Cabin camping near Portola Valley, California offers overnight options at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most cabins are situated among redwood groves that create cooler microclimates, often 10-15 degrees below surrounding valley temperatures. Winter nights frequently drop to the 30s, requiring appropriate gear and heating sources for comfortable stays.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: During spring months, explore Berry Creek Falls at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, accessible via a strenuous 10-mile round trip trail. "Best thing about this campground is proximity to the Berry Creek Falls... a huge series of water falls on a super long and strenuous hike," notes Andrew D.
Wildlife viewing: Search for white fallow deer at Mount Madonna County Park, descendants of William Randolph Hearst's exotic animal collection. "Near the ranger station there are pens with white fallow deer. They are descendants of the exotic zoo at William Randolph Hearst's mansion down the coast," explains April N.
Archery practice: Test your aim at Mount Madonna's 28-target archery course that winds through the forest. "There is an archery trail with 28 targets on a trail through the woods. We were there 3 days in a row and did 20 of the 28. It's really pretty and a cool challenge," shares one visitor.
Water activities: Visit Del Valle Campground for lake activities including swimming, fishing, and boating. Boat rentals are available at the marina, with both recreational and fishing boats offered. The swimming beach area provides designated safe zones with lifeguards during peak season.
What campers like
Microclimate variations: Campers appreciate the fog-created rain phenomenon in the redwoods. "This is the only place I've seen the redwood trees harvest the fog and make their own rain, which is pretty cool. In the morning it's raining under the redwood trees but not under the madrone or tan oak trees, which is wild," describes a camper at Mount Madonna.
Quality dining options: Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA offers surprisingly upscale food choices. "The restaurant at the lodge, the Cascade, was phenomenal. This is coming from someone used to San Francisco and Oakland restaurants. The vegetables were all grown in the garden and the dishes were expertly executed, and so dang fresh we could not believe we were at a KOA," reports Alma L.
Creek access: Cotillion Gardens RV Park provides sites near flowing water. "We spent 2 nights here with our 2&3 year olds. Sites are a little tight but worth being nestled in the redwoods. Lots of hiking and exploring right from the campsite," says jacob B. The park features tent sites located just across small footbridges spanning the creek.
Off-season tranquility: Winter and early spring visits often mean fewer crowds and more wildlife sightings. Most cabin accommodations remain open year-round, though some facilities may operate on reduced schedules from November through March.
What you should know
Temperature preparation: Mountain elevations create significant temperature drops. "It is a lot colder here than on the valley floor. Prepare for it to be 40deg colder than Gilroy or San Jose. We weren't prepared & had to drive into town & buy more clothes!" warns a visitor about Del Valle Campground.
Site variations: Research specific site numbers before booking. "When booking campsites here, I recommend taking some time to research the campsites as they vary in size and privacy. I would recommend 301, 320, 323, 324 in the Valley View 3 area. They offer large sites and privacy," advises a Mount Madonna visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions by securing food. "Campsite neighbors seemed very squeamish about camping and left out food that a raccoon family got into in the early morning waking them and us up," reports Jessica R. about Cotillion Gardens.
Cell service limitations: Most cabin areas have limited or no cell coverage. "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life," notes a Del Valle camper, while Santa Cruz KOA reviews mention "WiFi like always is iffy and ATT is limited. 1 bar at site 30."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday offers extensive children's entertainment. "TONS of activities on site- huge bouncy pad, a climbing wall, ping pong tables, a swimming pool, pedal go karts, the list goes on and on," shares Daniel D. This location works particularly well for families seeking organized recreation.
Biking considerations: Mount Madonna trails require riding skill. "Great campground for the kids to bike at but there are a few big hills so make sure they know how to use their brakes," warns Weston W.
Bug protection: Some areas experience seasonal insect activity. "LOVE this majestic state park and its campground... the ONE nit I have is that the lack of air movement during the summer = LOTS of bites. I highly recommend camping in the spring or fall if you are prone to welt-y bug bites," advises Tai W. about Big Basin.
Cabin selection: When booking cabin accommodations, consider proximity to bathrooms versus noise. "Campsite 325 was right next to the bathroom, which was convenient but made things noisy around bed time and in the morning. Wouldn't recommend this site if you like to sleep in while camping," notes a Mount Madonna visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA, prepare for hookup challenges. "Hookups are pretty far away and needed my sewer extension," reports one RVer, while another notes, "The pull through spaces are extremely tight to the point that our slide out was hitting vegetation and our neighbors awning was about two feet from our RV."
Site selection strategy: Choose back-in sites for more space at some campgrounds. "Back in spots have far more space," advises an RVer at Santa Cruz North-Costanoa KOA. This applies to multiple area campgrounds where site configurations vary significantly by type.
Storm closure awareness: Check current status before planning trips to Seacliff State Beach. "Campground has been closed since winter storms washed most of it away in 2023," reports Chip C. Weather impacts continue to affect availability at several coastal campgrounds.
