Best Cabin Camping near Santa Maria, CA

Lopez Lake Recreation Area and Jalama Beach County Park offer cabin rentals within a short drive of Santa Maria. Cabins at these sites include amenities such as electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings outside. Most cabins feature comfortable sleeping accommodations with bunk beds or standard beds. "The yurts have bunk beds inside, an overhead light, and a heater. Outside each yurt is a picnic table, charcoal barbeque, a firepit, and a water spigot," notes a visitor about Cachuma Lake cabins. Pacific Dunes Ranch provides cabins with access to showers and toilets, while Pismo Sands RV Park cabins come with full electrical hookups and bathroom facilities. Flying Flags RV Resort features more upscale cabin options with heating, air conditioning, and kitchen facilities.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers yurt-style cabins along the waterfront with lake views. According to one visitor, "The yurts are in a more densely packed oak grove, offering more shade and more privacy than the upper-level campgrounds." Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when availability becomes limited. Pet policies vary by location - Jalama Beach County Park and Flying Flags RV Resort permit pets in some cabin accommodations, while Pacific Dunes Ranch prohibits pets. Cabin rentals typically cost between $75-150 per night depending on size, amenities, and location.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic kitchenware may be provided in some locations, though visitors should confirm what's available when booking. Cabin rentals at Avila Hot Springs include access to their on-site convenience store for essential supplies. On-site stores at Lopez Lake and Cachuma Lake stock firewood, ice, and basic groceries. A recent review noted, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas." For more extensive grocery shopping, visitors can access stores in Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, or Santa Maria, all within a 20-30 minute drive from most cabin locations.

Best Cabin Sites Near Santa Maria, California (18)

    1. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "The Squirrel Loop is not a lakeside loop (you cannot see the lake at all from here), but we have found it to be one of the quieter, less trafficked campground in the park."

    "I grew up going to Lopez since we lived in Santa Maria so maybe I’m biased."

    2. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 773-1811

    "At first we were unhappy seeing we had a site close to the outside road (189), but quickly changed our minds."

    "It’s clean, on site restaurant and store, on site security after hours, pool, beach access, etc. The location is great. A nice walk along the boardwalk down to the pier and shopping."

    3. Pacific Dunes Ranch

    11 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "No OHV activity nearby, Pacific Dunes Resort is a somewhat secluded RV park. Close spaces, picnic tables, but must bring your own fire pit. No grass, but hard packed sand and gravel."

    "Right next to some beautiful dunes. Rv / pull in sites. Have tables restrooms and fire pit relatively close to Oceano/ piano"

    4. Jalama Beach County Park

    38 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 736-3504

    "More than likely the beachfront sites will be booked, but be sure to call the ranher station just before for last-minute availability."

    "General: Variety of sites from basic camping to those with electric hookups. Some are considered premium beachfront sites and cabins. Prices are also adjusted seasonally. "

    5. Flying Flags RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Buellton, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 783-5247

    "Nice RV park... It's pretty big and offers several options for staying from small cabins to full RV hook up sites."

    "The resort offers RV camping, cottages Airtream rentals, canned ham rentals and safari tent glamping."

    6. Pismo Sands RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Oceano, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 481-3225

    $70 - $73 / night

    "Park is centrally located, close to stores etc and 5-10 min drive to Pismo Beach."

    "Heated pool and spa and clean modern laundry room.  Game room, library, and outdoor kids playground that has a mock pirate ship for the kids to climb through."

    7. Camp Arroyo Grande

    3 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 249-9517

    $35 - $175 / night

    "Cool spot to explore, it’s an event ground space with cabins, pool, showers, trails, nice views, and a beautiful place to explore."

    "Such an awesome unique space! Looks to be an old summer camp that is recently acquired to be a campground/outdoor event space. Amanda, the owner, is extremely sweet and accommodating."

    8. Avila-Pismo Beach KOA

    14 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 595-7111

    $225 / night

    "Staff is really nice and bathrooms, campsites and showers are very clean. Campground is tucked away within the mountain and there are many things to do just outside the campground."

    "Their store had a lot of items that you might need (groceries and alcohol) and little souvenirs. Staff was super friendly. Would have given them 5 stars, except that the wifi doesn't work."

    9. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "There is a general store, clean bathrooms, and showers."

