paskenta, CA

12 Reviews of 4 Paskenta Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2025

    Pine Mountain Lookout

    A Unique Experience

    A simple, rustic cabin.  As noted by others, it suffers from a little damage/neglect—many of the windows are boarded up—but it's an old fire lookout so we didn't expect a rental cabin atmosphere.  Views are exceptional, as is the peace and quiet.  Get up early and you'll catch the dawn chorus of an amazing number of birds: warblers, woodpeckers, quail, juncos, grosbeaks, cowbirds, even robins.  The cabin is roughly outfitted with cots, bunkbeds, a table and chairs.  There's a clean outhouse down by where you park and a firepit, which we didn't use because it was windy when we were there.  Keep your food up on the table at night--the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter.  Only caveat is the access to the cabin.  They're not kidding when they warn you to bring a chainsaw.  Two of the three roads in and out were blocked by downed trees (so big our small chainsaw wasn't helpful), and in places the road that was open had pretty deep potholes and gullies formed by last winter's heavy rains.  I was really glad we had 4WD.

  • G
    Nov. 15, 2022

    Pine Mountain Lookout

    Epic views

    This is the third CA fire lookout I’ve stayed in, and ties for first place in terms of majestic views. This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I’ve stayed in, however, and looks to have Ben vandalized some time in the past. It’s missing 3 of the window sections (now replaced with solid wood storm panels, and the entry lock on the cabin’s only door has been ripped out some time ago.

    Still - the cabin is sound and will provide a solid - if more rustic - sleeping experience than some of the other lookouts in CA.

  • D
    Nov. 18, 2021

    Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area

    Great Quiet Campground

    This is a gem in Red Bluff. CA. You are minutes from I-5 but it is impossible to hear the traffic. Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark.

    We paid $8 per night for a site with our Interagency Senior Pass, no hookups. There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass. No sewer dump available.

    I did not use the showers or bathrooms. Quarters required for a hot shower. Husband says bathroom was clean.

    Beautiful old sycamore trees give this park lots of shade in the hotter months and provide a peaceful setting even in the winter months.

    It is only about an hour to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at Lassen NP.

    In November when we stayed, there were maybe four or five other campers.

    We would definitely return when we are driving thru.

  • M
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area

    Great spot of passing through

    This is a great spot close, but not too close to the highway. About 5-7 drive off the highway right next to the Sacramento River. There were about 20-25 sites that need to be booked online. It was full when we went, but we were able to boondock in the fisherman’s boat loading area w/out issue.

  • Bruce E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Post Creek Guard Station

    Labor Day seclusion

    Post creek guard station was awesome. The views were amazing, especially the star gazing. Took Tedoc rd going in. Long, dirt, rocky rd not recommended for passenger vehicles. Our transit connect was fine, but slow going, just enough clearance. The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water. (Non-potable) nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole. There are 2 new full size mattresses and a 2 burner Coleman stove. Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, w/ bonus flush toilet. The drive out was smooth. Took service rd 30. Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails.

  • Julie D.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    East Park Reservoir

    Great for last minute reservation

    I've been to this campground twice now, and had very different experiences.  

    The first time was memorial day in 2019, and we had a great spot right on the water.  We took our canoe and were able to launch from our site.  So ideal.  It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us.  Amazing sunsets.

    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.  Also, it was pretty noisy with sites cramming several tents onto their sites.

    Either way, on both occasions we the site relatively last minute, maybe a week or two in advance.  Any Californian will know it isnt always easy to book last minute campsites, so I appreciate that!  There are 100+ campsites there, so it seems like always something available.  Plus, not too far from the bay area.

  • Kelsey B.
    Jun. 29, 2017

    East Park Reservoir

    Unfamiliar Treasure

    This is a great reservoir to camp, boat, jet ski, fish, etc. It is a pretty good size that has plenty of space for small parties or large party campsites. It is not too far out from the town of Stonyford but still has enough privacy. 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. The pricing is pretty inexpensive but the only downfall is that here isn't a whole of tree coverage for shade(hence why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5) so make sure to bring a pop up tent/canopy for shade. Otherwise, this is an overall great reservoir to camp at and a friendly one.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Post Creek Guard Station

    What an AMAZING spot!!!!

    Having recently set a goal of staying at all our ‘local’ lookouts, Post Creek is #2.
    This is a gorgeous, and larger than expected, structure. It has a living room, restroom & bedroom. Sadly, the area was devastated by fires several years ago (August Complex 2020) But the views & privacy are breathtaking!! I drove ‘option 2’ TO the camp without any issues. (Lifted Crosstrek) Washboards were fair/moderate. Upon leaving, I tried to follow ’option 1’ FROM the camp, but got slightly off track & stayed on 24N10. (no biggie, just more dirt than pavement) The road is ‘fine’, but there are lots of tight spots due to downed trees & fire damage There is ZERO cell service (Verizon), and non-potable water. Price paid online was $60. I could NOT find the ‘swimming hole’ 😞

  • Samantha S.
    Sep. 13, 2016

    Pine Mountain Lookout

    So cool to be able to stay in an old fire lookout tower!

