California Cabin Rentals for a Cozy Winter Getaway

California may be known for its beaches and buzzy urban attractions, but its abundance of outdoor options is simply breathtaking. From Yosemite National Park to Big Bear, Shasta Lake, and Joshua Tree National Park, there’s a wealth of forests, lakes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and national parks to explore. Before you plan your next trip, have a look at these cool cabin options, some situated in a forest or desert setting, or out by the water, for a unique California-style getaway.

Prices and availability are subject to change. 

Related: Gorgeous Floating Cabins You Can Actually Rent

Three Rivers | Sleeps 2

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Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this Three Rivers escape has romantic getaway written all over it. The cute cabin comes with a well-equipped kitchen, propane barbecue off the back deck, and a hot tub. Located steps away from the main fork of the Kaweah River, guests can fish or just watch as rafters and kayakers meander down the river.

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If you do make it out of the extremely comfortable bed, the property is located close to the local market and restaurants. It's also about five minutes from Sequoia National Park so you can explore at your leisure.

Cobb | Sleeps 2

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Private and secluded, this charming treehouse-style cabin nestled amongst dogwood trees with a fairy-lit deck in the Whispering Pines neighborhood is perfect for a romantic getaway or a proposal weekend. Located two hours north of San Francisco, there’s plenty of hiking in the area, and Harbin Hot Springs is close by.

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If you enjoy a rustic farmhouse feel but want modern conveniences (the house includes access to Hulu, Amazon, and Netflix, and provides a Chemex pour-over coffee maker), this stay is for you. Just go knowing the main heat source is a wood stove, so you need to know how to light a fire and keep it going.

Mariposa | Sleeps 6

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This fully kitted-out cottage with a bedroom and loft space is perfect as a base to explore Yosemite National Park by way of the picturesque Merced River. With ample indoor and outdoor living space, the rental also has large windows that look out over the nearby mountains. Its secluded location is located a short drive from the charming town of Mariposa, so you can get supplies easily.

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End your days with a glass of wine in the hot tub as you soak up the view of the sierras and test your astronomy skills until you’re suitably relaxed.

Smith River | Sleeps 2

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Wake and fall asleep to the roar of the Smith River at this off-grid cabin with 9 acres of riverfront and rafting access. Completely secluded (the nearest neighbor is 16 miles away) in the middle of the wilderness with a great swimming hole, you’ll be in your own little world for the entirety of your time there. 

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The rustic aesthetic of the cabin does not extend to its appliances, which have been modernized with a gas cooktop, dishwasher, and refrigerator. While there’s no oven, there is a fire pit and wood-fired barbecue area to grill your catch of the day from the creek.

Joshua Tree | Sleeps 2

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Boho meets modern desert cool at this converted 1950s homesteader. Tucked in the northern corner of the national park and 15 minutes outside of town, the cabin comes with a modern kitchen, queen-size bed, air conditioning and heating, an outdoor shower, and WiFi. There's lots of patio and outdoor space to enjoy Mother Nature.

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With panoramic views of the Joshua Tree landscape, a minimalist bohemian vibe, and the wood accents of the cabin suit its stark surroundings to a tee. Reviewers love its zen, tranquil vibe, extra comfortable bed, and recommend waking early to catch a sunrise.

Foresta | Sleeps 4

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You’ll be hard-pressed to find another accommodation so close to Yosemite National Park. Located in the tiny community of Foresta, this propane-heated, cozy cabin comes with a full kitchen and is 15 minutes drive away from Yosemite’s numerous trails, including Valley, El Portal, Taft/Glacier Point, etc. 

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While there’s just one bedroom with a king-size bed, the couch folds out to a comfortable full-size bed. The 17-foot-tall wood beam ceilings with picture windows allow for all-day views of the surrounding mountains — a major plus.

Big Bear | Sleeps 8

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This chalet’s mid-century pastel-hued interiors look straight out of a curated Instagram feed. Good looks aside, it’s located minutes from Snow Summit and Big Bear Boulevard. Amenities include a backyard hot tub, and several family-friendly touches like board games, a game room, and children’s books are included in the stay.

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There’s a master suite with a sitting area plus two separate bedrooms with double beds, so this works for families or a crew of friends. Bonus points for the full soaking bathtub, laundry, and True Botanical toiletries.

Shasta County | Sleeps 4

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This dreamy A-frame treehouse-style cabin is nestled on 4 wooded acres overlooking Shasta Lake. There are two main bedrooms and the front deck is large enough to pitch a tent to fall asleep under the stars. Reviewers love the little touches like record player, wood stove, and fairy lights that give the space instant ambiance.

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The listing talks up the view — and for good reason, since it’s located between three national parks (Lassen Volcanic, Redwood, and Crater Lake). From the large front deck, you’ll look out over the valley to the nearby granite cliffs and Hirz Bay.

Idyllwild-Pine Cove | Sleeps 2

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Located in Strawberry Creek in the small town of Idyllwild, this woody cabin offers a tranquil escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Sitting on a 2-acre property that’s home to a burbling creek, rock paths, fir trees, and a family of deer, the cabin itself is not without an array of distractions: a vintage Marantz turntable, Royal typewriter, and a cozy, wood-burning rock fireplace. You can also expect to find all the kitchen accessories you’ll need to cook up a tummy-warming meal.

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After a day of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, return to this cabin with all its modern creature comforts: a loft bedroom with king-size Tempurpedic bed, white noise machine, Dyson fan, two-person hot tub, and board games for some old-fashioned bonding time.

Templeton | Sleeps 2

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Located southwest of the Paso Robles wine country, this converted military bunker is within walking distance of four vineyards, making it the perfect choice for a wine-tasting weekend. Beautifully decorated with a king-sized bed and gas fire pit, the hosts include a complimentary s’mores kit with every stay. There’s also a coach house and farmhouse available for rent.