    "The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. "

    10. Flying Flags Avila Beach

    8 Reviews
    Avilla Beach, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 888-0158

    $35 - $395 / night

    "Sites are spaced decently, but still 10-ish feet apart. Propane fire pits at each site. Clean bathrooms and lovely, huge private shower rooms. Laundry onsite is cashless - Apple Pay."

    "Beach is 10 minute walk and allows dogs. Near to San Luis Obispo and so much more that the lovely Central Coast has to offer. Staff were very attentive and helpful."

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Cabin Reviews near Santa Maria, CA

264 Reviews of 18 Santa Maria Campgrounds


  • j O.
    May. 25, 2018

    Jalama Beach County Park

    Beachfront Seclusion

    More than likely the beachfront sites will be booked, but be sure to call the ranher station just before for last-minute availability. Gorgeous spots with fire pits and picnic tables on the sand, just before a private beach accessible via the e0 minute, winding dead-end road. Facilities, a playground, tiered campspots and cabins, and a store all sit serenely at this quiet spot.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2023

    Jalama Beach County Park

    Ruggedly beautiful beach

    General: Variety of sites from basic camping to those with electric hookups. Some are considered premium beachfront sites and cabins. Prices are also adjusted seasonally. 

    Site Quality: Some sites are concrete; some are on sand. Our site was close to the beach, however, the view of the ocean was blocked by dunes (and also by a restroom). Our site also easily accommodated two camper vans. Each site had a large picnic table and fire ring, although the picnic table was a bit warped. 

    Bath/Shower: The closest restroom to our site was very basic – one toilet each for men and women with a shared sink on the outside. Showers are in a separate building and are $ 1.00 for three minutes. 

    Activities: The beach here is ruggedly beautiful and you can walk quite a distance if you go to the left; to the right, there is a lot of driftwood but is still somewhat walkable. There is also a store/small restaurant on-site.

    We were supposed to spend two nights here but after a very stormy night, we had to evacuate as the only road in/out was unstable, but we would definitely return. If we were unable to reserve a premium beach site, we would choose a site at the top level. Although these are furthest from the beach, they provide the best view of the ocean.

  • K
    May. 25, 2018

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful & filled with life

    I have been coming to this campground annually since around 2009, and I've loved every trip. The campground is on the larger side, filled with grassy and shaded sites all throughout it. There is a general store, clean bathrooms, and showers.

    The campground is based on a peninsula that juts into the lake, therefore it has waterfront campsites on both sides, and all the sites in the middle are only a matter of 2-3 campsites from a water's edge. When you first enter the campground, there are a few day use only spots near the general store. All campsites at the base of the peninsula are the ones that families tend to stick to, as there is a pool, its close to the store, and that is the only area on the campground with full and partial hookups. As you travel up the peninsula, limited Yurts and Cabins are along the waterfront. Most yurts have a foot trail down to the water. The Yurt I stayed in (we camped 3 nights and had a yurt the last two) slept 4-6 people, 6 if you have kids. Yurts do not have bathrooms. It has electricity and heat, two bunk beds, a view of the lake, a wrap- around patio with chairs, picnic table, fire pit, water source, grill, and ample parking space. I have never stayed in a cabin here before but they look really nice.

    The general store is filled with pretty much anything you could ask for. About 3 rows of dry grocery goods, 1 refrigerated section including a very impressive selection of local craft beers, ice machine, firewood, smores stuff, fishing poles/ odd's and end's, candy, trinkets and gifts, propane, camping supplies, cooking supplies, stationary, etc. The wine selection, on the other hand, is sub-par; so a stop in SB on the way up is a must if you need wine! Keep in mind the store closes week days at 4 and weekends at 5 if i'm not mistaken.

