2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cabins near Elk Creek range from rustic fire lookouts to fully-equipped resort accommodations. Pine Mountain Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire tower with 180-degree views and basic amenities including cots and an outhouse. The Narrows Lodge Resort provides more comfortable options with private bathrooms and showers. "A simple, rustic cabin. As noted by others, it suffers from a little damage/neglect—many of the windows are boarded up—but it's an old fire lookout so we didn't expect a rental cabin atmosphere. Views are exceptional, as is the peace and quiet," noted one visitor about Pine Mountain Lookout. Clear Lake State Park's Kelsey Creek Campground also offers cabin accommodations with lake views.
Most cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. Pine Mountain Lookout requires preparation for remote conditions, with visitors advised to bring chainsaws for potential fallen trees blocking access roads. Pet policies vary by location, with most allowing dogs but imposing restrictions. The Narrows Lodge Resort welcomes pets and provides amenities suitable for longer stays. One camper shared, "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower!" Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort features KOA-style cabins with family-friendly amenities including a pool, splash pad, and mini-golf course.
Visitors should plan to bring their own bedding, towels, and cooking supplies as amenities vary significantly between locations. Pine Mountain Lookout provides only basic furnishings, with visitors noting the importance of securing food from nocturnal wildlife. "Keep your food up on the table at night—the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter," advised one guest. More developed resorts like Mendocino Redwoods offer on-site stores for basic provisions. Access roads to remote cabins may require four-wheel drive vehicles, particularly after winter weather has affected road conditions. Cell service is limited or non-existent at more remote locations, so downloading maps and information beforehand is recommended.
"It was relatively quiet, and nobody immediately near us. Amazing sunsets. The second time we went was June 2020. This time we stayed on the other side of the lake. "
"It is a pretty good size that has plenty of space for small parties or large party campsites. It is not too far out from the town of Stonyford but still has enough privacy."
"Turns out it's closed to camping now, so I took a flyer and looked at this park. I managed to grab what appeared to be the last spot available for the Friday and Saturday night stay I had planned."
"Came back a year later on a whim and still found it to be a nice place, in spite of the heat."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"A simple, rustic cabin. As noted by others, it suffers from a little damage/neglect—many of the windows are boarded up—but it's an old fire lookout so we didn't expect a rental cabin atmosphere. "
"This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I’ve stayed in, however, and looks to have Ben vandalized some time in the past."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $50 / night
"We received a key to our own bathroom and shower! They had a sink to was dishes in and a place to clean our fish. We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly."
"It’s a family RV & cabin campground with a lot of great amenities. The new owners (5 years now) are very friendly and helpful making the whole experience a stellar visit."
"There are some sites with water and electric for $25 or $12.50 with pass. No sewer dump available. I did not use the showers or bathrooms. Quarters required for a hot shower."
"This is a great spot close, but not too close to the highway. About 5-7 drive off the highway right next to the Sacramento River. There were about 20-25 sites that need to be booked online."
"It was late and we were tired but when I walked in and heard good evening, I knew we found a nice spot. We were checked in and drove into the park. Clean and festive."
"We were just a few steps from the pool, which was clean, but pretty cold. It didn’t seem like it was heated. If it is, it’s not heated well."
"It has showers, but no pet area or great place to walk dogs. It had full amenities for RVs and both pull in and back in sites. Closely spaced, but awning room."
"Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching. Cute little store and boat rentals. Owners are super nice. Especially loved kayaking on the creek."
from $58 - $999 / night
Available this weekend
from $39 - $175 / night
"This RV park has many types of sites with pool, kid playgrounds and very large sights"
from $70 / night
ScoutOnly $16, not busy at all, extremely quiet even though I5 and town of Red Bluff is a mile or so away. Great federal lands spot just south of Mountains. Nice trails nearby alng river, and public boat launch with only one car in parking lot on a 77 degree Saturday. Beautifully shaded.
TravelerThis was a nice stay and the owner was friendly and helpful. It has showers, but no pet area or great place to walk dogs. It had full amenities for RVs and both pull in and back in sites. Closely spaced, but awning room. The only two drawbacks are that the price is high for the area, as is the area itself. There are some options to save, so it may be in your budget.
ScoutThis was a fairly nice campground in the sycamore grove. Mix of pull through and back in spots. Bathroom had showers that looked a bit old but did not use them. Bathroom door code was in the reservation receipt email. Fairly quiet and hosts were available and kind.
GuideThis RV park has many types of sites with pool, kid playgrounds and very large sights
TravelerAmple drive thru rv sites that are shaded by huge trees and surrounded by spacious fields of grass. Lots of room between sites. Access to Sacramento River and hiking trails a short distance away. Water spigots scattered thru out the campground. Stayed on a Monday and it was quiet and not very busy.
RangerThis is the perfect time of year to visit Clear Lake. There’s just a few boats on the lake. The campground is less than half full. The bathrooms are clean, and our site is paved and fairly level. There’s tons of different types of birds. We’ve been watching an osprey fishing.
GuideAffordable and beautiful spot! No hookups, but dump site and bathrooms available. Beautiful views of the lake!
