The best forest cabin rentals near Chula Vista, California

Sunny Chula Vista is about as far south as you can get in Southern California. Between San Diego and the US-Mexico Border, Chula Vista sits across the San Diego Bay from a seven-mile stretch of beach that connects to Coronado. You can swim, surf, and sunbathe yourself silly at sites like Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado Beach, or head inland from Chula Vista for another world of lakes, mountains, and desert trailheads. For fans of hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, wildflowers, and cacti, campers love the parks east of Chula Vista.

96% (555)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunny Chula Vista is about as far south as you can get in Southern California. Between San Diego and the US-Mexico Border, Chula Vista sits across the San Diego Bay from a seven-mile stretch of beach that connects to Coronado. You can swim, surf, and sunbathe yourself silly at sites like Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado Beach, or head inland from Chula Vista for another world of lakes, mountains, and desert trailheads. For fans of hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, wildflowers, and cacti, campers love the parks east of Chula Vista.

96% (555)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. San Diego Canyon Creek

95%

(373)

17mi from Chula Vista · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · El Cajon, CA

Try out camping without having to rough-it! You can rent the Honeycomb Cabin! Or swing through for a safe place to spend the night in your van, or tent, while taking advantage of San Diego and all it has to offer! So much to be seen or done within 30 miles! You can plan a visit to the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Museums, Sea World, Birch Aquarium, Safari Park, Lego Land and more! San Diego county has wine tasting, breweries, theaters and eateries of all kinds. There are several beaches, mountain lakes, and even the deserts! You can skydive, or scuba dive, go deep sea fishing, or lake fishing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, or walking the boardwalk! SAN DIEGO CANYON CREEK is a SMALL PATCH of WOODS, NEAR a ROAD, in a NEIGHBORHOOD. In the midst of the trees we have a great view of the stars at night. Harbison Canyon is surrounded by rocky peaks, with a CREEK! We have multiple species of song birds, owls, hawks, and other wildlife that live in this Riparian Habitat. There is a chorus of frogs throughout the spring nights, and crickets year round! It's a very short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with several types of playground equipment and public creek access, or a five minute drive to a Crestridge Ecological Reserve containing multiple trails. We have three campsites and a cabin on about an acre of land. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. There are also a couple of hammocks available. In addition, our SHARED amenities include an outdoor kitchen that includes a sink with hot water, 2 mini fridges,(full at times, extra coolers available) coffee maker, a two burner stove, a griddle, a toaster oven, blender, tea kettle, and a few pans, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. Also here to SHARE is a Propane fire pit and BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. We are continuously making improvements. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the world's largest honey producer! Today there are just a few bees in the area.

2. Time Traveler Retreat Julian Cabin

100%

(5)

37mi from Chula Vista · 3 sites · Lodging · Julian, CA

Built in the 50’s it is sitting on 2 parcels and is over ½ acre in size. We also have 2 other cabins for rent in Julian for larger groups. The outhouse that you see was used when it was first built and now is for storage. The original owner built the house himself and it was originally on piers alone with no other foundation! There is a folder in the bedroom closet of the house over the years. The decorations were here when we bought it so we kept them to preserve the house’s uniqueness. We treasure this house which is nestled amongst the trees and has so many beautiful birds that visit. Many turkeys love to stop by too! If you hear the deep cooing from the monster doves (who are very shy) you can try to spot one. They are amazing. We really hope you love it as much as we do.

3. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

89%

(47)

233 sites · Descanso, California

Summit peaks, visit waterfalls, and beat the SoCal heat at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Chula Vista

The Azalea Glen loop trail will take you through the forest that was ravaged by the Cedar Fire of 2003.

96%

(27)

Paso Picacho Campground

34mi from Chula Vista · 170 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Stories from the community

J

Joe

September 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Laura is an excellent host! The site was very well kept, the sounds of nature were relaxing. It’s a very charming cabin. It had every amenity needed, and went above my expectations. Laura was kind to also suggest a spot nearby (Sunrise Highway, Cuyamaca Lake Pub Restaurant, and Old Mining Town) nearby that we went to after departing the cabin and it was a lovely experience. I’m very happy to have stayed here. I really enjoyed cooking here, journaling, and the comfy bed.

Jenifer

August 2025

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

Second time staying. It was just as lovely as before.

D

Dawn

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

We had a great time at Laura’s cabin. It had everything we needed. Lots of green and shady spots. It was so nice hearing the crickets and frogs at night.

M

Melissa Juliet

July 2025

5 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

It was such a cozy beautiful spot. Not far from downtown San Diego! Amenities were great. Can’t wait to come back!

kenny

July 2025

2 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Laura was a great host and very friendly. We had a very comfortable stay in the cabin. The Wifi worked very well, so I had no problem doing simple tasks. The entire place had a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The bathroom was also clean and well-maintained. It was nice to have a small market store nearby. And it was a reasonable distance to drive to the national park and San Diego Town. Thank you

M

Manuel

July 2025

2 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

We had a great stay at the Cabin. Laura was a great Host and so kind. The outdoor kitchen was great and the whole place has a warm and friendly vibe. Would totally recommend it.

