Best Cabin Camping in California

Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.

When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails. When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.

Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.

With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

Best Cabin Sites in California (513)

    1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    90 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $44 - $164 / night

    "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."

    "If planning a trip longer than just a day hike to the beautiful Pinnacles National Park, and since backpacking in not allowed in Pinnacles, the Pinnacles campground on the east entrance is a nice quiet"

    2. Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

    71 Reviews
    Orick, CA
    Website
    +1 (707) 464-6101

    $35 - $100 / night

    "I highly recommend this location - what could be better than camping in the redwoods, with elk grazing in the meadow right next to your camp!"

    "We had a fire ring and picnic table at the location. We had a restroom which was really maintained about a 2 minute walk from the campsite."

    3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    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. "

    4. Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    55 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    "Coin operated hot showers for $0.50 to start the shower for 2 min, $0.25 to add minutes up to a 12 min max.

    Each campsite had a fire ring, a picnic table, and a bearbox."

    "It is pet friendly and has a good system of paths through the campsites but still affords privacy."

    5. Furnace Creek Campground — Death Valley National Park

    55 Reviews
    Amargosa Valley, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 786-2441

    $30 - $60 / night

    "This campground location was ideal as it was right next to the visitor center. Like most NP camp sites, they are pretty close to one another."

    "Sites have fire rings, picnic tables and level asphalt drives. Rest rooms are not modern but they are always clean. I only gave 4 stars because there are no showers."

    6. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA

    $35 - $225 / night

    "Site had a fire ring, picnic table, and a stone grill. The grounds had running water, flush toilets and quarter showers.

    Camped here at night and explored point reyes during the day."

    "This campground is beautiful, set in the redwoods, with a creek and nature trails. It has all the amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pits, running water, and grills."

    7. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Fantastic park. Well kept, beautiful surroundings with hiking trails, big and private spots and clean bathrooms. Camping cabins available."

    "Pros:

    easy to get to, nice amenities

    right next to Julian (perfect for day trips into town)

    there are a few campsites where you can create some privacy (much more so than many other San Diego park campgrounds"

    8. Lodgepole Campground — Sequoia National Park

    44 Reviews
    Hartland, CA
    Website
    +1 (559) 565-3341

    $32 / night

    "The lodge offers many accommodations including food, laundry, visitors center, and shuttle access."

    "If you’re looking to camp in California, Sequoia National Park should be one of your top destinations. They have cabin and tent camping. I have stayed in both."

    9. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Cassel, CA
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-2777

    $35 - $125 / night

    "The staff was so kind and the store is away from the camping by a short walk. Close enough but not to close! Absolutely loved this place for family **camping.

    **"

    "My first time camping here I stayed in the little cabins they have."

    10. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    39 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $26 / night

    "We had a perimeter site in the A loop, adjacent to the trail that runs to the lake. These sites feel particularly spacious. Due to the type of pine forest, none of them will be private."

    "I am a tent camper so this area can be on the crowded side for me with not enough privacy.

    That being said the lake is beautiful. Easy access for kayaks and canoes."

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Cabin Reviews in California

4122 Reviews of 513 California Campgrounds


  • Natalie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Christy C.
    Oct. 25, 2018

    McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

    Family fun

    we loved this campground! You have options of no hiking and enjoying some spectacular views or short hikes to see even more spectacular views! So even my kids enjoyed the hiking! The staff was so kind and the store is away from the camping by a short walk. Close enough but not to close! Absolutely loved this place for family camping.

    Cabins though were not what we expected. 2 room cabin and we got 2 bunk beds and a space heater. Nothing in front room. Bring your table and chairs. Bunk beds were comfortable though!

  • Kuo G.
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park

    Comfy makeshift hotel in a campground

    this is the ultimate glamping. Bunk beds, electrical outlets, private patio with awning and round picnic table, even curtains for your shared sleeping quarters. Near by clean restrooms running hot water. Id recommend wearing sandals for showering. Nice open space between campsites. We had the campsites reserved months in advance next to the river. It was pretty dry the this time. Enough water to capture some great photos. In the campgrounds there were large bear lockers, and well distributed benches and fire rings. Quiet time is 10pm and they are strict about it. Cant reallly complain about yosemite though. Its just pure beauty.

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2021

    Curry Village — Yosemite National Park

    Lovely Rustic City

    aka Curry Village

    My daughters and I have now stayed in both the canvas tent/cabin and a hard-sided cabin. Both provide comfortable beds with sheets and a warm blanket on each. (If you like fluffy pillows, bring one from home.) 

    We stayed in the heated tent/cabin during a major snowfall and stayed toasty-warm. I’d give this place an extra star if we were able to boil water in the tents, so we could make our own warm food and coffee, but it’s not allowed. There are bear boxes to lock up any food you do bring. There are places in the valley to buy warm meals, but they really weren’t very good, especially for the price. 