LegendWe stayed here on a weekday in early October and we were the only ones in the entire campground. We picked a spot right on the water and got to enjoy the amazing views and sounds from the geese. The views were incredible no matter which way we looked, especially at sunset.
Porta potties and pit toilets throughout the campground. The road to the campground was a bit bumpy.
Campground fee can be paid via a QR code.
GuidePost creek guard station was awesome. The views were amazing, especially the star gazing. Took Tedoc rd going in. Long, dirt, rocky rd not recommended for passenger vehicles. Our transit connect was fine, but slow going, just enough clearance. The cabin was pretty clean. Someone left their garbage. It's a pack in 0ack out kinda place. Water is gravity feed for a flushing toilet and dish washing water. (Non-potable) nearby spring was great for filtering or the 1/4 mile down to creek and swimming hole. There are 2 new full size mattresses and a 2 burner Coleman stove. Recommend just bringing all your own gear and consider it like a camping trip, w/ bonus flush toilet. The drive out was smooth. Took service rd 30. Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails.
Camping cabins near Elk Creek, California offer a range of accommodation options in Mendocino National Forest and surrounding areas. Located at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, the Elk Creek area features a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers reaching 95°F and mild winters. Oak woodlands and pine forests characterize the landscape, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with limited water access during summer months.
Fishing at Clear Lake: Access prime fishing spots from Kelsey Creek Campground in Clear Lake State Park, where campers report success year-round. "Large campground with many great options for activities. This park has lake access from a large sandy beach. Extensive nature trail system throughout the park," notes Lena M. about Kelsey Creek Campground.
Birdwatching at dawn: The wilderness areas around East Park Reservoir offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities, especially during spring migration. "We're listening to the bullfrogs singing and wondering why they don't eat all of the mosquitoes," shares Darrel F. about early morning wildlife at East Park Reservoir, highlighting the diverse amphibian and bird populations.
Water sports on Blue Lakes: Rent boats and water equipment at Pine Acres Blue Lake Resort, which provides direct lake access. "We stayed for 5 glorious days..kayaking, fishing, small friendly campground. We had site A1...private cove right by lake," mentions David B. about his experience at the resort.
Secluded swimming spots: The Narrows Lodge Resort features a beach area with swimming access that remains uncrowded even during peak season. "The water is crystal clear and there's a little dock for jumping off of. They bring in sand for the beach which makes it a really nice experience," explains Erika L. about Narrows Lodge Resort.
Unique sleeping quarters: The Old Train Caboose offers one-of-a-kind accommodations for those seeking something different from standard cabins. According to Ashley F., the property offers "2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees," providing a novel overnight experience not found elsewhere in the region.
Wildlife viewing: Riverside camping at Clear Lake Campground provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Lots of wildlife sightings across the creek in the state park reserve. Great birdwatching. Cute little store and boat rentals," shares Diane W. about Clear Lake Campground.
Road conditions vary significantly: Many cabin accommodations require navigating unpaved roads that can become challenging during wet seasons. "Dirt for a short bit, then paved all the way to hwy 36. Definitely be going back, and hitting some of the hiking trails," notes Bruce E. about the access roads to Post Creek Guard Station.
Cell service limitations: Most remote cabin locations have minimal to no cell coverage. Greg B. reports about Post Creek Guard Station: "There is ZERO cell service (Verizon), and non-potable water. Price paid online was $60," highlighting the need for advance planning.
Reservation windows fill quickly: Summer weekends book months in advance, especially for lakeside cabins. "Any Californian will know it isnt always easy to book last minute campsites, so I appreciate that! There are 100+ campsites there, so it seems like always something available," Julie D. explains about East Park Reservoir.
Kid-friendly amenities: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort offers extensive family-oriented activities including splash pads and mini-golf. "Great family campground. Bring your kids, plenty to do for them," Theo A. recommends, while another reviewer adds, "A petting zoo, water play, pool, arcade and events. We were there for movie night."
Beach access considerations: Beaches at Clear Lake State Park require supervision due to algae conditions that vary seasonally. "Great camping, hiking, boating. Lots of nature trails. Super friendly staff," mentions Kelly S. about the family-friendly activities available.
Pack insect repellent: Evening mosquito activity can be significant, especially near lakes and creeks. "Decent facilities... Bring cash and insect repellent," advises edith about basic family preparations needed at Kelsey Creek Campground.
Road width challenges: Several resorts have narrow approach roads requiring careful navigation. "The road is a little tight to get into this resort (1 lane road with traffic going both ways with few pull offs) but the views are absolutely amazing!" warns Raven P. about Narrows Lodge Resort, suggesting arrivals during designated check-in windows.
Full hookup availability varies: Confirm utilities before booking as some cabin areas have limited water access. "All of the hookups worked fine! The hour appearance of the facility was one of years of decay like a ghost town," reports Bill M., indicating the importance of checking utility reliability.
Year-round options limited: Winter cabin camping is available but with reduced services. "We're in the Kelsey Creek Campground (it's the only one open this time of year) and there's hardly anyone here. Very peaceful, good birdwatching, and abundant deer life," shares Suzanne S., highlighting the off-season benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Elk Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Elk Creek, CA is East Park Reservoir with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Elk Creek, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 cabin camping locations near Elk Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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