    I think the main thing that keeps this campground so peaceful (other than their strictly enforced quiet hour from 10pm-7am) is the fact that NO SWIMMING, speedboats, wake boarding or waterskiing is allowed in the lake because is is a source of drinking water in the area. That being said, you are more than welcome to rent a 4 or 6 person fishing boat or 6-10 person pontoon boat for the day or hourly at the marina fishing store. The lake is open to fish until 6pm if you have a vehicle or are on a boat- a park ranger will come around at 6 and let everyone with a car know its time to go. However, if you walk to the marina, you could fish all night for all they care. You can also purchase fishing licenses for the day, 2 days, or year, at a reasonable price (I got a year pass it was $53.74) along with endless fishing lures, bait (including live), hooks, line, and poles. In regards to actually catching fish- In the past years I always rented a boat and i caught a lot of bass and carp, an occasional rainbow trout. This time I had plenty luck from certain parts of shore! Tons of beautiful 3 lb rainbow trout and 2 lb crappie! The limit was 10 per person, and people around us definitely caught their limit, but we were conservative and only caught what we needed for the day. Some fish bite more in certain areas of the lake than others, if you don't mind to hike a mellow/ moderate journey you'll find plenty of little coves within a reasonable distance of the campground. If you're looking for a bit more strenuous of a journey word has it there is a trail that goes all the way around the perimeter of the lake- I, however, have not hiked the trail, as my husband and I were backpacking into the campsite and that was an adventure in its self and I was exhausted!

    Like I mentioned before, the bathrooms and showers are very clean. No mirrors in the bathroom, there are multiple bathroom buildings throughout the campground along with the showers. Showers are individual rooms that have a locking door. Showers are pay showers, so bring a lot of quarters if you plan to stink pretty. I think it was $1.50 for 3 minutes.

    Another note: This campground is near the water (the lake and the ocean) and you're in the mountains; which means it will be generally pretty windy (bring chapstick!). The wind dies down midday and at night. If you're trying to light a fire when the sun is setting- good luck. 20 minutes later- you're golden. It also gets very cold at night! I'm form Southern California, so by cold I mean mid to low 40's, then add wind- yikes. On the contrary, bring sun screen for the day- cause it gets pretty warm! I'm still suffering the repercussions of not wearing any after fishing all day lol.

    Overall the campground is aesthetically pleasing on many levels. From the abundance of grass (no dirt sites), trees, rolling hills of knee high grass, blooming flowers, wildlife (ground squirrels, birds including california condors, blue jays, hawks, etc.), and, of course, the gorgeous cascading mountains plummeting straight into the lake, there's not a thing about this campsite I couldn't love.

  • Penélope F.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Flying Flags RV Resort

    Nice place for those who are looking to party!

    Nice RV park... It's pretty big and offers several options for staying from small cabins to full RV hook up sites. I personally was a little disappointed that place was packed as most places we have been staying had a 50% capacity restriction. Staff was friendly and helpful and definitely will return after pandemic is gone. Quiet time wasn't enforce which is nice for those wanting to party.

    Our site had a gas grill and fire pit which was nice for some of the chilly nights we had.

  • Sherrie R.
    Feb. 17, 2021

    Flying Flags RV Resort

    Full Service resort with close walking or biking distance activities

    The resort offers RV camping, cottages Airtream rentals, canned ham rentals and safari tent glamping. Endless amenities include soccer field, basketball court, bocce ball, pool/spa, playground, store, restaurant, LP refills, self service ice machine, firepit rentals, covered bike parking. Impeccably clean and well maintained. The site staff is very friendly, helpful and quietly accomplishes their tasks with hardly any disturbances to campers. Much appreciated. Was pleased to see roaving security regularly.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Avila Hot Springs

    Good for 1 Night & Quick Soak

    This small hot springs resort has a unique charm about it. With not a lot of acreage, they maximize the space for sure. The main attraction is the warm pool, 25 yards with swimming lanes, and the hot pool which can accommodate 30 people. We found this rustic resort a good place to spend the night and get in a quick soak, but not exactly someplace we’d like to spend a weekend. 

    The RV lot is a large parking lot with spaces allocated on the outside of the gravel road. The tent camping section was a narrow patch of grass, with sites slotted in together along a tight corner of the property. Get to know your neighbors, because you’ll be close! Our little camper and truck rig was just small enough to fit into one of the grass camping sites at 32 feet combined, but it was a tight fit.  We were easily able to run on solar instead of paying for an electrical site.

    There's a picnic table and fire ring at each site, but the sites are so small, you are practically on top of your neighbors with zero privacy.  There are pit toilets in the campground as well as flush toilets and showers available near the bath house.  They also offer cabins for rent.

    The town of Avila Beach has restaurants and a few convenience stores, but the larger grocery stores are available in nearby Pismo Beach.  Morro Bay is definitely worth a visit as well!