    The showers are warm and have good water pressure. They always had clean towels available, too.

    However, Curry Village is packed with wall-to-wall people. Despite quiet hours, there seems to always be That One Guy who gets drunk, loud and obnoxious. On our last trip, That One Guy decided to yell obscenities in my daughters’ faces when they asked him politely to keep the noise down. It was 15min before quiet hours and it was obvious that most of the other guests (many with small kids) had gone to bed. Other than calling the front desk, there really wasn’t another option for “crowd control.” 

    When I camp, I do prefer remote, quiet places away from crowds, but I did appreciate the convenience of Curry Village’s location. We really were in the heart of the valley with great access to the best hikes. All in all, we enjoyed our stays.

  • Amanda P.
    Jun. 15, 2022

    Curry Village — Yosemite National Park

    Waking Up to Half Dome

    We stayed here March 2022.  We booked a heated tent cabin for 4 nights.  It had 1 double bed and 2 singles, a storage tower, 1 central electric light, and 1 electrical outlet - this is not advertised, but if you tell them you have a CPAP or other medical device needing an outlet, they will let you know that there is one in the heated cabins.  It was enough to power a power strip, charge our phones, and run said CPAP (LOL).  The beds were comfy and the linens were great.  We requested additional blankets as the comforter on the bed was nylon on both sides and kept sliding off the beds.  We were given old school wool blankets and they were great!  We did adjust the heat often as it would actually get too warm.  

    As we visited in the off season, not all of the amenities were available (pool, restaurants), but it didn't bother us at all.  The guest lounge was often crowded and we only spent one evening in there.  Showers and toilets were very clean.  It was still fully booked when we went, but the grounds are quiet are people were very respectful of the park rules.  

    This was a great central location to do Yosemite.  We woke up under Half Dome every morning, did the Mist Trail, Vernal Falls trail, and Lower Yosemite Falls trail.  Doing it in the off season was awesome as the number of additional people not actually staying in the park was very small.

    Reservations are hard to come by...we reserved in January for March of the same year and got lucky.  Book through the NPS as other sites charge additional, unnecessary fees.  We also recommend packing in food.  There are bear lockers to store it.  Dining in the park is provided by Aramark and is average at best.  We took a trip outside the park to dine in a nearby city and had a wonderful dinner. 

    Overall, we would definitely stay here again and again!  It was very peaceful and comfortable.

  • Ron G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Curry Village — Yosemite National Park

    Location, Location, Location! But Pricey!

    Overall, the proximity to being in The Valley outweighed the negatives of our stay. 

    While pricey for what it is, it IS at the far east end of Yosemite Valley with easy access to the Mist Trail. The tent-cabins are close to each other (3-8 feet), and we were woken by our neighbors our first morning (they were checking out early, and while quiet hours were 'officially' over, it was still 0730...and since it was during the heat wave, we hadn't gotten to sleep til well after midnight).

    That said...we were expecting foam rubber mattresses on wooden plywood shelves for beds, but the bed frame, mattresses, pillows and Rumpl blankets were a nice surprise (the website stated there would be wool blankets). The towels and sheets were in need of some fabric softener though.

     It was HOT. Having camped in tent-cabins before (not Curry Village), we brought fans with us that helped cool things down in the evenings, but having fans [battery operated/ rechargeable (we had Ryobi rechargeable fans)] helped us out.

    We couldn't figure out how to make the tent-cabin canvas window 'shades' to stay open- which was necessary because we needed the ventilation - we had brought along some binder clips that we were able to jury-rig to keep the canvas flaps over the screens open,  though. 

    Showers and restrooms were adequately clean, and showers were hot…but nothing to write home about. 

    We were surprised by the trash on the grounds near the cabins (where our nearest showerhouse was)-  in fact, a zip-lock baggie sat on the ground in the same spot for the three days we were there, before I picked it up on our way out. Additionally, on the grounds of the tent-cabins, we found several nails and other hardware on the ground.

     We were also surprised by the size of Curry Village, which isn't really discussed on the website. We were in tent-cabin 749 on the far east end, which was great until we had to walk to Camp Curry and/or the parking lot. We brought a wagon to carry our gear from the car to the tent-cabin, but once again, we've done this before, and we felt really bad for the folks lugging all their stuff without the benefit of a cart. Next time we'd bring bikes to help with the longish walk (400 meters? Maybe longer?) 

    The food options were great! The pizza is fantastic, and it was nice having the ability to grab pizza/tacos/burgers as an option at the end of the day (cooking is not allowed in the camp, but we 'tailgated' with backpacking stoves and meals a couple of the days).

  • Ashley A.
    Oct. 25, 2022

    Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins

    Great Get Away Location

    We booked a 1 room camping cabin for 2 nights during a hiking trip. It was a great little place to stay for a few nights. It had the feel of camping but also some amenities of a cabin.

    As expected, we had a full size mattress with a table and chairs inside and a small patio set outside. The space also had a large bear box, fire ring and picnic table.

