Tahoe, Yosemite, or Mendocino—we’ve got the perfect family cabin for you
Want to get away without getting on a plane? Head to a cozy cabin in the woods for a family vacation exploring Northern California’s great outdoors. You don’t need to drive far from the Bay Area to discover peaceful forests, snowy meadows and wide open spaces. From the Sierras to the coast, we’ve got a ton of Airbnb options—scroll on to find one to inspire your next trip.
Cabin Rentals in the Sierra Foothills
Arnold Hideaway—Arnold, CA
This two-bedroom cabin in the friendly mountain town of Arnold is perfect for a family of four, but can accommodate up to six with the pull-out sofa bed in the living area. The cabin is located away from the road, down a set of steps, giving you a sense of seclusion and views of the forest from every window. Light the wood stove at night for a real winter cabin feel.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $198/night
Online: airbnb.com
Arnold House in the Trees—Arnold, CA
This spot would be a great option to bring your whole crew as it comfortably sleeps up to 12 people. The two-story deck will be everyone's favorite and the renovated kitchen has everything you need. Nearby attractions include the Stanislaus River, quirky town of Murphys, Bear Valley ski area, and Big Trees State Park. There are tons of tubing spots nearby in the winter and the cabin has gear you can borrow.
Sleeps: 11
Cost: $210/night
Online: airbnb.com
The Swiss Chalet—Arnold, CA
Located in the mountain town of Arnold, the Swiss Chalet is just a 2.5-hour drive from the Bay Area and the easiest way to check out snow with the kids. There's plenty of room to spread out with two master bedrooms, two additional bedrooms with bunk beds, a magnificent cathedral ceiling in the main room, and lots of cozy seating options. Fancy a traditional Alps-inspired meal? The kitchen is fully equipped and comes with a raclette grill. Staying here feels like a step back in time, with modern amenities for your enjoyment.
Sleeps: 12
Cost: $364/night
Online: simplysv.com/the-swiss-chalet
Quiet A-Frame Cabin in the Twain Harte Woods—Twain Harte, CA
We totally love this adorable cabin that's only a 30-minute drive from Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. You'll love the kid-friendly amenities like puzzles, board games, toys, a high chair, and a Pack n' Play. A five-minute drive will get you to the quaint town of Twain Harte and you'll also have access to two private lakes (Upper Crystal Falls and Lower Crystal Falls Lakes).
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $176/night
Online: airbnb.com
Cabin in the Redwoods—Felton, CA
This cozy little cabin is the perfect Bay Area escape without much of a drive. Located just two miles from downtown Felton, you'll love enjoying your coffee on the deck and cozying up by the fire at night. There's even a mini gym in the basement.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $389/night
Online: airbnb.com
Lake Tahoe Cabin Rentals
Hygge Barn - Modern Cabin in the Pines
If you prefer a modern aesthetic, you’ll love this gorgeous Scandi-inspired cabin in the pines. Conveniently located minutes from cosmopolitan Tahoe City and a five-minute walk to the lake, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is ideal for a family-friendly, relaxing getaway.
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $332/night
Online: airbnb.com
Tahoe Donner Basecamp—Truckee, CA
You will love the hygge vibe at this cozy cabin in the Tahoe Donner community. You'll find tons of spots for everyone to sleep and a fire pit for nights under the stars. The kitchen has everything you'll need to cook for your crew and there's even extra winter clothes if you've forgotten something. The kids will especially love the game room in the basement.
Sleeps: 10
Cost: $285/night
Online: airbnb.com
Mid-Century Modern Cabin on Tahoe's West Shore—Homewood, CA
This renovated A-frame is perfect for your next trip to Tahoe. There are three sleeping areas and two bathrooms, plus a massive deck with a hot tub waiting for you to come back from your winter adventures.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $549/night
Online: airbnb.com
Dog-Friendly Cabin in South Lake Tahoe—South Lake Tahoe, CA
Perfectly located near the South Lake Tahoe action, this rental comes with a Pack n' Play and highchair for the babe, a hot tub for soaking in, and a fenced back yard meaning the entire family can get away.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $303/night
Online: airbnb.com
Cabin Rentals Near Yosemite
Family Reunion in Yosemite
This spacious modern cabin inside the gates of Yosemite National Park comfortably hosts up to ten guests, making it ideal for hosting extended family or a group of friends. Spend your days hiking Yosemite’s trails and evenings playing pool, beating each other’s high scores on the three arcade machines or a game of monopoly.
