- Forest Cabin
The best forest cabin rentals near San Pablo
97% (566) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Pablo
Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
1. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
97%
(336)
25mi from San Pablo · 4 sites
Antique Indonesian teakwood cottage, private deck with hot tub and very special, large, artistic bathroom/sitting room, private for cottage guests only.. Beautifully rural, yet just 6 minutes from historic downtown Petaluma and fine restaurants and shops. A short trip to the Pacific coast and the fabulous Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Tomales and Bodega Bays and towns, excellent vineyards and breweries, and San Francisco! WE FOLLOW THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES ISSUED BY AIRBNB.
The space
The antique Indonesian cottage is made of beautifully hand carved and hand colored teak wood, and is quiet, cozy and romantic with lovely views. It abuts a large private deck and hot tub. Just a few steps across the deck is the very large, luxurious, art filled, centrally heated private bathroom and sitting area. The cottage itself is unheated although there is a premium electric mattress pad with separate controls on the California King bed. That and the hot tub make for cozy sleeping on chilly winter nights
Guest access
Aside from the private deck, hot tub and bathroom/sitting room (with 6' tub and shower), guests can access 2.5 peaceful acres, woods and fields and Helen Putnam Regional Park one mile down the road for spectacular hiking.
Other things to note
In the 1970's this property was Swallowtail Studios, a famous glass blowers cooperative. The Grateful Dead played in the barn and hung out here...their manager lived just down the road. The barn is redwood, quite large and beautiful, with stained glass windows."
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$156
/ night
Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp
2. Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp
91%
(159)
43mi from San Pablo · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our family land! We are a low-key, rustic, proudly affordable option in Calistoga, with amazing views and open space to explore, just 10 minutes outside of the charming town of Calistoga. Our camp is open May to October, and when you book a site, you get access to the whole property so you have options of which site to set up in. Book Manzanitas but show up and like Shaded Oak better? No problem, just stay there. Decide you want one of the glamping cabins? Just pay the extra, and the door combo will be revealed.
The hilltop is for day-use, showering, etc. and readily accessible for Coral Cabin guests right next door. It also shares space with our main house tenants so it is the least private, but has the best views. The family is quiet but you will hear cars come and go from the hilltop.
Last, we expect all guests to leave the sites cleaned up and “better” than you found it, with the exception of Coral Cabin which has a cleaning service and $30 fee. If this sounds good, read on for some general information about the property and see Sites for information about each site option:
The nature and beauty comes with your fair share of roughing it, as even the Coral Cabin is not an Air BnB since it has outdoor toilet, shower, etc. All sites have their own compost toilet and handwashing station, with flowing water at the hilltop Cafe, which has a hot shower, grill, sink, power outlets and Wi-Fi, coffee maker, microwave and toaster, and bathtubs for an extra charge.
*Coral Cabin also has the largest, flattest spot for an RV, with great views and cabin access if you wanted. This cabin is our premier ‘roughing it’ experience complete with electricity, WI-FI, TV with Roku, and an AC unit.
All sites: Pack your trash to deposit in the Hipcamp trash bin at the bottom of hill. Add mulch to the toilets! Wipe your surfaces. Leave it better!
We are proud to be an affordable option in Calistoga and If you agree to respect the land and "leave it better," we would be happy to host you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$59
/ night
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
3. Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
99%
(156)
46mi from San Pablo · 1 site
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.
This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.
*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.
Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.
Property History:
At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people.
Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.
The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$100
/ night
Mount Tamalpais State Park
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(208)
State park 15mi from San Pablo · 50 sites
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
State park 21mi from San Pablo · 68 sites
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
6. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
98%
(42)
State park 42mi from San Pablo · 54 sites
Escape to the woods in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
97% (566) • 7 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near San Pablo
Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
1. Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
97%
(336)
25mi from San Pablo · 4 sites
Antique Indonesian teakwood cottage, private deck with hot tub and very special, large, artistic bathroom/sitting room, private for cottage guests only.. Beautifully rural, yet just 6 minutes from historic downtown Petaluma and fine restaurants and shops. A short trip to the Pacific coast and the fabulous Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Tomales and Bodega Bays and towns, excellent vineyards and breweries, and San Francisco! WE FOLLOW THE CLEANING AND DISINFECTING GUIDELINES ISSUED BY AIRBNB.
The space
The antique Indonesian cottage is made of beautifully hand carved and hand colored teak wood, and is quiet, cozy and romantic with lovely views. It abuts a large private deck and hot tub. Just a few steps across the deck is the very large, luxurious, art filled, centrally heated private bathroom and sitting area. The cottage itself is unheated although there is a premium electric mattress pad with separate controls on the California King bed. That and the hot tub make for cozy sleeping on chilly winter nights
Guest access
Aside from the private deck, hot tub and bathroom/sitting room (with 6' tub and shower), guests can access 2.5 peaceful acres, woods and fields and Helen Putnam Regional Park one mile down the road for spectacular hiking.
Other things to note
In the 1970's this property was Swallowtail Studios, a famous glass blowers cooperative. The Grateful Dead played in the barn and hung out here...their manager lived just down the road. The barn is redwood, quite large and beautiful, with stained glass windows."
