Watch CBS News

Best Places For A Cabin Weekend Near Sacramento

A lovely weekend in a rustic cabin can be more than wonderful. Of course, you won't want it to be too rustic. Running water, inside bathroom, adequate to great kitchen and nicely appointed should be part of your cabin package. Is it possible? It is, and it's much more than rustic. Treat yourself to a weekend away at some great cabins near Sacramento.
Meeks Bay Resort
7941 Emerald Bay Road
Meeks Bay, CA 96142
(530) 525-6946
www.meeksbayresort.com

Sitting in your cabin, relaxing and planning the day ahead, the view out of the front window is of Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe. It is simply magnificent. The cabins are indeed rustic in the architectural sense. Inside it's comfy and clean, with a good kitchenette and gear to go with it. You can't miss the mountain feel, the great views or the sandy beach out front. Sugar Pine Point is a stone's throw away. Bring your own kayak or rent one from the resort and find out what the shore of Lake Tahoe looked like long ago, merely by paddling over to the shore along Sugar Pine Point. Explore to your heart's content, or simply sit on the porch and watch the lake. Open from late spring to mid-October, it's good either way.

Camp Richardson
1900 Jameson Beach Road
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158
(530) 541-1801
www.camprichardson.com

Camp Rich is open year round, and in any season the cabins are a great place to spend some time, right on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The cabins can accommodate just two of you or a big family. Go into the hotel and find out a bit about how Mr. Richardson built this place long ago. A paved bike path runs in front of the hotel. Boats can be rented at the marina. It's a true wonder to wake up early, brew a nice cup of coffee and sit on the cabin deck, or on the shore of the lake as the day in Tahoe begins to unfold.

Related: Out In Style: Most Comfortable Wilderness Retreats Near Sacramento

Kit Carson Lodge
32161 Kit Carson Road
Kit Carson, CA 95644
(209) 258-8500
www.kitcarsonlodge.com

Located on Silver Lake, off Highway 88, Kit Carson Lodge is a collection of rustic cabins that fit right into this slice of mountain and lake paradise. Open from late spring to mid-October, the cabins are nicely spread out and are just a short stroll from Silver Lake. Fish, hike, paint, draw or simply have more coffee and bagels as you sit on the deck and enjoy the mountain air and quiet. No phones, TV or internet are needed. A fine restaurant and very nice art gallery are part of the whole deal. There's a general store, and the lodge has its own kayaks and boats to rent. You'll want to book early. You'll probably be back, as this is a truly relaxing spot.

Tahoma Meadows B&B
6821 W. Lake Blvd.
Tahoma, CA 96142
(530) 525-1553525-1553525 525-155-1553
www.tahomameadows.com

Right across from Lake Tahoe, Tahoma Meadows B&B has finely appointed yet rustic cabins, and a breakfast that you'll wake up drooling for. There are so many things to do here: ride your bikes on the paved path, all the way to Squaw Valley, head over to the lake or get your hiking gear on. In winter, bring your cross-country skis and ski that paved path. Nearby are Tahoe City, Sugar Pine Point and Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. Dick and Ulli, the owners, know most of what there is available in the area. Ask them for suggestions, and after that breakfast, start exploring.

Sorensen's
14255 Highway 88
Hope Valley, CA 96120
(530) 694-2203
www.sorensensresort.com

Pick any season of the year, and your stay in one of the cabins here will make you want to come back for more. Located in Hope Valley, it's a beautiful setting in a spectacular aspen-filled valley. When fall comes calling, Sorensen's is the place the aspens first put on their dresses of red and gold. Hike and ride your bikes in late spring, summer and early autumn. Cross-country ski, snowshoe or head to Kirkwood ski resort in winter. Hope Valley is packed full with California history, and Sorensen's is a perfect place to read about it, see it and simply enjoy its magic.

Related: Best Weekend Getaways In The Sacramento Area

Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.