Best Places For A Cabin Weekend Near Bay Area

Big Basin State Park (credit: Randy Yagi)

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
21600 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-4745
www.bigbasintentcabins.com

Located within the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin is California's oldest state park, established 1902. Covering more than 18,000 acres, including the largest continuous stand of old growth Coast Redwoods, the park is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. In addition to more than 140 campsites, Big Basin also has 36 cabins available for online reservations. Each of the cabins has raised platforms with mattress pads, wood stock, a lockable door and a table, along with a picnic table, fire ring and additional space for an extra tent. A Total Camping Package is available, which includes four sleeping bags, stove, pots, pans and cooking utensils, a lantern and 60-quart cooler. Eight of the cabins are deluxe cabins, which provides additional supplies such as prepared beds with sheets, towels, blankets, comforter and pillows, along with curtains, bath towels, washcloths and a lantern. Big Basin is well known as being part of the Skyline to the Sea trail, between Castle Rock State Park and the beach at Waddell Creek.

Surrounded by towering redwood trees just minutes from the town of Lagunitas, Samuel P. Taylor State offers four relatively new cabins for reservations, including one ADA accessible cabin. Located in Marin County about 30 miles north of San Francisco, the park named after a California Gold Rush pioneer covers approximately 2,700 acres, of which a significant portion is considered old growth redwoods. Each of the cabins has electricity, wood flooring, a small electric stove, covered porches, platform bunk beds with mattresses and lockable doors. Online reservations may be made up to seven months in advance via Reserve America and the price includes a parking fee for two vehicles.

Centrally located in the charming community of Guerneville, Riverlane Resort features 12 rustic cabins all with private decks. The cabins range from $100 to $140, most with queen beds and bathrooms, a wood burning stove or fireplace and cooking area. All cabins have cable TV and the resort's recently expanded WiFi hotspot reaches most of the cabins. Also on the property is a spacious swimming pool heated year round, an adjacent year-round hot tub and BBQ area. Riverlane Resort is just a few yards from Johnson's Beach, an historic resort area along the Russian River.

Mount Tamalpais State Park (credit: Randy Yagi)

Steep Ravine Cabins
Mount Tamalpais State Park
801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-2070
www.parks.ca.gov

There's no electricity or running water but the Steep Ravine Cabins at Mount Tamalpais State Park feature breathtaking views of the Marin County Hills and the Pacific Ocean. Located off Highway 1 just south of Stinson Beach, Steep Ravine features nine rustic cabins including one that is wheelchair accessible and a number of hiking trails along the scenic coastline. Visitors hoping to stay at any of the cabins are advised to make online reservations via Reserve America seven months in advance, the maximum allowed. However, there may be last minute cancellations and visitors can call the park's phone number for availability and additional information.

Located about an hour north of San Francisco, the Sandpiper Stinson Beach offers a number of lodging options including four well-appointed cabins. Each of the cabins is equipped with cable TV, gas fireplace, a fully stocked kitchen and a queen bed. The two larger cabins also feature separate bedrooms with a double bed and additional TV. The Sandpiper Stinson Beach is just a short walk from three recommended restaurants, in addition to the popular North Bay beach. The spectacular Point Reyes National Seashore and picturesque Muir Woods are both just a short drive away.