Cabin camping near Running Springs, California offers visitors access to the San Bernardino National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach the 70s-80s with cooler nights in the 50s. Most cabin areas close during heavy winter snowfall, typically from November through April, though availability varies by location and annual conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Arrowhead: North Shore Campground provides lake access just 4 miles from Lake Arrowhead Village. "The sites are well spaced, good tree cover. Very nice patch of land. Quiet. Lake Arrowhead Village is 4 miles away," notes Andrew B. from North Shore Campground.
Hiking local trails: Many cabin sites offer direct trail access. At Bonita Ranch Campground, visitors appreciate the nearby natural features. "The creek running behind the camp is great to explore, and a waterfall is a short hike away. We also lucked out finding berries in August," reports Jonathan G.
Hot springs soaking: The thermal springs near cabins provide natural relaxation opportunities. "The deep creek hot springs were absolutely fabulous, as they were situated next to a cold creek where we could do therapeutic hot cold plunges. The hike to the hot springs was fairly tough, but we found it easily with the trail starting right on the property," explains Jessica B. from Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat.
What campers like
Cabin variety: Options range from basic to equipped units. "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," shares Sara H. about Bonita Ranch Campground.
Lake proximity: Several cabins feature direct water access. "Super nice staff!! They remembered us after only staying here twice which means they take pride in the care for their customers. We love that we can tent camp by the water!" exclaims Sandi B.
Winter accessibility: Some cabins remain open during colder months. "Went as it was one of the first into northern CA from Oregon. Lucked out! Just about to book for this June," comments David B. about his off-season experience at North Shore Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We reserved and camped at this beautiful campground back in July of 2018. It was a great experience," shares Ed E. describing his planning for North Shore Campground.
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have limited privacy between units. "Sadly the sites are small with no space between the sites. The noise restrictions after 10pm are not enforced so bring ear plugs. Expect a lot of people walking through your site," advises Summer A.
Access challenges: Many cabin areas require navigation on unpaved roads. "You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping experience," notes Jessica B. about Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several sites offer organized recreation. "Beautiful views, picnic areas, and plenty of kid-friendly activities make this a great family destination. Nice place to camp, weather is around 75 during the day and about 50 to 36 degrees cold through out the night," reports Martin O. about Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Water features: Streams and pools provide natural play areas. "We traveled from Fullerton to Brea. Check in is near 12. I only assume that since check out is 11. When we arrived the camp host was waiting for us... After a quick back and forth with the most ideal spot and a quick set up, it was in the river we went," describes Armando C.
Group accommodations: Larger family gatherings can be accommodated at select sites. "We visited this campsite with 4 other families. We thoroughly enjoyed the stream the trails the pool and all the good times," shares Armando C. about his experience at Seven Oaks Lodge.
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup availability: Several cabin areas also accommodate RVs with services. "We pulled a 27' Travel Trailer from Livermore, CA and picked out the perfect site #94. It was the furthest RV site north of the campground and we had power, water and sewage. It was a lake front campsite so we had a nice view of the lake right in our 'front yard,'" explains Ed E.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Porta potties. Not too many amenities. Just what you need to camp right by the shore. Nothing more, nothing less. Our site wasn't super flat," warns Christian N. about Mission RV Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV site accessibility. "This is a fairly nice place to camp. I would avoid camping here during the summer since it does get very hot. It is closed during the winter months, but you can still catch some cooler weather when it first opens during the season," advises Rick S. about Mojave River Forks Regional Park.