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$156
/ night
Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp
2. Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp
91%
(159)
43mi from San Pablo · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our family land! We are a low-key, rustic, proudly affordable option in Calistoga, with amazing views and open space to explore, just 10 minutes outside of the charming town of Calistoga. Our camp is open May to October, and when you book a site, you get access to the whole property so you have options of which site to set up in. Book Manzanitas but show up and like Shaded Oak better? No problem, just stay there. Decide you want one of the glamping cabins? Just pay the extra, and the door combo will be revealed.
The hilltop is for day-use, showering, etc. and readily accessible for Coral Cabin guests right next door. It also shares space with our main house tenants so it is the least private, but has the best views. The family is quiet but you will hear cars come and go from the hilltop.
Last, we expect all guests to leave the sites cleaned up and “better” than you found it, with the exception of Coral Cabin which has a cleaning service and $30 fee. If this sounds good, read on for some general information about the property and see Sites for information about each site option:
The nature and beauty comes with your fair share of roughing it, as even the Coral Cabin is not an Air BnB since it has outdoor toilet, shower, etc. All sites have their own compost toilet and handwashing station, with flowing water at the hilltop Cafe, which has a hot shower, grill, sink, power outlets and Wi-Fi, coffee maker, microwave and toaster, and bathtubs for an extra charge.
*Coral Cabin also has the largest, flattest spot for an RV, with great views and cabin access if you wanted. This cabin is our premier ‘roughing it’ experience complete with electricity, WI-FI, TV with Roku, and an AC unit.
All sites: Pack your trash to deposit in the Hipcamp trash bin at the bottom of hill. Add mulch to the toilets! Wipe your surfaces. Leave it better!
We are proud to be an affordable option in Calistoga and If you agree to respect the land and "leave it better," we would be happy to host you!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$59
/ night
Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
3. Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
99%
(156)
46mi from San Pablo · 1 site
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Situated on top of a ridge with expansive redwood forest and coastal views, the Audrey Edna Cabin provides a completely private gathering place and destination for visitors with reservations. The cabin has spectacular views of forest, sky, ocean and the Butano ridgeline. It's a short hike to 8000+ acres of county parkland where you can hike, bike and ride horses (though please note, there are no facilities for horse boarding at the cabin.) The cabin is located at Alpine Ranch, a property adjacent to Sam McDonald County Park that was protected by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Whether you are looking for an active experience or just want to relax in a peaceful, remote setting, there's something here for everyone.
This is a rustic hike-in cabin designed for a introductory pack-in experience. Bedding is not provided. It is about a 1.7-mile hike on a rolling dirt road from the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot, with about 650 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers can reach the cabin in an hour or less. Guests should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, and pack water and flashlights or headlamps. Guests with limited mobility, please contact us for information regarding accommodations that will allow you to access this shared resource.
*A note about reservation availability: On the weekends, POST offers priority reservations for the cabin to our partners at the San Mateo County Health Department and Park Rx to provide patients with equitable access to the benefits of nature. Occasionally, we have last-minute public weekend reservation availability due to cancellations. The cabin is reservable up to 3 months in advance, on a rolling basis.
Love the idea of a hike-in cabin, but unable to visit us Sunday-Thursday? Check out the nearby Sierra Club Hiker's Hut in Sam McDonald County Park.
Property History:
At one time, the ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains was a thriving center for trade between tribes of the coast and the bay, which we still find evidence of today in cultural sites and artifacts throughout the region. Native people have cared for this land since time immemorial, including the local Muwekma and Ramaytush Ohlone who are still active in the area today. This property specifically is host to a tributary to one of just a handful of waterways that support salmonids in this region, which are a species of tremendous importance to native people.
Over 1000 acres here were eventually purchased by entrepreneur Ridgeway Rowley, who built a home on the ranch in the 1880s as part of an unsuccessful wedding proposal to Fannie Page, daughter of a local mill owner (ever heard of Page Mill Road?) After being rejected by Fannie, Rowley operated the ranch for a decade in conjunction with his work as District Attorney and publisher of the Palo Alto Weekly, before eventually returning to his hometown of Cortland, NY, where he lived as a bachelor until his death. Over the course of the 20th century, the ranch was divided, some parts of which became Pescadero Creek County Park. POST purchased the 350 acre home property, now called Alpine Ranch, in 2012 through our Heart of the Redwoods campaign, an initiative to protect 20,000 acres of Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Alpine Ranch borders Pescadero Creek County Park and Sam McDonald County Park, adding to the area’s protected open space and containing more than a mile of tributaries to Pescadero Creek, which flows year-round and is a major spawning stream for steelhead trout.
The Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch is situated at one of the property's most scenic overlooks. The cabin was built in the early 1900's, and completely reconstructed up to modern building codes by POST in 2018 so that all could enjoy this special place.