    The campground as a whole was very quiet, clean, and the vault style toilets were well maintained. The store was winding down for the season but the employees were pleasant and helpful.

  • D
    Jun. 29, 2018

    Trinity River Adventure Inn

    Fisherman's Paradise

    The Trinity River Adventure Inn cabins are a group of three cabins located on the bank of the Trinity River. The closest town for supplies is Weaverville, about a 15 min drive west. The towns of Lewiston and Douglas City are closer, but hit and miss on when things are open and what they offer. All three cabins can be rented individually, and I am sure if you group needed the space, you could rent all three at the same time. The other cabins were occupied during our stay, but that wasn't an issue. Each cabin is different, there is a large A frame cabin for larger groups, a smaller fisherman's cabin closest to the river for one or two people, and a mid size cabin for groups of 3-4. The A frame and the mid size cabin both have patios to bbq (grills provided) and hang out on, full kitchens, and very comfortable living room and bedrooms. Everything is provided, from cooking utensils to bedding/towels. Just bring food/drink. There is even satellite tv and wifi. Firewood is provided for the wood burning stoves. There is a large grassy area that slopes down to the river for people staying in all three cabins to use. There is easy access to fishing right out the backdoor of the cabins, and you could put in and take out kayaks if the water level is high enough. Boat launching facilities are located a few miles away. It is a fantastic location central to Trinity Lake, Lewiston Lake, Whiskeytown reservoir, and the beautiful Trinity Alps, with plenty of boating, swimming, water skiing, hiking, backpacking adventures within 30-60 minutes.

  • A
    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.


Guide to California

Cabin camping in California offers a unique way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. With a variety of campgrounds featuring cabins, you can experience the great outdoors without sacrificing convenience.

Cabins are available at Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

  • Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park features cabins that provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the stunning trails of Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy amenities like picnic tables and firewood, making it easy to cook and relax outdoors.
  • The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Experience rock climbing and hiking at Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

  • Nestled among ancient redwoods, Elk Prairie Campground — Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park offers easy access to breathtaking hiking trails and opportunities for rock climbing.
  • The proximity to the majestic elk and beautiful wildflowers in spring enhances your outdoor experience.
  • With clean facilities and a horse corral, it’s a great spot for families and equestrian enthusiasts alike.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $30 to $50

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities can I expect at California campgrounds with cabins?

Amenities at California cabin campgrounds vary widely. Housekeeping Camp — Yosemite National Park offers glamping-style accommodations with bunk beds, electrical outlets, private patios with awnings, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms with hot running water. Fernwood Campground & Resort provides sites with picnic tables, fire rings with grates, power and water hookups, and access to bathroom facilities with free showers. Many cabin campgrounds feature basic furnishings like beds with mattresses (sometimes with linens), tables, chairs, and outdoor seating. Higher-end cabins may include heating, electricity, storage space, and kitchen facilities. Shared amenities typically include restrooms, showers, fire pits, picnic areas, and camp stores. Some locations offer additional features like laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, and recreation areas.

Where are the best cabin camping locations in California?

California offers exceptional cabin camping in diverse landscapes. Curry Village — Yosemite National Park provides both canvas tent-cabins and hard-sided cabins in the iconic Yosemite Valley with easy access to popular trails. In northern California, Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins offer cozy one-room accommodations in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Other excellent options include cabins at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park near the spectacular 129-foot waterfall, Trinity River Adventure Inn with riverside cabins, and Fernwood Campground & Resort in Big Sur. For cabin camping among ancient redwoods, Jedidiah Smith Campground in Redwood National Park provides an immersive forest experience. Each location offers unique natural surroundings and varying levels of amenities.

When is the best season for cabin camping in California?

The best season for cabin camping in California depends on the region and elevation. Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort and other northern California destinations are ideal from late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are moderate and outdoor activities abundant. For desert regions, winter months (November-March) offer pleasant temperatures. Coastal locations like Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park can be enjoyed year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. Some cabin campgrounds in higher elevations close during winter, while others like those in Yosemite provide heated accommodations year-round, creating magical winter experiences. Summer (June-August) is peak season across most of California, offering ideal conditions but requiring advance reservations. Fall (September-October) brings comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at most locations.

How much do camping cabins in California typically cost?

Camping cabin costs in California vary based on location, amenities, and season. Basic tent cabins at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground typically range from $65-85 per night. More developed accommodations like those at Trinity River Adventure Inn can range from $100-150 nightly. In popular destinations like Yosemite National Park, tent cabins at Curry Village start around $110 per night for unheated units, while heated cabins can exceed $170. Luxury cabin options at private resorts may range from $150-300+ per night. State park cabins are generally more affordable ($70-120/night) than those in national parks or private resorts. Many locations offer discounted rates during off-peak seasons, and some have minimum stay requirements during peak periods. Reservation fees and taxes are typically additional.