C

Culture Shock

July 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Amazing! Cozy! I’ve recommend to anyone looking for more of a nature outdoor vibe.

A

Andrew

July 2025

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

This place is so calming and peaceful you will want to stop by and visit for years to come!

A

Ashley

July 2025

2 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

We celebrated our anniversary here and had such a wonderful time! The cabin was cozy and it was great to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of frogs, birds, and other critters. The kitchen area also had everything we needed to cook up dinner and breakfast. Laura was quick to answer any questions we had and it was a perfect distance for our drive to San Diego and La Jolla. Thank you for your hospitality Laura!

A

Andrew

July 2025

4 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

Amazing place to stay! Laura was super nice! The site and cabin were fantastic! I'll be recommending this place to anyone I know can appreciate it!

R

Ryan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

I really enjoyed spending a night at Honeycomb cabin. It was very quiet and peaceful. The cabin was clean, there were plenty of amenities and the sounds of the frogs in the creek was incredible. Laura is a great host and I highly recommend recommend!

l

liz

June 2025

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

“Absolutely loved this tiny cabin! The simplicity and peaceful atmosphere made for such a relaxing stay. The bed was incredibly comfy, and the restroom was spotless and well maintained. Although you can still hear the road, it didn’t bother me at all—it almost added a cozy, tucked-away feeling. All the small, thoughtful touches really made the space feel special. Laura was so kind and welcoming. I’m truly grateful to have found this gem. Thank you again!”

Alyssa

June 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Wonderful glamping site! Nearby neighbors, but not loud. Had lots of fun catching crawdads in the little creek!!

Jenifer

June 2025

4 nights at San Diego Canyon Creek

I enjoyed my recent stay at Honeycomb cabin. Being right next to the creek was wonderful, and falling asleep to the sound of the frogs each night was so peaceful. It was exactly the kind of getaway I needed to decompress and relax away from the usual hustle and bustle. I also really appreciated having the outdoor kitchen, which was well-equipped for cooking my own meals. Laura is such a great host! Communication was excellent and just the right amount.

O

Olivia

May 2025

1 night at San Diego Canyon Creek

I really enjoyed my time here! The cabin was so cozy, the sound of the creek was nice, and walks around the neighborhood are very pretty. Laura is a very responsive and great host, would highly recommend! Keep in mind that it is in a residential area so there is the sound of cars driving by:-)

A

Amanda

May 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Very quiet from the sound of the city. I fell asleep listening to the frogs in the Spring. Lots of birds in the trees around the area.

R

Raquel

April 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

I stayed at the cabin with my wife and we enjoyed our stay. It’s only about 30 or so from San Diego which was perfect for us. There’s a bathroom and shower we could use connected to the hosts house which was nice. For the price and location we are definitely coming back!

S

Sean

April 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Loved this cabin! Was a great way to get away from LA and spend some quality time with my girlfriend! It’s really private and has great scenery. We also went to a cool little park nearby.

V

Vanessa

March 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

Camping in the Honeycomb Cabin was super fun! Really great space and the outdoor kitchen was perfect for prepping meals. Really kind and helpful host :)

A

Aimee

March 2025

Weekend Trip to San Diego Canyon Creek

10/10, lovely space, easy to follow directions and the sound of the creek is so peaceful

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(47)

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Descanso, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best forest cabins near Chula Vista guide

Where to go

Chula Vista Surrounds

Chula Vista’s Otay Valley Regional Park features eight miles of scenic hiking and biking trails right in town. There’s also a campground at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, while RV travelers will find an assortment of RV parks in and around Chula Vista with full hookups, free wifi, and other amenities. At the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Sanctuary, you can explore nature trails and birdwatching on a salt marsh.

Silver Strand State Beach

With 2.5 miles of ocean beach and a half-mile of bay beach, Silver Strand is a local go-to for surfing, swimming, and sunsets. The beachside campground is for self-contained vehicle camping only, meaning no tents.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

In the Peninsular Range east of Chula Vista, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is an excellent place to beat the SoCal heat in a mountain climate. Cuyamaca Rancho features Lake Cuyamaca, the Sweetwater River, and 100-plus miles of hiking and biking trails through forest and meadows. Campgrounds offer tent camping and RV camping sites with picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, and showers.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a rugged preserve in the Colorado Desert about 1.5 hours east of Chula Vista. The park features hiking and OHV trails, a spring wildflower bloom, a palm-studded desert oasis, International Dark Sky Park status, and a number of popular camping options. Plan for intense desert conditions in summer and bring plenty of water and sun protection.

When to go

Chula Vista’s coastal location gives it temperate weather that makes for enjoyable camping year-round, but If headed to the mountains, check summer forecasts for high temperatures and adjust accordingly. Desert camping is best in winter and should be avoided in summer. The region’s wildflower bloom is variable but typically occurs in spring.