Cabin camping options near Point Arena, California range from basic shelters in state parks to deluxe accommodations with hot tubs and family amenities. The coastal region averages 40-60 inches of annual rainfall, with most precipitation occurring between November and March. Summer fog often blankets the coast until midday, creating cooler temperatures than inland areas, while fall typically offers clearer skies and milder conditions.
What to do
Water activities at beaches: Within a mile of Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA, campers can access coastal trails and swimming spots. "The beach is about a mile hike, you can ride your bike though on the road outside the KOA or drive and the beach is closer. Point Arena lighthouse is a close drive away," notes one visitor.
Wine tasting excursions: The Anderson Valley wine region surrounds Hendy Woods State Park Campground, making it ideal for Pinot Noir enthusiasts. "Great campground in the Anderson Valley. Anderson Valley is a Pinot Noir region so wineries surround the campground. Booneville is a cute nearby town with kid friendly Anderson Valley Brewery and Pennyroyal Cheese Farm," shares a camper.
Mushroom photography: Late winter and early spring offer unique photography opportunities. A camper explains, "I always come to Hendy Woods with my camera, especially in the late winter, early spring to do some mushroom photography. So much to see here!"
What campers like
Warm pools: Several cabin campgrounds maintain heated swimming pools even during cooler weather. "The pool is so clean and warm, we were told it was 85°, and I believe it. The sites are all decent sizes," reports a visitor at Manchester Beach KOA.
Community kitchens: Full cooking facilities enhance cabin stays for those who prefer not to cook outdoors. "This KOA has large tent sites and a HUGE kitchen with 3 electric stoves and several sinks and microwaves for camper use," reports one camper about Manchester Beach KOA.
Ancient redwoods: Caspar Beach RV Park & Campground offers unique forest-to-shore proximity. "A forest of trees right across the street from the crashing surf. Lovely! It has a wonderful tent camping area back away from RV's in the Redwoods and many other trees," writes one visitor.
What you should know
Cell coverage varies significantly: Connectivity depends on location and carrier. At Thousand Trails Russian River, one visitor reported, "No Verizon service in the campsite and limited to no Verizon service for about 1/2 mile out of the campsite." Meanwhile, Hendy Woods offers better service: "I always have a little bit of service (Verizon) at the campground."
Winter access changes: Seasonal bridge removal affects travel times to some properties. "Getting to the campground is easier in the summer because there is a bridge that goes over the river, making it a shorter drive. In the winter, the bridge is removed, so you have to go through the town of Cloverdale and back track, adding about 15-20 minutes to your trip."
Shower tokens required: Many state parks and private campgrounds use token-operated showers. At Clear Lake State Park, "The showers are token operated. Outside the bathrooms is a machine for token exchange. It takes $1 and $5 bills. They are these cute, unique coins specific to the park. Apparently lots of California state parks use tokens and you can 'collect them all.'"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers extensive facilities for children. "We stayed in one of the premium hot tub sites, where you get your very own hot tub. Highly recommend, my kids absolutely loved it and so did I! We were just a few steps from the pool... The splash pad was a family favorite. The petting zoo was also super cute and the animals seemed like they were well taken care of."
Junior ranger programs: State parks often offer educational activities. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires."
Movie nights: Evening entertainment comes standard at many cabin campgrounds. One visitor to Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort reported, "We arrived early evening as camp activities were getting underway, setting up to the soundtrack of Beetlejuice showing nearby."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Casini Ranch Family Campground offers varying site quality. "One tip for those towing trailers... the campground loop roads are not one way. Make sure to figure which direction to approach for the easiest backup."
Hardware-grocery combinations: Local shopping options combine unusual merchandise. "There is an Ace Hardware about a 2 mile drive so that's convenient. The WiFi is super spotty and we honestly couldn't join it. The closest town doesn't really have anything open but a small grocery store."
Elevation concerns: Site conditions can damage vehicle undercarriage. "Some spots are inclined in a way that your hind end may really scrape the ground/asphalt. There are grooves in the road everywhere it is common."
