Cabins at Collins Lake Recreation Area and Lake Francis Resort provide furnished accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Most feature electricity, beds, and basic kitchen facilities including mini-fridges, microwaves, and hot plates. Lake Francis Resort offers two-bedroom cabins with twin bunk beds, full-size bottom bunks, and private bathrooms with showers. "The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes," noted one visitor. Many cabins include dining tables, futons in living areas, and front porches with views of nearby lakes or forests. Air conditioning options vary, with some locations offering swamp coolers to manage summer heat.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs and Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA provide cabin options with different comfort levels. Most require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when lakefront cabins fill quickly. Pet policies vary by location, with many allowing dogs for an additional fee. A review mentioned, "We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins." Check-in times typically start at 4 PM with 11 AM check-out, though specific policies differ between campgrounds.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen supplies often include basic dishware, though cooking equipment varies significantly between locations. On-site camp stores at Collins Lake and Lake Francis Resort offer essential supplies, snacks, and ice cream. Woolman at Sierra Friends Center and Manzanita Rock Meadow provide more primitive cabin experiences with fewer amenities. Nearby general stores in Oregon House and Dobbins stock additional provisions for longer stays. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many families appreciate having access to both cabin comforts and outdoor recreation: "Nice wide front porch to sit on and enjoy the view, communal tables and bbq for all the cabins."
"Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time. Great fishing spots!!"
"We camped along the lake shore. They also have lots of great spots higher up, among the trees that come with picnic tables, firepits and water available."
"Very nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park."
"It’s definitely a place I’ll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues."
"We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins."
"Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack."
from $40 - $100 / night
"Right behind a casino, but a really nice park. Excellent bathrooms and showers. A pool area and dog park. Good Wi-Fi and amenities."
"Electric hookups, sewer, clean grounds, playground, swimming pool, club house with bar and pool tables, and the casino and brewery are right there."
from $60 / night
"This park give excellent access to the Yuba River if you are looking to hike a section that does not have a ton of swimmers."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $165 / night
"Coloma resort is what some friends call "Glamping", but it's so much more than that. You can tent camp (it's covered sites for camping too), rent a cabin or RV camp. Great sites along the river too."
"The sun shade provided in the tent sites came in handy when we had a short moment of rain. It was also much appreciated during the sunny weather."
from $50 - $100 / night
from $75 - $120 / night
"Thousand Trails Lake Minden Tiny Park, Giant Heart
We spent three weeks at Lake Minden and, to be honest, judged it too quickly."
"If you are okay with that they have a lot of sites right next to the water. The sites away from the water are quieter."
RangerVery nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
GuideThey let us check in early it is all paved but not level!
Traveler6 was the best campsite by far
LegendI invite you to take a look at the pictures. This is a simple gravel parking lot with hookups. There's nothing special about this location.
GuideVery popular in the summer!! Amazing lake front campsites with incredible views. Also kind of pricey. There’s onsite security and a big store with delicious icecream. Totally incredible fishing opportunities.
TravelerOur family loved it here. Great staff. The poo was clean and heated. They had volleyball, karaoke, clean bathrooms and open showers.
There is even a cute pond to fish out of.
Theirs an old town that has two stores open. One is ice cream and the other is breakfast and lunch.
Everything is affordable.
ScoutShe was very rude
GuideWe booked the Eagles Nest campsite, and the views were awesome! We stayed two nights and had a good time. There are two spots down below the main road that are accessible but recommend at minimum AWD, especially if visiting during the rainy season. The host was very helpful got us a case of water and even had fresh eggs that we bought. 👍🏼
ScoutThe staff is friendly, flexible, and easy to communicate with. They placed me right next to the water with privacy on both sides. It's secure, and so peaceful. Highly recommend.
Cabin camping near Penn Valley, California offers options within a 30-mile radius of town, centered in Nevada County at approximately 1,300 feet elevation. The foothills location provides a moderate climate with hot, dry summers reaching 90-100°F and cool, wet winters. Most cabin sites in this area are situated near lakes, rivers or wooded areas that provide recreational opportunities beyond standard camping.
Water recreation options: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides access to fishing, canoeing, and kayaking throughout the warmer months. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," reports a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Historic gold mining exploration: Visit Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to see California's gold mining history up close. "There is a great history lesson in this park about the mining industry in California and what it has done to our environment. You will see up close and personal the destruction of mountains by water jets in an effort to find gold," notes one visitor to Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground.
River swimming: The Yuba River offers swimming spots with varying water levels throughout the season. "Manzanita Rock Meadow was perfect for us. We have a campervan and the spot was level and very clean, affordable, and with great views... We got to meet Galen when she brought us firewood and she told us about some great trails on the Yuba River to catch some amazing sunsets," a camper reports about Manzanita Rock Meadow.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin areas around Penn Valley offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. "We had such a fun time at this campground. Our site was in Section A on a dry creek bed. Dry in August at least. Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" says a visitor to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Swimming in lakes: Most cabin campgrounds with lake access offer swimming areas that are popular during summer months. "It was over 100 degrees the wknd we were there so we spent practically the whole wknd in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet," adds another Lake of the Springs visitor.
Gold panning opportunities: Try your luck at finding gold in local waterways. "If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here! You will not strike it rich, but with a couple hours of effort you can get a nice little bottle of gold flakes to take home with you," mentions a visitor to Coloma Resort.
Cell phone coverage limitations: Many cabin camping locations have limited or no cell service. "Not a bad cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, particularly during summer. "You have to book way ahead of time, but it's well worth it," advises a Coloma Resort visitor.
Heat management considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in this region. "The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us!" recommends a visitor to Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA.
Swimming areas with gradual entry: Look for lakes with beach areas for younger children. "I love this camp ground. Really nice lake always stocked with fish. Quiet at night and not rowdy during the day. Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals," shares a Collins Lake Recreation Area visitor.
Playgrounds and recreation: Some cabin camping facilities offer additional recreation options. "Pool, playground, basketball and soccer - will definitely be back with the kids soon," notes a Coloma Resort visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many cabin sites offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife up close. "We enjoyed making a fire in the Chiminea, and enjoying the string lights that went on at sunset. We'll definitely come back next time we're in the area," shares a Manzanita Rock Meadow visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some cabin locations have challenging access roads. "It was a little challenging getting our 16' trailer to the pad but it was worth it. So quiet and serene there. I don't think the bigger rigs would be able to make the turn into the site and the road to the entrance is a bit rough," warns a visitor to Manzanita Rock Meadow.
Electrical reliability: Power can be inconsistent at some locations. "It's definitely a place I'll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues. From what I could tell when driving around the majority of the sites were level; we had 4 spots and all were easy to back in," notes a Lake of the Springs visitor.
RV site amenities: Facilities vary greatly between locations. "Electric hookups, sewer, clean grounds, playground, swimming pool, club house with bar and pool tables, and the casino and brewery are right there," shares an Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA visitor about their comprehensive amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Penn Valley, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Penn Valley, CA is Collins Lake Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Penn Valley, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 cabin camping locations near Penn Valley, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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