Toilets
Potable water
Cooking equipment
from
$100
/ night
Mount Tamalpais State Park
4. Mount Tamalpais State Park
96%
(208)
State park 15mi from San Pablo · 50 sites
See redwoods, trail run, and climb the Bay Area’s second tallest peak.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
5. Samuel P. Taylor State Park
94%
(167)
State park 21mi from San Pablo · 68 sites
Romp in an untouched wilderness where ancient trees guide your explorations.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
6. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
98%
(42)
State park 42mi from San Pablo · 54 sites
Escape to the woods in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Daniel
2 weeks ago
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Amazingly cozy little stay! Bill was a wonderful host, hot tub was wonderful along with the tub and stained glass!
See more
k
kenneth
2 weeks ago
Group trip
The drive to this place is filled with winding switchbacks, so don't attempt it at night.... the result of these switchbacks is a feeling of complete peaceful isolation. There was nearly no light pollution, just a slightly luminated cloud far off in the NW distance, so our ability to see the stars was unimpeded.
During the day, you can see the water, (depending on marine layer visibility)/
The cabin's fit and finish is top notch, and there was plenty of space and amenities for everyone in our party.
The kitchen is tremendous too.
We felt really good about the whole thing.
Mahalo
See moreL
Leigh-Ann
3 weeks ago
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
Beautiful well signed moderate trail. The cabin is perfectly situated to see beautiful sunsets. The wildlife was abundant. Love the Open Space trails.
See moreC
Christian
February 2026
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Wonderful location and hosts! Bill was incredibly kind and understanding to our timing and guiding us through the orientation! We were able to hot tub under the stars and enjoy petaluma foods! Wonderful
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Alyssa
January 2026
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
This is an amazing and well-appointed cabin in such a beautiful part of the forested mountains. We loved our stay and also learning about the great work that POST does. Thank you!!
See more
Emily
January 2026
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
I loved staying at this cabin. It's so fun to get to backpack through the redwood trees and have a private and beautiful spot in nature all to yourself. The cabin has a full, well-stocked kitchen and surprisingly good cell service for how remote it feels. I will definitely come back!
See moreN
Nathan
January 2026
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
Beautiful property with ample public land access. Great trails, views, and close to wildlife. Would definitely stay again!
See more
Maddie
January 2026
1 night at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Beautiful little hideaway in Petaluma. Conveniently located and great hosts.
See moreS
Sierra
December 2025
With kids
Such an incredibly beautiful and cozy spot!
Even on the rain, we had a wonderful time. We brought rain gear and went out geocaching in Pescadero County park each day which the kids in our group loved. The cabin is so well stocked with kitchen gear, games, and a guitar! Loved drinking tea on the deck, making soup, and enjoying the rain, fog, and lush green of the forest. This was our second year there for new Years! We hope to come back again some time this year.
See moreJ
Jessie
December 2025
With kids
Wonderful stay! Highly recommend! So clean, comfy, beautiful!
See moreJ
Jess
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
We had a wonderful stay and would recommend anyone stay here!
See more
A
Amanda
November 2025
2 nights at Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Bill’s land was one of the best hip camps I have ever stayed at! The Indonesian bedroom was so serene and I slept like a baby with the heated bed. The bathroom was so beautifully decorated with ornate paintings, little treasures, and the stained glass window was intricately stunning. The hot tub was a bonus and it was extremely close to the town of Petaluma and hiking trails. You definitely should stay here for a romantic getaway!
See moreT
Toni
October 2025
Group trip
Beautiful views from the porch of this lovely cabin. There was a group of 7 of us and we loved the cabin. It was easy to find with the directions, the kitchen had everything we needed, and it was very clean and nicely maintained.
See moreE
Edward S.
October 2025
Group trip
The cabin is sited on a ridge with gorgeous views and even better hiking opportunities. Indoor all-season comfort ensured by a heat pump system and outside has sitting areas under the roof as well as out on the edge of a drop off. Really well equipped cabin, but be prepared to clean up and haul out any trash and recyclables you bring. Two separate bedrooms are quite private and quiet.
See moreP
Phil
October 2025
Group trip
The cabin was awesome and the views were outstanding.
See moreJ
Jules
September 2025
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
The cabin is amazing! Without a doubt it’s the best bang for the buck. From views, amenities, and overall a great place to bring the fam. Let it not be missed it’s a few mile hike to the cabin. Some how I missed that note, but not knowing just made me repack once I got the parking lot.
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T
Taressa
September 2025
1 night at Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
Absolutely beautiful cabin and views! You feel so far from the world but it’s only a few miles away! I will definitely be back and bringing more family to enjoy this gem!
See moreA
Addie
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
Bill had the most beautiful property in the rolling hills of Petaluma. My friend and I felt we had everything we needed and more! I loved hearing about the history of the property and finding out about the art continuing to be made here. Such a magical place! Thank you.
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c
charlina
July 2025
With pets
We had another wonderful trip here. The hilltop is so beautiful and serene, the extra supplies and cook station will be your aid when you inevitably forget some essentials. We can bring our large dog and she can have the freedom of being off leash which she loves. There is a home-like feel, and the bath and shower are one of a kind. Highly reccomend
See moreS
Sean
July 2025
1 night at Whaleback Ridge Cabins & Camp
Loved staying at Dan’s place—super quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Simple spot to sleep with amazing views and an awesome outdoor shower. Would definitely come back!
See more
