Cabins near San Rafael
Mountain views, coastal hikes, and nearby wine country make this North Bay hub the perfect home base.
99% (368 reviews)
- San Rafael
99% (368 reviews)
Popular camping styles for San Rafael
12 top cabins sites near San Rafael
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San Geronimo Creek Cabin
1 site · Lodging1 acre · San Geronimo, CA
Our property is .3 acres. It is on a semi rural street, private property in the midst of nature. The little cabin sits above a creek which flows and roars like a river in the winter. In the spring enjoy the beauty of the wild flowers and blossoming trees. The deer come in and out- it is difficult to maintain a vegetable garden! We are ten minutes from the Samuel P Taylor camp ground and 30 to 40 minutes from the coastal trails in the Point Reyes National sea shore. Nearby, hiking trails abound, There are trail maps in the cabin. Tomales bay is 30 minutes down the road.
Our property is home to a small grove of redwoods, one very large redwood, many fir trees and old ivy covered trees that line the creek. The fences on either side of the property crawl with wild grape vines and a large cherry tree stands next to the cabin. The bathroom is in the main house. This is a good home base for hiking, biking, resting and showering.
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$76
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Tea House At Hawaiian Cultural Ctr
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Napa, CA
Discover the tranquility of Napa Valley on this secluded two-acre property, nestled amidst the splendor of surrounding mountains, two creeks (which may dry up during summer), and a variety of Oak, Bay, and Buckeye trees, along with wild grapevines. Just a brief 10-minute drive leads to renowned wineries and shopping, while downtown Napa is a mere 20 minutes away.
This unique property serves as both a private residence and a Hawaiian Cultural Center, where cultural classes are regularly conducted on weekends. The charming tea house, acting as a cozy mini cabin, comfortably accommodates two guests with its two single fold-out beds. Featuring a small "kitchenette" equipped with a mini fridge and single induction electrical stove, as well as a private lanai (deck) boasting seating for two, the tea house offers a serene retreat.
Rest assured, the tea house is equipped with electricity and WiFi, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the tranquil ambiance of this idyllic sanctuary.
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$149
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Swallowtail Historic Art Studio
4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Petaluma, CA
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 spaceThe 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 nightsGuest accessAside 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 noteIn 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."
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$156
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Stemple Creek Ranch
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Tomales, CA
Stemple Creek Ranch is an organic cattle ranch in Marin County, CA. Our property is private and picturesque. We have several camping locations on the ranch and also two small cabins and a small farmhouse available. Our campsites change between a few spots based on the weather and where our livestock are at the moment. All of the campsite locations are beautiful and have been enjoyed by many guests. We look forward to sharing our land with you!
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$150
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Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping
120 sites · Lodging10 acres · Healdsburg, CA
[ DISCOUNT FOR APRIL STAYS: Use code W12QQAVI to save 20% off any stay in our tents or cabins, even for 1 night. Come celebrate spring with us! ]
Wildhaven Sonoma is the top-rated glamping spot in the Bay Area. Our glamping experience was designed to provide guests with comfort, warmth, and cleanliness, while still maintaining a close connection to Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty.
Guests check in to extra-large, safari-style tents or cozy cabins, both with comfortable beds (with linens and heated mattress pads), electricity and heaters, WiFi, and all the furnishings needed for a memorable night outdoors. Outside, guests have a personal fire pit, a covered porch with patio furniture, and a large picnic table. Those seeking a tent with more comfort and features can book our Riverside tents with 2-person hammocks, festive string lights, and unobstructed views towards the Mayacamas mountains.
Then there are the amenities, which are not typically found at traditional campgrounds. These include a clean, central bathroom building, hot showers, an outdoor kitchen with dish-washing sinks and gas BBQs, a store with local treats, and summer activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live music.
The highlight of the 10-acre property is the private river access for guests. Wildhaven’s section of the Russian River is calm yet clean and perfect for innertubes from May-Oct. Wildhaven is surrounded by vineyards on 3 sides and is in the middle of the famous Alexander Valley wine-growing region. When it's time to venture out, Wildhaven is just 5 miles from the charming small town of Healdsburg, with its picture-perfect town plaza filled with palm and redwood trees and surrounded by 30+ tasting rooms, book and cooking stores, and ice cream shops.
