Cabin camping near Redlands, California provides access to both desert landscapes and mountain retreats within a short driving distance. Located between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Sonoran Desert, the area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 5,500 feet depending on location. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in lower elevations, while winter brings mild days and cool nights with occasional frost.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fisherman's Retreat offers stocked lakes with weekly fishing tournaments. According to one visitor, "There are 3 lakes that are stocked weekly or bi weekly. It's fun to watch the ducks & the pelicans flying around and landing & swimming on the water."
Water recreation: Rancho Jurupa RV Park features a lake suitable for families. "Fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake. Playground plus lots of grassy areas," notes one camper.
Hiking trails: Seven Oaks Lodge provides access to mountain trails when open. A visitor explains, "We thoroughly enjoyed the stream, the trails, the pool and all the good times." Currently, the lodge remains temporarily closed due to flood damage.
Mini golf and activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond standard camping. At Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, a camper mentions, "We enjoyed the mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far)."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Mission RV Park offers convenient access to local destinations. One visitor shared, "I stay here when I visit my granddaughter that lives in Redlands, CA. Although the park doesn't offer much of entertainment... I was able to enjoy all the shopping stores and restaurants near by. It is also close to a museum."
Natural setting: Many cabin sites provide natural surroundings despite being close to urban areas. A visitor to North Shore Campground notes, "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away."
Clean facilities: Maintained facilities rank high in camper satisfaction. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, a guest reports, "We found the campground to be very clean and well-maintained. The toilet facilities were also very clean and did not smell."
Security features: Safety measures provide peace of mind for overnight stays. At Rancho Jurupa Park, a reviewer notes, "Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes... Ranger is on constant patrol."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. At Mojave River Forks Regional Park, one camper advised, "It was entirely sold out for both weekend nights, so plan ahead."
Noise considerations: Some locations experience noise from nearby roads or other campers. A visitor to Cherry Valley Lakes noted, "Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it's a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to."
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds have limited operations during winter months. Mojave River Forks Regional Park "is closed during the winter months, but you can still catch some cooler weather when it first opens during the season."
Terrain variations: Camping surfaces vary significantly between locations. At Rancho Jurupa Park, one camper shared, "Took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine!"
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Wilderness Lakes RV Resort offers multiple family-friendly amenities. "We enjoyed the pool, watching the ducks in the pond, and the kids loved the basketball court... Friendly staff and overall friendly neighbors too!"
Campsite selection: Choose locations with appropriate facilities for children. At Rancho Jurupa Park, "Cottonwood is for the true RV'ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping."
Temperature preparation: Desert locations experience significant temperature shifts. At Mojave River Forks, a camper warns, "It was incredibly windy when we went in April 2021. In addition to the wind, it was very chilly in the evenings and through the night. Plan accordingly."
Water features: Water attractions provide relief during hot months. A visitor to Rancho Jurupa mentioned, "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bonita Ranch Campground provides essential RV services. "This place is awesome full hookups lots to do trails and not to mention right on top of the creek. Friendly staff helpful too restrooms r clean showers clean too."
Site spacing: Space between sites varies significantly between parks. At Mojave River Forks, "The campsites in the area where we were, were spacious and spread out. We liked very much not being on top of one another and appreciated how vast this campground is."
Electrical capacity: Check power requirements against available hookups. At Wilderness Lakes Resort, one RVer cautioned, "They don't have enough 50amp sites and not all of them are always working. This park is first come / first served and they don't prohibit a 30amp rig from taking a 50amp site."
Accessibility: Some locations accommodate larger vehicles better than others. A visitor to Rancho Jurupa noted, "Great park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful. Large concrete pads, easy backing in and hooking up."
