Cabin camping near San Lorenzo, California provides rustic retreats within the region's mild Mediterranean climate, where summer temperatures typically range between 65-85°F and winter temperatures rarely fall below 40°F. The Bay Area's microclimates create distinct conditions at each site, with coastal cabins often experiencing morning fog that burns off by midday, while inland locations may see temperatures 10-15 degrees warmer.
What to do
Hiking at Del Valle Campground: Trails ranging from easy to difficult surround this lake area about 45 minutes from San Lorenzo. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful! The lake is also very picturesque," notes Emmy at Del Valle Campground. The campground connects to a network of trails, including access to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail.
Explore redwood forests: Samuel P. Taylor State Park cabins put you close to old-growth redwoods with several trail options. "There are all kinds of trails available, as well as a paved path that runs for at least a mile or so along the creek, that used to be the old railroad line through that area," explains Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Beach access and tidepools: Steep Ravine cabins provide direct coastal access. "It's about a mile into Stinson Beach if you need provisions or restaurants, and you can hike right onto the Steep Ravine / Matt Davis trails and climb all over Mt. Tam from the campground," shares Adam at Steep Ravine Campground.
What campers like
Coastal views: The ocean-facing cabins at Steep Ravine offer unparalleled views. "The cabins are well worth the cost. There is a separate bedroom, you could sleep 2 couples on beds easily with extra floor space and a small individual bunk for larger families," writes Amber D. When staying in these cabins, bring binoculars for wildlife spotting - campers regularly report seeing seals, raptors, and various waterfowl.
Riverfront locations: Olema Campground cabins sit near the gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. "They have great amenities - a store, post office, hot showers. Everything you need is there. There is a great restaurant down the road and a church next door!" explains MarinMaverick at Olema Campground. The location provides excellent access to coastal exploration.
Wildlife viewing: Del Valle Campground cabins place you amid abundant wildlife. "Lots of turkey and deer in the area," reports Ed E. The campground's natural setting supports diverse animal sightings, especially during early morning hours when wildlife is most active.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Steep Ravine cabins are notoriously hard to secure. "Extremely hard to get a reservation. Can get very windy! Georgeous spot to pitch your tent on the ocean cliffs," explains Kelly S. Reservations open exactly six months in advance, and spots typically fill within minutes of becoming available.
Weather variations: Coastal cabin sites experience significant temperature swings. "One thing to note, the night is COLD up this way, and mere miles will cover several different weather systems. Bring layers," advises Kathleen C. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground.
Pest considerations: Some cabins require attention to wildlife management. "There were several brand new mouse traps provided at the entrance to my cabin. You'll need them," warns Adam about Steep Ravine Campground. Proper food storage in sealed containers is essential at most cabin locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for cabin amenities: Brannan Island's cabin offers specific features for families. "They have one cabin with electricity. It has a bunk bed And a queen. Bring air mattresses cause they are just wooden frames," advises Ed S. at Brannan Island State Recreation Area.
Consider play areas: Some campgrounds provide dedicated children's facilities. "The kids love the playground and try their hand at shuffleboard," notes Outdoordude D. about Olema Campground, making it a good choice for families seeking structured activities.
Check site spacing: Some cabin areas offer more room for children to play. "The sites are a decent size with lots of trees to climb on, hide in, and play on," shares a reviewer about Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where cabins provide space for family activities amid the trees.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Samuel P. Taylor's roads can be challenging. "It's a bit too tight for large trailer or RV camping (unless you are an expert at maneuvering through tight spaces)," cautions Tai W. RVs over 28 feet may find several cabin campgrounds in the area difficult to navigate.
Arrival timing: For cabin campers arriving by RV, timing matters. "Definitely recommend getting there well before the gates close because there were issues getting a hold of the camp host," advises Moriah M. about Skyline Wilderness Park, noting that late arrivals might face challenges.
Parking limitations: Many cabin sites have restricted parking. "The parking area for our site was large enough to accommodate our SUV and another vehicle," notes Joseph F. about Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Always confirm parking capacity when booking, especially if arriving in multiple vehicles.