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Guests note in reviews that they loved the comfortable bed, waking to the sight of “horses galavanting right across the fence from us,” and falling asleep to the sound of crickets. While there’s a full kitchen to whip up meals, downtown Paso Robles is a quick ride away.

Upper Moonridge | Sleeps 16

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Snowbunnies will love this expansive 4,000-square-foot log mansion three miles from the slopes. With four bedrooms, four baths, a fully kitted-out kitchen, and three stone fireplaces, it’s a pretty sweet crash pad. 

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All four bedrooms come tastefully furnished with luxury bedding but you won’t be spending too much time in there with an in-house theater equipped with a 75” flat screen and surround sound, a custom log pool table, and views of the slopes from the deck and main room. There’s also a hammered nickel copper tub to soak muscle aches after a hard day of skiing.

Southern Highlands | Sleeps 10

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Located five minutes from West End Beach on South Shore Drive, this three-bedroom, three-bath cabin has every creature comfort you can think of. With vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace in every room, it’s a place you’ll be happy to call home after an exhausting day on the slopes or out on Donner Lake.

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Regardless if you’re booking this in the winter or summer months, the property’s best feature stays the same: being right on Donner Lake with private lakefront access. The cabin also includes an 82-inch Samsung TV, pool table, and a wet bar.

Moonridge | Sleeps 7

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Book this “shack” for your next skiing and snowboarding trip. Located three miles from Big Bear Lake and a short walk to the ski shuttle and village trolley, you won’t be far from the slopes. Once you’re done for the day, bed down in one of three comfortable bedrooms (there are two queen beds and two sets of bunk beds) or enjoy some downtime in front of one of the two fireplaces.

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Big Bear Village is just three miles away but there are enough distractions on the property to keep you pretty entertained. Amenities include a spacious hot tub, pool table, ping pong table, and a playground and swing for the little ones. Boats, skis, jet skis, and fishing equipment can also be rented from the nearby marina.

Joshua Tree | Sleeps 2

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Rebuilt from a 1950s Homesteader Cabin with unobstructed views of the surrounding hills, this colorful art-filled gem six minutes from downtown Joshua Tree is ideal for a chilled weekend exploring the national park. Come nightfall, sit back and take in the sunset and solitude from the deck as you stargaze to sleep.

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While reviews comment on it being small in size, they also rave about the space being well-designed, comfortable, and kitted out with everything guests need, including a whirlpool bathtub, propane grill, fire pit, and back porch shower.

Shingletown | Sleeps 7

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If you’re looking to hike and kayak Lassen Volcanic National Park as a family or group, this two-story wood cabin is perfect for a basecamp. Located on a sprawling 1-acre plot near Bailey Creek, it’s equipped with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and includes plenty of relaxation spaces so no one gets underfoot.

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More than a few reviews rave about the beds being uber comfortable, the fully equipped kitchen, and the thoughtful gift basket that lends a much-appreciated homely touch. Amenities include an outdoor hammock, patio dining, fire pit, and gas grill.

Boulder Creek | Sleeps 2

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Off-grid and solar-powered with a wood stove for heat, this quaint one-bedroom cabin studio with a full kitchen is about as remote as it gets. Nestled on 100 acres of private land, its location in the Santa Cruz Mountains ​is designed for nature lovers and sanctuary seekers​ who revel in being close to deer, owls, salamanders, and banana slugs.

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Reviews rave about this rental's homey interiors and tranquil location, noting it's perfect as a place to rest, meditate, and explore the surrounding woodlands. For the more adventurous, the cabin is just 30 minutes drive from Henry Cowell, Castle Rock, and Big Basin State Park.

Crestline | Sleeps 6

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Located close to Arrowhead and Silverwood lakes, this three-bedroom cabin offers a stunning view of the forest and a peekaboo glimpse of the nearby lake. What it lacks in amenities (i.e. there's no on-site hot tub) it makes up for with its proximity to Lake Gregory’s restaurants and pubs, and a spacious deck that sees daily visits from blue jays and other birds.

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Tastefully furnished and well maintained, the main bedroom has its own wall-mounted television, a large mirrored closet, and a private deck.

Fieldbrook | Sleeps 5

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These two adjacent cabins in the heart of the Humboldt Coastal Redwoods are rustic but many renters are there to enjoy the natural setting, which includes 10 acres of private forestland with two creeks and a waterfall, plenty of trails to explore, and mushrooms to forage for.

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Nestled beneath redwood trees, the cabins are comfortably furnished — one includes a living area and kitchenette and another includes sleeping space. There is also a separate bath house and a treehouse that's connected to the main cabin by a wooden walkway.

Trinidad | Sleeps 2

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Fair warning, if you book this cabin overlooking the Trinidad Bluffs, there’s a good chance you won’t find your way off the property until it’s time to check out. The stunning 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean from its porch is stunning. Make the most of your stay by exploring the nearby spruce forest with redwoods and the historic town of Trinidad.

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Accommodation-wise the cabin comfortably sleeps two with a full kitchen and WiFi.

Smartsville | Sleeps 2

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This one-room cabin on a large ranch is perfect for a self-imposed personal/couples retreat. Located on the bio-diverse wetlands of Gold Country, there’s plenty of birdwatching action (you may also spot the odd frolicking deer) with nearby swimming holes for catch-and-release fishing or just floating your stresses away. Nevada City and Grass Valley are a short drive away.

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Don’t plan too much, but do expect to hike the nearby Spenceville Wildlife Preserve and engage in some nightly stargazing action. There’s a small boat for use on the property, and a hammock in which to laze the day away.