We hope you'll consider trying out a unique night of wine country glamping with us on the Russian River.
We're dog friendly! There is a limit of 2 dogs per tent. Please be sure to add the dog fee in extras upon check out.
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$259
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Wackalulu's Wonderland
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Monte Rio, CA
A Russian River Rustic and Very Private Retreat. This 1 1/2 acre Paradise that many of our friends call An Adult Disneyland is a magical place to visit. Each of our areas, whether for entertaining or residing, has its own theme and is decorated with care. Each of the listings has it's own private deck or patio and then you have access to all of the common areas on the propertyWe promise you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but you are minutes from everything.Lulu’s Landing and Captain Wack’s Cove is a pirate-themed Creekside hangout, where you can enjoy a fire, except during banned season. Also a great place to capture a glimpse of the numerous critters that cruise our creek. Foxes, Deer, Squirrels, Otters, Ducks and Herons as well as numerous songbirds that feed from our bird feeder.Lulu’s Lanai is a Flamingo-themed outdoor living room and dining area with fun vintage furniture and décor.The Take- A -Liki- Tiki Shower Shack is a great place to cool off and clean up after a day on the river or exploring tidepools at the coast. There is even a puppy bath station behind it for your furry friends!The Wack Shack is our outdoor bar and grill, full of fun, colorful lights and signs. There’s plenty of equipment to cook there: appliances, a BBQ, sink, fridge and walk-up bar.We also have several apple trees, a pear tree, and tons of blackberries when in season to share with our guest. Our Veggie Garden will be available next season to enjoy also. We are constantly improving our property so please stay in the finished designated guest areas only until we open up the coming attractions.There are plenty of sites and destinations within minutes from our home too! We have Tennis, Pickle Ball, and Basketball Courts around the corner. The Russian River/ Monte Rio public beach is a short walk past the Parks and Recreation Center, and they rent Kayaks and Canoes during the summer months. The Redwood Alliance camp is just a few miles up Bohemian Hwy if you dare to zip line through the redwood canopy forest or Armstrong woods in Guerneville for those that would rather keep their feet on the ground and take a hike to enjoy the majestic beauties. Duncan's Mill is a quaint town (less than 3 miles from us) on your way to Jenner by the Sea which is just about 9 miles to the west of us. You can take a gorgeous coastal drive to Bodega that is only 15 miles away. Historic Fort Ross is another beautiful 20 mile coastal drive. Bike Enthusiast love the back roads out here and the Biggest Attraction Is… Wait for it…. Wineries are everywhere! During the summer there are several Music Venues close by too. The Rio Nido Roadhouse has outdoor music on the weekends. Rockin the River is every other Thursday in Guerneville. The Monte Rio Variety Show just celebrated it 111th year to a sold-out crowd. Zac Brown, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor are just a few Headliners that have been here in the past.We have a great Lightwave coffee shop across the creek that is a quick 5 minute walk. There are several restaurants along the river as well as a small grocery store, movie theater, and a Homemade Ice Cream Parlor that are all close enough to walk to or drive. Guerneville is a quick 4 mile drive and has a Safeway and many restaurants and quaint shops too.Adults of 21 years or older only please. TOT#4440N
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$99
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Audrey Edna Cabin at Alpine Ranch
1 site · Lodging350 acres · Loma Mar, CA
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.
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$100
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Crowes nest cabin
2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Sebastopol, CA
2.5 acres of gardens and wildlife-close to downtown sebastopol. 1 hour from the Golden Gate Bridge, 25 minutes to the Russian river, 16 miles to the coast. Chickens and bees on the property. It is shared land but the hip camp site is very private. We have a giant garden with lots of flowers and veggies. This is a small 10x12 cabin with two twin beds, fridge, toilet and outdoor shower.This space is great for someone wanting to get out of the city and relax or write. We are 3.5 miles from downtown sebastopol and 16 miles to the ocean. We do not provide bedding-please bring your own, theres wifi and drinking water.
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$80
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Lucky Annex
1 site · Lodging2 acres · Kenwood, CA
Drive down a beautiful, one lane country road and feel a world away. Yet, you are in the heart of the wine country - just 20 minutes from downtown Sonoma, 15 minutes from Glen Ellen and 5 minutes from the town of Kenwood.Great wineries and restaurants abound in this very special area.The property is several acres with an abundant garden and fruit trees.We live on the property and are available should you need recommendations. Note we do have chickens and a dog on property.