    It was such a unique experience staying at Pine Mountain Lookout. The tower is unique in that it only gives a 180º view rather than 360º which allows you stunning views of the sunset. And they were absolutely gorgeous sunsets! There are cots provided just make sure you bring a sleeping bag, sheets, etc. It looks like they recently put in a new outhouse which was very clean! The only bad thing I have to say is there were a bunch of rodents; didn't see any while we were there, just a ton of mouse droppings on the counters and by the door in the morning, so make sure you pack away your food at night. There were also signs that rattlesnakes are in the area, but didn't see or hear any.

    The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there. But overall it was an amazing experience. I can't wait to stay at another fire tower!


Guide to Paskenta

Cabin accommodations near Paskenta, California offer rustic lodging options in the Mendocino National Forest region at elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000 feet. Located in Tehama County with proximity to the Sacramento River, these cabins provide shelter in an area characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. Winter access to higher elevation cabins may require preparation for snow conditions and potential road closures from November through March.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: East Park Reservoir provides excellent bird watching during sunrise hours. One visitor noted, "Get up early and you'll catch the dawn chorus of an amazing number of birds: warblers, woodpeckers, quail, juncos, grosbeaks, cowbirds, even robins."

Water recreation: East Park Reservoir accommodates various water activities including fishing, boating, and swimming. According to a camper, "This is a great reservoir to camp, boat, jet ski, fish, etc. It is a pretty good size that has plenty of space for small parties or large party campsites."

Stargazing: The dark skies around cabins near Paskenta provide exceptional stargazing conditions. A visitor to Red Bluff Recreation Area mentioned, "Right on the Sacramento River and the skies are remarkably dark."

National park access: Cabins serve as convenient base camps for exploring nearby attractions. One camper stated, "It is only about an hour to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center at Lassen NP."

What campers like

Seclusion and privacy: Many cabins offer isolation from crowds and noise. A visitor to Post Creek Guard Station remarked, "The views and privacy are breathtaking!"

Last-minute availability: Unlike many California camping destinations, some facilities near Paskenta can be reserved with short notice. A camper shared, "Either way, on both occasions we the site relatively last minute, maybe a week or two in advance. Any Californian will know it isn't always easy to book last minute campsites."

Affordability: Cabin accommodations provide economic lodging options compared to hotels. A visitor to Red Bluff Recreation Area noted, "We paid $8 per night for a site with our Interagency Senior Pass, no hookups. There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass."

Proximity to towns: Despite wilderness settings, cabins remain reasonably close to services. According to one review, "It is not too far out from the town of Stonyford but still has enough privacy."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to cabins often require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Pine Mountain Lookout mentioned, "In places the road that was open had pretty deep potholes and gullies formed by last winter's heavy rains. I was really glad we had 4WD."

Wildlife encounters: Both beneficial and problematic wildlife interactions are common at cabin sites. A camper stated, "The mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter."

Variable water availability: Water access differs significantly between cabin locations. According to a Post Creek Guard Station visitor, "Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water (Non-potable). Nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole."

Maintenance conditions: Facility upkeep varies across cabin options. One camper observed, "This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I've stayed in, however, and looks to have been vandalized some time in the past."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Post Creek Guard Station offers natural water recreation. A visitor mentioned, "Nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole."

Site selection strategy: For families seeking space and comfort, researching specific site characteristics helps. One camper advised, "There are a TON of great sites here - with shade, without shade; flat, hilly; etc."

Supply planning: Cabins require specific gear preparation. A visitor recommended, "Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, with bonus flush toilet."

Shade considerations: Sun protection varies by location. A camper noted, "The only downfall is that there isn't a whole lot of tree coverage for shade so make sure to bring a pop up tent/canopy for shade."

Tips from RVers

Alternative overnight options: When established sites are full, some areas permit alternative parking. One RVer at Red Bluff Recreation Area shared, "It was full when we went, but we were able to boondock in the fisherman's boat loading area without issue."

Hookup availability: Limited utility connections exist at select sites. A camper noted, "There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass. No sewer dump available."

Seasonal crowding patterns: Occupancy levels fluctuate predictably. According to one review, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Paskenta, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Paskenta, CA is Mendocino National Forest Lake Red Bluff Recreation Area with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Paskenta, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 cabin camping locations near Paskenta, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.