Camping cabins near Pomona, California are accessible year-round due to the region's Mediterranean climate that averages 287 sunny days per year. The foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains provide most cabin locations at elevations between 1,500-5,000 feet, creating temperature differences of 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor in summer months. Winter cabin rentals typically require chains for vehicles between December and March when mountain roads can experience icy conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails nearby: Crystal Lake Recreation Area offers multiple trails accessible directly from the campground. "This is probably our favorite place to go considering we end up hear almost every other weekend year around... bring your dirt bike and hit some of the trails, it's a definite must!" says Salem L. about Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground.
Water activities: Newport Dunes offers beach activities within 45 minutes of Pomona. "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay," notes Karissa J. about Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Mountain biking: Multiple trails around Millard Trail Camp provide single-track options for bikers of various skill levels. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," reports Jeff B. about the trails near this camping area.
What campers like
Quiet mountain settings: The higher elevation cabin rentals provide cooler temperatures and forest environments. "Stayed here two nights in August, it was nice and cool a good break from the heat. There are a lot of sites here for camping unfortunately they are not all open for use. There are several hiking trails here that are well used and well maintained," writes Robert A. about Millard Trail Campground.
Lakeside access: Some cabin locations offer direct water access. "It is very crowded on the weekends. However, if you drive further towards the back of the site you can find nice, secluded sites," notes Ginger V. about Crystal Lake facilities.
Onsite amenities: Many cabin campgrounds feature extras beyond basic accommodations. "Stayed for a quick weekend when hubby still had to work... easy to get in and out of... Nothing stopped us from enjoying ourselves and relaxing. Bike path nearby as well as washing and having fun," mentions Janet S. about Canyon RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Mountain cabin locations have different access challenges throughout the year. "The lake isn't back actually near the site, and they don't allow for swimming. However, there is a recreational area 20 minutes down the mountain on the lake. It was $17 per night, and was an easy & beautiful drive up the mountain," says Mercy M. about Crystal Lake.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, especially during peak times. "It's quaint quiet but you're packed in like sardines it's a tight fit but everybody here is pretty friendly... for the price definitely it's kind of high but that's okay for some people but for some of us who are on a budget you might want to skip this one," advises Sara H. about Fairplex RV Park.
Noise levels: Some cabin locations experience traffic noise due to proximity to roadways. "Campground is well-organized, with cabins, RV spots, a youth area, tent spots and a ropes course. A pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free. The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night," explains Christina S. about Canyon RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature changes: Mountain cabin locations can experience significant day-to-night temperature swings. "There are beautiful views of the mountains. Has bathrooms (no flush). Lots of Mosquitoes and bugs. Well worth it. Has a fire pit at each spot. Has picnic table, but very splintery, bring covers. Most sites have tree coverage," shares Katarina A. about her experience at Crystal Lake.
Book specific cabin locations: Request specific cabin numbers when possible for the best experience. "Took a very last minute trip for one night. Such a close spot and beautiful escape from LA, that's also probably the most negative part of the review. Being so close to LA means lots of in and out traffic and it shows," comments Charlie C. about weekend crowds at Crystal Lake.
Explore kid-friendly activities: Many cabin locations have designated children's areas. "Water park and mini golf for kids. Showers and laundry convenient. Camping spots all have fire pit and spacious area for RVs and tents," shares Xochiquetzal G. about Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RV travelers can find cabin options at many of the same facilities if needed. "Campgrounds are VERY close together so be prepared to meet your neighbors. It's also very quiet as soon as the sun sets (since there is no campfires keeping people up) so everyone ends up going to bed around 8pm as to not disturb your VERY close neighbors," advises Chanel C. about Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park.
Accessibility concerns: Some cabin facilities offer better accessibility than others. "This is one of the best handicap accessible shower and restroom areas we've seen. The larger pool had a roll in area but I do not know if they had a wheelchair that would allow you to actually use it or if you needed your own. The downfall is they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance," notes Lara O. about accessibility at local camping facilities.
Site selection: Some areas offer premium locations worth requesting. "We stayed in the natural area with hook-ups everything worked great. Neighbors were nice, cute set ups with twinkle lights and people enjoying outdoor fire pits. Campers were playing music, laughter echoes through camp ground but nothing too loud and all quiet later," describes Jody R. from Rancho Jurupa Park.