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$150
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Delta Respite
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Sherman Island, CA
The perfect solo escape!
Treat yourself to a quiet getaway for one at this cozy, clean and comfortable cabin on our rural farm, between two rivers, on Sherman Island. Located in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area at the confluence of the San Joaquin River, Sacramento River, and the eastern terminus of San Francisco Bay, Sherman Island is known for its wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets, and its dark sky for stargazing opportunities.
The property is surrounded by alfalfa fields, grazing cattle, sheep, and a wildland habitat populated with migratory and native birds, animals, and plants.
The one-room cabin has a bed and clawfoot bathtub with hot water offering a peaceful escape on our 5-acre tree-lined farm. Here you can listen to birdsong instead of the sounds of the city. This is an ideal cabin for birdwatchers, plein air painters, nature photographers, stargazing, windsurfers/kiteboarders, meditation, or some stress-free, peaceful reset time.
The private cottage has a refrigerator, microwave, compostable dinnerware, drinking water, and a coffeemaker with coffee. It is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter.
Pets are welcome and free to enjoy being off-leash in the cabin's fenced yard. The hosts raise free-range chickens and bees on their farm and also conduct a nonprofit rescue and hospice for senior pets.
The property is in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, surrounded by a 1000-acre
state habitat/preserve populated by seasonal bird populations.
Downtown San Francisco and Sacramento are each about 55 miles away in opposite directions. Mount Diablo, viewed from the property, is about 15 miles south and offers hiking trails with stunning views and abundant wildlife.
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$135
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Private Cabin (w/ hot tub & sauna)
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Guerneville, CA
The River House is far enough from the main road to be quiet and serene but is still just walking distance from the Russian River where you can float/swim all day. The house has incredibly fast wifi as well as an electric car charging port.
The neighborhood has a tennis court, Pee Wee golf course, community playground, and the house is walking distance from the Rio Nido Roadhouse which offers incredible food, drinks, and live music.
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$450
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Enriquez Estate Milkbarn
1 site · Lodging8 acres · Forestville, CA
Once a dairy farm, then a private golf course, and finally a vineyard, we've worked hard to create a full wine country life experience for your stay. As you walk through our property, you'll see how our property embodies each of it's eras. It's hard not to feel the tranquility and beautiful energy our land imparts.Learn more about this land:Historic milkbarn turned into a vacation rental. Among vineyard vines with beautiful views and walking paths. Minutes from downtown Healdsburg, but secluded in the heart of the Russian RIver Valley.
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$384
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Cabins near San Rafael guide
Overview
Set amid the rolling hills of the North Bay Area, San Rafael has an undeniable charm. Sprawling bays, wine country, and the roaring Pacific coastline surround he Marin County seat. When you camp here, some of the best outdoor playgrounds of Northern California are at your fingertips.
Just 15 miles from San Francisco, San Rafael offers plenty of spots to pitch a tent or park your camper. China Camp State Park is perched right on the bay. Big draws include the fishing dock, a sandy beach, and trails for hiking and horseback riding. Want to get out on the water? Set sail for San Francisco Bay to enjoy boating, fishing, or kayaking.
For a wilderness adventure, head to the coast to explore Point Reyes National Seashore. It's hard not to get psyched about the 150+ trails and secluded backpacking sites. Mt. Tamalpais is another spot with rugged mountain trails and jaw-dropping views.
McNear's Beach is a local favorite in San Rafael. The county park has a sandy bay beach and a public pool that opens in the summer. A short drive north brings you to Sonoma wine country. Enjoy scenic drives, or stop by a few vineyards for good old-fashioned California wine tasting.
Outside the state parks, you find a number of private campgrounds and RV parks near San Rafael. These spots offer picnic tables, fire pits, hookups—the works. You can also find tipis, historic cabins, and yurts nestled in the hills.
The mild climate on the California Coast allows for year-round camping in San Rafael. If you're traveling during the summer and fall, camp responsibly—this is the peak of wildfire season. Follow your campground's fire regulations, and keep an ear on the radio for fire notices.
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