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. Jalama Beach County Park

    38 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    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. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 513 campgrounds

Cabin Reviews in California

4117 Reviews of 513 California Campgrounds



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.