Sleeps: 10
Cost: $524/night
Online: airbnb.com
Yosemite A-Frame Cabin—Groveland, CA
The fresh mountain air welcomes you immediately upon arrival at this gorgeous cabin just 25 minutes from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, your whole crew will have plenty of space to spread out. Spend the day hiking nearby and enjoy the hot tub at night.
Sleeps: 8
Cost: $333/night
Online: airbnb.com
Cabin Rentals Near Lassen Volcanic National Park
Cozy Log Cabin Near Lassen National Park—Shingletown, CA
This picturesque little log cabin has a wood stove to keep you cozy at night and plenty of trails to explore nearby. Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park for additional hiking options and an epic day trip!
Sleeps: 4
Cost: $193/night
Online: airbnb.com
Gold Country Cabins
Cascade Cabin—Nevada City, CA
Cascade Cabin is a cozy and comfortable, yet newer, sophisticated log home on one and a half bucolic and manicured acres, just a five-minute drive to downtown Nevada City. The house is located directly on the Cascade Canal trail, offering 4.5 miles (one way) of virtually flat hiking through the peaceful forest along a beautiful gold rush-era waterway. Direct access to the canal and trail is literally 15 feet outside the back door. A large sunny lawn in front of the house is ringed by cedars and there is a small separate deck seating area near the canal and fenced vegetable garden.
Sleeps: 8
Cost: $305/night
Online: airbnb.com
Gold Country Round House with Waterfall—Grass Valley, CA
This brand-new house is going to be your new favorite family destination. It's unique round shape provides views for miles of the five acres property. You'll find a rushing creek, a pond and waterfall, plus a hot tub on the deck. Cook up a meal in the gourmet kitchen and enjoy all the Gold Country beauty.
Sleeps: 11
Cost: $256/night
Online: airbnb.com
Cabin Rentals in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties
Point Reyes Creekside Cabin—Point Reyes Station, CA
About an hour from San Francisco, you'll love all the details in this solar-powered home. With nearby access to hiking trails, biking paths and tons of watersports, you'll love coming back home to the quiet solitude that the property offers. Stroll down to the Inverness Park Market and Tap Room at the end of the street and enjoy some of the best food and drink in the area with a very local vibe.
Sleeps: 5
Cost: $232/night
Online: airbnb.com
Lucky Bend Lookout—Guerneville, CA
Your kids will feel like woodland creatures—and you’ll feel like a travel-planning wizard—when your family settles into this mid-century modern cabin, tucked into a dense stand of redwoods beside the Russian River in Guerneville. Your family will love the open floorplan and kid-proofed details as well as the pack n' play, highchair, potty chair and more that come ready for you to use. Cook up a tasty dinner in the kitchen to dine al fresco, or book the services of a local chef who can make the meal for you. You'll definitely want to come back and visit when the days are warm so you can take advantage of the property's river access dock for kayaking and canoeing.
Sleeps: 8
Cost: $250/night and up
Online: luckybendlookout.com
Cathedral in the Redwoods—Guernville, CA
This is a tranquil escape is located in a quiet grove of Redwood trees, but just 2 miles from the town of Guerneville and minutes away from all that the Russian River has to offer. The cabin has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. In the backyard, there's a grill, firepit, a 6-person hot tub, picnic table, and a hammock. There's also a koi pond with 7 koi and 3 goldfish that the kids can feed.
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $332/night
Online: airbnb.com
The Navarro House—Albion, CA
The Navarro House is situated on the Mendocino coast with an unobstructed view where the Navarro River reaches the Pacific Ocean. This extraordinary cabin has been recently updated featuring an expansive deck and access to a hot tub and BBQ/ Fire pit area shared with the guest house. Dogs are welcome!
Sleeps: 6
Cost: $312/night
Online: airbnb.com
Additional reporting by Sarah MacDonald
Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
