Best Cabin Camping near Watsonville, CA

Cabin Reviews near Watsonville, CA

386 Reviews of 26 Watsonville Campgrounds

• 

  Natalie G.

  Guide

  Jul. 28, 2020

  Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

  Idyllic campground close to loads of beauty

  We stayed here with our 2 dogs last November as a nice winter getaway from L.A. We got one of the tent cabins, which are just adorable and so cozy. The sites are nice and distanced from each other, bathrooms were in great shape and it was pet friendly. We got a package with the tent cabin that came with bedding, cooking utensils and firewood, so were pretty much set once we got there. The beds are comfy and the wood burning stove (photo attached) is the only source of heat. It is neat but BE WARNED...it gets COLD on those winter nights so make sure you a) have enough wood; b) are good at keeping fires going throughout the night; and c) have lots of dry wood. The wood that was left for us as part of our package was really wet and wouldn't burn so we had a very chilly night even with loads of sleeping bags and blankets. Other than that, we had a great experience and got to take the dogs for a great walk on the paved trails in the State Park. Can't wait to go back!

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• 

  Christina L.

  Guide

  Nov. 9, 2020

  Fernwood Campground & Resort

  Great time in Big Sur

  We stayed at site #66 in early November.

  Pros: Our site was large and had River access. It was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grate. Power and water were also at the site. Close to the bathrooms but not too close that it was loud. The bathrooms were big and had free showers. There was a laundry room and also an area to dishes near the restrooms. We had three cars and three tents and still have plenty plenty of space. The property had a motel, restaurant, general store and also small cabins for stay options. We appreciated the locations proximity to the sites of Big Sur. We also spent a lot of time at the site since it was so beautiful too. It rained each evening during our stay and was pretty cold but we had a great time still :)

  Cons: Site 66 was huge but was also right near the road used by many people at all hours of the day/night. The location is great but was very pricy. The site rate only pays for 2 people and 2 cars. So we had to pay $10 a person and $5 per car, per day above that 2people/2cars.

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• A

  Armando M.

  Scout

  Sep. 22, 2016

  Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

  Summer Family Fun at Big Basin

  We visited the Big Basin Redwoods State Park late July this year with a large group of friends and their families and it was such an awesome experience. We stayed in a tent cabin at the Huckleberry campground which was nicer than we thought it would be. It had just the right amount of space for my wife and I, our two daughters and all our gear. The entire campground is loaded with trees so there was plenty of shade everywhere. There's also a few decent hiking trails close to the campground which is really cool and convenient. My daughters enjoyed every minute from the hiking, riding their bikes, campfires as well as all the other great things to do when camping. We also explored the Visitor Center to see some of the most magnificent dinosaur-like redwoods including what they call the 'Father of the Forest' and 'Mother of the Forest' trees. The guide was an encyclopedia of information on the massive trees which he shared with us along the tour. If you're at all interested, then you must go on the short tour. The only complaint I have is about the one night there were what seemed to be very loud college students, probably from UC Santa Cruz or another nearby college, who were in the cabin at the site next to ours and were partying way too hard. We had to tell them to keep it down since they had woken us up. I'm all for a little partying, but damn, they were loud and no one came around to tell them to keep it down besides us. Other than that, all in all, we had a great tent cabin campsite and did notice some even better in the campground, so we will definitely be going back again.

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• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  Mar. 7, 2021

  Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

  Crowded But Not Awful

  The park is amazing and there are so many great hikes, wildlife viewing and picturesque landscapes!

  The campground loop we were in was full and the sites are fairly close to your neighbor but it wasn't bad. The main reason being absolutely NO generators allowed so it was peaceful. The sites were semi private as the brush and trees have grown around most sites offering a little privacy. Other campers were friendly and considerate. Note that the RV side with the hook up does not offer any privacy and is near the main road. RVs are not confined to that area though.

  The spots are flat and include fire pit, picnic table and food locker. Raccoons apparently are a big problem here so keep your food locked up. There is a small general store/visitor center with a variety of food items, stove fuel, firewood, general camping supplies and souvenirs. WiFi also available for $10 for 7days per device. We paid, but our T-Mobile hotspot with Weboost won out in the end because the WiFi did not reach our spot. There is better reception for the WiFI in other spots. No cell reception with AT&T or Verizon.

  The hiking is great! and during the week pleasantly absent of tons of other hikers. Masks are required even on trails when 6 ft distance cannot be maintained, and people were very respectful of that on the trails. There is a lot of wildlife to see though sadly we did not see any condors on this trip. The caves are currently closed due to Covid. 

