Camping cabins near Ukiah, California provide overnight shelter at elevations ranging from 600 feet in the valleys to over 2,000 feet in surrounding hills. The region's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s, while winter nights frequently drop below freezing in higher elevations. Seasonal considerations affect cabin availability, with many locations requiring reservations 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
What to do
Hike through ancient redwoods: At Hendy Woods State Park Campground, visitors can explore two old-growth redwood groves directly accessible from the camping area. "The two redwood groves are easily accessible from the campsite, and the campsite itself is pretty nice. Quiet, nicely located and I always have a little bit of service (Verizon) at the campground," notes Sophia B., who recommends visiting in late winter or early spring for mushroom photography.
Wine tasting excursions: The Anderson Valley wine region surrounds Hendy Woods State Park Campground, making it an ideal base for exploring local vineyards. "Anderson Valley is a Pinot Noir region so wineries surround the campground. Booneville is a cute nearby town with kid friendly Anderson Valley Brewery and Pennyroyal Cheese Farm," reports Beth K.
Fishing and boating: Blue Lakes offers water recreation opportunities near Narrows Lodge Resort. "We rented a motor boat for a few hours to explore the beautiful lake. Pet friendly. Great little beach. A dock to fish from. Everything you need to have a great time!" says Jessica R. The resort provides direct lake access with a dock and beach area for water activities.
Experience unique accommodations: For campers seeking non-traditional lodging, the Old Train Caboose offers a distinctive overnight stay. This converted caboose provides a quirky alternative to standard cabins with access to shared facilities. Ashley F. from The Dyrt notes, "This property is offering 2 lodging options, a Caboose & Tent camping under the Walnut trees."
What campers like
Quieter mid-week stays: Several campgrounds report significant differences in crowd levels and noise depending on when you visit. "We were lucky enough to camp on a Monday when everyone had gone home so we had the place almost all to ourselves. We enjoyed every bit of Hendy Woods. The camp site was great and well maintained," shares Caitlin B.
Clean, heated pools: Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA offers a heated swimming pool that receives consistent praise. "The pool was so clean and warm, we were told it was 85°, and I believe it. The sites are all decent sizes," says Erika L., who also noted exceptionally clean restrooms and showers.
Private bathroom access: Some cabin accommodations at Narrows Lodge Resort include private bathroom facilities. Jessica R. explains, "We rented a camping yurt and we were so surprised how big it is! We received a key to our own bathroom and shower!" This feature provides added convenience compared to shared facilities at standard campgrounds.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, certain cabins maintain reasonable connectivity. "This is a lovely campground, but what really stood out was that I managed to get enough cell signal to work from my trailer. Even a video Zoom conference on at&t hotspot!" reports Meg R. about Hendy Woods State Park Campground.
What you should know
Access road challenges: Some cabin locations have difficult approach roads. "The road to get into the campground is very sketchy. It is extremely narrow and there is no where to pass along it. So make sure you abide by the check in check out times, which are significantly far apart, to ensure that nobody meets each other on the road," warns Erika L. about Narrows Lodge Resort.
Seasonal water conditions: River access for swimming varies dramatically by season. "When we visited in late summer the river near the daily access area was somewhat dried up (flowing like a small creek) and had very little shade," notes one visitor to Hendy Woods. At other campgrounds, swimming areas may be closed entirely during winter months.
Propane-only fire restrictions: Several locations have limitations on traditional campfires. "There are no campfires, except for propane fire, which was kind of a bummer," mentions Erika L. about Narrows Lodge Resort. Always check current fire regulations, as they change seasonally and with drought conditions.
Poison oak awareness: This irritating plant grows throughout the region. "There's quite a bit of poison oak, be aware of where you are walking," cautions a visitor to Hendy Woods State Park. The plant can be particularly problematic around cabin sites and along trails during spring and summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Hendy Woods State Park offers structured activities for children. "The junior ranger program and nightly events for families helped keep the kids engaged in the camping experience. Park rangers hosted guided hikes, nighttime stargazing (with telescopes), and nightly campfires," reports one camper.
Entertainment options: At Cloverdale/Healdsburg Campground, various recreational amenities keep children occupied. "Lots for kids to do. Pool, fishing pond, playground, hiking trails. We were there for one night during the week but it looks like they have additional activities on the weekend," notes Jeanne D.
Family-friendly cabin layouts: When booking cabins with children, consider specific floor plans. "We stayed in one of the premium hot tub sites, where you get your very own hot tub. Highly recommend, my kids absolutely loved it and so did I! We were just a few steps from the pool," shares Erika L. about Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort.
Kitchen access importance: For families, having cooking facilities can be crucial. "They had a sink to wash dishes in and a place to clean our fish," notes Jessica R. about the amenities at Narrows Lodge Resort. Other locations offer community kitchens with multiple cooking stations for meal preparation.
Tips from RVers
Winter site selection: During colder months, consider cabin heating systems. "The basic cabin was spacious and the heaters worked very well," notes a visitor to Manchester Beach KOA. Cabins with insulation and proper heating are essential from November through March when overnight temperatures frequently drop below 40°F.
Off-season advantages: Mendocino Redwoods RV Resort maintains year-round operations, making it viable for winter stays when many other campgrounds close. "We stopped here overnight on our way up the coast. Well maintained, nice facility and friendly staff," reports Melanie R., noting that while the facility caters to families with small children, it works well for overnight stays.
Site approach angles: At Kelsey Creek Campground, consider vehicle clearance when selecting a cabin site. "Site was perfect. Close to the water am very accessible for an RV," notes Victoria P. Other campgrounds may have steep approach angles that can cause issues for longer vehicles.