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    Lopez Lake

    Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA.

    Lopez is a frequently visited spot for us - We generally camp in a primitive site the back of the Squirrel Loop of the park. The Squirrel Loop is not a lakeside loop (you cannot see the lake at all from here), but we have found it to be one of the quieter, less trafficked campground in the park. The Squirrel Loop is nestled inside a canyon, surrounded by big, beautiful live oak trees.

    Lopez Lake is a very large campground with many different loops, so many of which are nearby the lake. If you haven’t been to the campground before and are not worried about reserving a site ahead of time, take some time to drive around the park when you arrive to see what area you would most like to camp in - there are a lot of great spots here there and everywhere!

    Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are clean plumbed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. Lopez has full hook-ups for RVs, and a marina to launch boats. There is a small but well-stocked convenience store in the marina with food, ice, firewood, beer, fishing gear, etc. There is also a small cafe located in the marina store, with limited hours.

    Lopez Lake is the home of the Mustang Waterpark, a small, but super fun water park. I believe the park is closed during the fall and winter months, but is open during the spring and summer. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and there are some “beach” areas that have been cleared of lake plants and rocks for safe swimming.

    Hiking to Big Falls is a fun adventure if you want to leave the campground. There are certain times when the falls are not accessible without 4WD, however, we have been in severe drought conditions in Central California for the last few years, so you don’t have to worry about crossing any deep creeks, if any. A super low clearance vehicle may have a challenging time crossing the creek beds, even when dry. The drive to Big Falls trailhead from Lopez is short, but probably takes 15-20 minutes as you are driving through a curvy, narrow canyon road. The hike is through live oak trees most of the way, so most of the hike is nice and shaded. Keep and eye out for salamanders when crossing the creek beds! While it is unlikely, black bears mountain lions have been spotted on the Big Falls trail, so be aware of your surroundings. Here are directions to the Big Falls trailhead: http://www.hikeslo.com/big-falls/

    WARNING : While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/ food lockers at Lopez Lake. I would suggest locking your food and coolers up in the car at night to avoid attracting wild animals to your campsite.

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $35/night (primitive site)

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: Yes (coin-operated)

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: Yes

    Cell Service: No

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Huge County Campground with Numerous Site Types

    The lovely county run park in the hills above the Santa Barbara coastline, is a great campground offering a wide variety of camping experiences from full hook ups to grass covered spaces under the trees along the shores of this lovely reservoir. The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. 

    The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hook ups you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system. We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life. 

    The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground. The coin operated showers got the job done, but since we were there during a chilly March, things could have been warmer. But hey, everything important got clean… 

    The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water. So plan on using the campground pool to cool off during the summer months. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area, and kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

    The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake. These are often booked out so plan ahead. 

    The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas.  There is also a cool pub down by the boat ramp which offers live music in the weekends.  The nearby tourist town of Solvang offers a great day trip to sample the amazing Dutch pastry treats, pick up some groceries, wine tasting, or a night out on the town.

  • T
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Pismo Coast Village RV Resort

    Large site, great location and beach access

    At first we were unhappy seeing we had a site close to the outside road (189), but quickly changed our minds. It was an end space with our curb side facing out, giving us no neighbors and extra grass. Each site has hook ups, picnic table and fire ring. Any and all RV services are available with a great store and laundry. A gate leads to the beach and town is a couple short blocks away. We would definitely come back.


Guide to Santa Maria

Cabin camping near Santa Maria, California offers visitors convenient access to diverse coastal and inland environments within a 35-mile radius. Located in California's Central Coast region, Santa Maria sits at approximately 200 feet elevation with a Mediterranean climate featuring fog-cooled mornings and warm afternoons throughout summer. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F while summer temperatures average 55-75°F, making year-round cabin accommodations particularly valuable during foggy coastal evenings.

What to do

Hiking at Lake Cachuma: The lake features numerous trails around its perimeter with views of the surrounding Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains. "There are endless trails around Cachuma Lake in Los Padres National Forest. There are some mellow hikes around the perimeter of the lake itself, offering nice views of the lake and the surrounding Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains," notes a visitor to Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.

Fishing opportunities: Many cabins put you near prime fishing spots along the central coast. "The lake is wonderful and usually very mellow. Kayaking and fishing are both nice at Lopez as well," reports a camper at Lopez Lake Recreation Area.