  Other amenities:

  Tent cabins

  RV only loop with 30amp hook up only (no sewer or water hook up)

  Showers

  Bathrooms

  Garbage and Recycling

  RV dump station (flush water only)

  Fresh water filler up (near RV camping area)

  Group camping

  Pool (currently closed)

  Pets allowed but NOT allowed on any trails

  Overall a great experience for a lesser known National Park, would come here again!

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• 

  Shawnna B.

  Traveler

  Jun. 13, 2019

  Mount Madonna County Park

  My favorite campground of the Monterey Bay

  Mount Madonna County Park has 4 campgrounds. I've been camping in this park since the late 70s. I've seen some changes over the years...ahem...decades. There's something for everyone here, RVers, tenters, and those who want to rent tent cabins. There are plenty of trails to hike, as well as equestrian trails. No bikes on trails though.

  There are several micro climates in this area and temps can vary, besides our weather varies from day to day.

  There are trails offering views of the Santa Clara Valley, and trails offering views of the Monterey Bay. The park is above the fog line (most of the year). We don't get rain in the summer here. The park is situated at the County lines of Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County and is part of the Santa Clara County Parks system.

  No stores or markets in the park, but you can easily run into town, either Watsonville or Gilroy. It's slightly closer to Watsonville where you will find a gas station/market on 152 (Currently a Valero), or go into Gilroy on 152 for Safeway and more.

  There's a small cabin (ranger's station) with a history exhibit and the white reindeer up from the kiosk. My favorite campground in the park is the Tan Oak campground at the top and through the day use area. There are plenty of Geocaches on the trails.

  The bathrooms are generally clean. I say generally because I prefer the off season when I have the campground to myself and the bathrooms are super clean, but when the campground is full, like any public bathroom they can need more attention. (Or maybe people just need to clean up after themselves) I've never used the showers, nor the tent cabins. I like the sites because overall they are separated by trees so you don't feel as crowded as more open campgrounds.

  Despite signage warning of mountain lions, I have never encountered a single one in all the years of camping here. I've had raccoons and skunks (so lock up your food and belongings), turkeys and deer.

  Weekends, especially a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day weekend, can be full. (Not my favorite) I have also stayed for the 4th of July when it fell midweek and had the campground (Tan Oak) literally to myself.

  Leashed pets are allowed (2 per site) and 2 cars and 8 people per site.

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• R

  Rosa L.

  Scout

  Jul. 5, 2019

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Glamping Approved

  This place is nestled in the Carmel Valley and decently secluded. We booked a luxury gazebo situation which came with a queen bed (heated mattress) a fire pit and your own propane grill. There are areas for tents and RV’s as well and priced accordingly. The restrooms and showers are super clean and the staff is great. There is a heated pool and various hiking trails to keep you occupied. The only downfall is you’re a little close to other campers. You don’t get much space/privacy but it’s not too bad. I would come back for sure.

• K

  Kim P.

  Scout

  May. 22, 2018

  Lower Blooms Creek — Big Basin Redwoods State Park — CAMPGROUND CLOSED

  nice cabins

  We stayed in a cabin in the huckleberry campground. The cabins were nice, and each cabin has 2 double beds, a table, and a wood stove. It can get cold at night in the redwoods so the wood stove was great at night. Each campsite has a fire pit with a grill cover which made it easy to cook dinner. The sites are a decent size with lots of trees to climb on, hide in, and play on. You can get ‘add on’ packages with the cabins, which include things like sheets and pillows for the beds, propane lanterns, and cooking items.

• 

  Crystal B.

  Legend

  Nov. 9, 2025

  Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

  Camping at Pinnacles

  This is the best (and only) option for camping near the national park. Beware, there is very limited cell/wifi service here. Reserve before coming or it’s a long slow drive out to services. The park is really great, so I recommend staying here a night or 2 to fully explore the small national park. Lots of sites and lots of options. Some are more secluded and some are more traditional. Tents/cabins available. A store and pool are available also.

• C

  Craig N.

  Guide

  Nov. 26, 2021

  Saddle Mountain Ranch

  Perfect for beginning campers and glampers

  Great location with nice views of the valley. Easy drive in with parking spots next to most sites.

  Camp sites and cabins are a little close together but nice, clean grounds make it comfortable. Good playground for kids. Foosball, ping pong, corn hole, horseshoes, and other games available. 3 gas fire pits near the office with nice space for socializing or sharing an outdoor dinner.

  Cabins are tight but nice and clean. Our kitchen had all the necessary utensils and dishes to cook for a couple nights.

  Staff is nice, communicated well ahead of the trip, and made late check in easy.

  Huge pool is heated May to October. Small sauna next to pool currently closed but looks fairly new.

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