Wildlife viewing: Bird watching and wildlife spotting are exceptional activities year-round. "Cachuma Lake is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding. Deer can often be viewed on the shores of the lake, and we have even seen bobcats and foxes," shares a visitor who photographed wildlife at the lake.

Beach activities: Cabin stays near Jalama provide access to less crowded beaches. "The beach is very big and beautiful. Sunsets are beautiful! There is no cell service but there is wi-fi and a pay phone," explains a long-time visitor to the coastal area.

What campers like

Convenient store access: Cabin guests appreciate on-site stores for supplies. "A small but well-stocked general store is available, as well a small (expensive) gas station. The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something," reports a camper at Cachuma Lake.

Family-friendly amenities: Parents value cabin locations with extra activities. "Flying Flags RV Resort has everything. The resort features a plethora of housing options, including vintage trailers and airstreams, cottages, luxury tents, and RV/tent camping spots," notes a visitor to Flying Flags RV Resort.

Local dining options: Many cabin locations offer on-site food service. "Lovely lake cafe with good hot food, beer/wine, and even cocktails. There is outdoor dining and even a fire pit for colder months," explains a Cachuma Lake camper who enjoyed the convenience.

Privacy levels: Different cabin settings offer varying degrees of seclusion. "Stayed here in a cabin for 2 yrs because of work in area. Quiet, clean and away from the city. Love this place," shares a visitor to Pacific Dunes Ranch.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "You will need months of advanced notice. All are back in. During certain times a year they want a 5 night minimum, so be aware," advises a repeat visitor to Flying Flags Avila Beach.

Swimming restrictions: Some lakes prohibit swimming despite allowing other water activities. "Keep in mind that you CANNOT SWIM in Cachuma Lake. Silly, I know, but they justify it because Cachuma lake is Santa Barbara's drinking water source. You are allowed to boat, kayak, and fish on the lake, but no swimming!"

Weather considerations: Coastal locations can experience significant wind. "This can be an extremely windy stretch of beach. During the day it will blow onshore and at night it will blow offshore," warns a visitor to Jalama Beach County Park.

Cabin amenities: Amenities vary significantly between locations. "I'm so glad I came across this on the maps. It was a bit of a splurge ($105/night), but when I pulled in and saw that view - it was totally worth it. Sites are spaced decently, but still 10-ish feet apart. Propane fire pits at each site," describes a visitor at Flying Flags Avila Beach.

Tips for camping with families

Water park access: Lopez Lake offers additional entertainment for children. "Lopez Lake is the home of the Mustang Waterpark, a small, but super fun water park. I believe the park is closed during the fall and winter months, but is open during the spring and summer," explains a regular visitor.

Kid-friendly activities: Some cabin locations provide extensive recreation options. "There is a playground as well as bocce and horseshoes. If you have children there is a playground as well as bocce and horseshoes," notes a visitor to Flying Flags RV Resort.

Beach access with kids: Consider hiking distances to water. "Our site was night to the dunes so easy walk to the sand, but about 30 minute hard walk to the ocean, it was worth it," advises a visitor to Pacific Dunes Ranch about managing expectations with children.

Wildlife education: Combine learning with outdoor experiences. "This place is worth the drive to get to. Cachuma also has a pool (for an additional fee), gameroom, playgrounds/jungle-gyms, and disc golf courses available," shares a visitor to Camp Arroyo Grande.

Tips from RVers

Cabins as RV alternatives: When RV spots are full, cabins provide comparable comfort. "Avila is beautiful! The camp sites are very tight but the staff is very helpful with parking. The facility is very clean. Short drive to the beach," explains a visitor to Avila-Pismo Beach KOA.

Site spacing considerations: Some locations offer more room than others. "We had a premium site at $185 a night and it was nice, but it was on the main entrance road so that was a little annoying. Site 91, not very much shade from the afternoon heat, but plenty from the morning sun with a massive live oak."

Wildlife precautions: Take appropriate food storage measures. "While the possibility of a black bear sighting is fairly uncommon, black bears are seen every year at Lopez Lake. You are in black bear county, and there are no bear boxes/food lockers at Lopez Lake."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Santa Maria, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Santa Maria, CA is Lopez Lake Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Santa Maria, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 cabin camping locations near Santa Maria, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.