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Sequoia National Park is home to the largest trees on the planet, the tallest mountains in the lower 48, and some of the most stunning alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevada.
It’s connected to Kings Canyon to the north, and the two are managed and operated as one giant park. Combined, they are a wonder to behold for avid hikers, backpackers, road trippers, and forest bathers.
Most people driving into Sequoia will stay in the quaint gateway town of Three Rivers, located in the foothills just outside the park. Due to increasingly hot summers caused by climate change, the area has been implementing strict fire restrictions in certain summer and fall months, so it’s crucial to check the local rules before heading out on any trip to the area.
Depending on what you’re after, Sequoia is a gorgeous national park to visit in any season, and the main highway through it is plowed after winter snowstorms. Spring brings wildflowers and great hiking temps to the lower elevation regions of the park, summer brings crowds and excellent conditions up high near the Giant Forest, fall sees fewer visitors and awesome weather for backpacking, and winter is a quiet season, ripe for tree lovers who want to experience the giant sequoias with a touch of solitude.
With so much to do in this 404,063-acre expanse (865,964, if you tack-on Kings Canyon), finding a proper base camp to hang your hat at the end of the day is essential. Read on for our favorite cabins outside of Sequoia National Park.
Related read: 7 Gorgeous Campgrounds Near Kings Canyon National Park
1. Romantic Riverfront Studio
Why you should stay: Enjoy the summer sunshine and cool down in the river at this chic studio that’s perfect for couples.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $290/night
When the mountains are calling, this romantic, woodsy studio set on the banks of the Kaweah River is sure to hit the spot. Just three miles from the main entrance to Sequoia National Park, set in the gateway town of Three Rivers, this little nook has all the amenities you’ll need to feel comfortable while being one with nature–a BBQ grill, fire pit with supplied firewood, free WiFi, and EV charging.
Outside, guests can play in the river or dine on their own tiny private island as the sounds of waterfalls soothe them. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’re never without views, while a kitchenette, gas fireplace, and king-sized bed will make you feel right at home.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Stunning Glamping Spots Near Yosemite National Park, California
2. Evergreen House
Why you should stay: Enjoy custom art and mid-century furniture at this hip cabin haven.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $312/night
Perfect for couples of friends who have a refined, vintage sensibility, this wonderful one-bedroom cabin oozes fab 1970s vibes. Inside, visitors will find tobacco leather midcentury sofas, cozy reading nooks, a full kitchen, complete with whole bean coffee and artisan teas, and a king-sized memory foam bed with gel topper, framed with hand-picked art.
Outside, guests will find themselves in a tranquil, park-like setting, with plenty of trees, a babbling brook, lounge areas, and walking paths. The cottage sits in the cute mountain town of Three Rivers, mere minutes from Sequoia.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 9 Epic Glamping Sites Near Yellowstone National Park
3. Geometric Cabin Inside the Park
Why you should stay: It’s rare to find a drool-worthy cabin inside a national park’s boundaries, but this unique stay is central and utterly chic.
- Sleeps: up to 10
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $499/night
Every now and then, a spectacular architectural marvel gets grandfathered into a national park’s boundaries and visitors can rent the space and actually sleep in luxury inside the park. This spectacular home is just that. Quirky and geometric on the outside, clean and modern on the inside.
A circular, wood-burning fireplace warms the shared living space and open-plan kitchen, while upstairs an expansive loft holds dressers and two queen beds. Meanwhile, there are two separate, more private bedrooms as well, each with a queen bed. It’s perfect for groups of friends or a family reunion trip, and the views into the park from the deck and dining nook are heavenly.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: The 9 Best Cabin Rentals Near Big Sur, California
4. Romantic Couple’s Cabin
Why you should stay: Experience a quaint, sun-filled cottage with a kitchen minutes away from the park’s entrance.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $199/night
Drift to sleep after a full day of adventures in Sequoia at this sunshine-filled vintage cabin that’s perfect for two. Though the cabin retains its woodland charm with original details like knotty pine paneling, it’s full of modern amenities like satellite TV, wifi, and a full kitchen.
Out back is a deck with a fire pit, BBQ grill, and plenty of seating for sipping a cold one or watching the copious wildlife that streams through the property. This little house is only 1.5 miles from the park’s main entrance station, making it an excellent escape for any tree hugging couple.
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5. Family-Friendly Creekside Cabin
Why you should stay: This rustic, art-filled bungalow is the definition of secluded and large enough to fit the whole family.
- Sleeps: Up to 8
- Minimum Stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $160/night
Indulge your mountain dream life and bring the whole family (or a big group of friends) to this country-chic cabin set on five private acres of land just outside of Kings Canyon. On the property, you’ll find a swimming hole, fire pit, creek, picnic area, and several walking trails to help you get your steps in.
Meanwhile, the home’s 1,500-square-foot interior boasts two bedrooms, a fully appointed kitchen, a dedicated workspace with a desk, and a living room full of plush couches. Can’t decide on what to watch? This site’s even got a separate sunroom/gameroom with retro gaming systems, leather couches, and stunning natural views. At night, snuggle up in one of the bedrooms and let the kids play sleep-away camp in “the bunkhouse” next door, which can fit up to four.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 19 Stunningly Secluded Cabin Rentals in California
6. Romantic Rustic Riverfront Retreat
Why you should stay: Cool down in the Kaweah River and enjoy fabulous mountain-modern décor at this cozy one bedroom.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $395/night
Southwest-inspired rugs, a studded leather couch, and a pillow-strewn window reading nook beckon park visitors to leave early and lounge all evening at this elegant riverfront cottage in the charming town of Three Rivers. Or, sleep in and sip coffee from the open-plan kitchen before a short five-mile drive takes you to the park’s Ash Mountain Entrance.
The cabin’s exterior is no less luxury-filled. A wrap-around deck features seating areas for open-air dining, a bubbly hot tub, and a fire pit (wood provided by the hosts), right on the river. Take in the sunset over the Sierra foothills from a pair of wooden Adirondack chairs on the lawn.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 11 Sweet Camping Spots Near Fort Bragg, California
7. Botanist Cabin at the Evergreens
Why you should stay: Nature-loving design nerds will freak for this luxe cabin for two filled with artful touches.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $301/night
Wake to dappled light spilling through large glass windows at this revamped 1940s gem that once housed a botanist and his wife. The cabin is set on a large, private property with two other cabins on site, and though they share access to a small stream and a smattering of walking paths, this inviting studio hosts its own full kitchen, a plush queen-sized bed, a modern bathroom, and an outdoor soaking tub for ultimate relaxation in nature.
Sip on a mug of artisanal tea or freshly ground coffee (provided by the hosts) at one of several outdoor seating areas spread around the 6-acre property. Or, when your day in the park is done, return to the cozy, wood-burning fireplace and vintage furniture in the living area and snuggle up with a good book.
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8. Cozy Tiny House Cabin
Why you should stay: Experience an adorable, low-impact tiny house filled with creature comforts and homey touches.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $108/night
Ever wanted to live in a tiny house? This schoolhouse-red wooden marvel has all the charms and much of the convenience of a larger cabin, but squeezed into an adorable, compact package. Out front is a small deck with a BBQ grill, and inside is a kitchen with a sink, microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, toaster, and cooking supplies. The sleeping nook features a full-sized futon bed done up with cuddle-worthy grandma-style quilts.
A small seating area outside gives guests the opportunity to dine at or play a few of the cabin’s board games under the stars, and next door is a little bath house, complete with a shower, sink, and flush toilet.
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9. The Squattage – Tiny Cabin Escape
Why you should stay: This newly built A-frame retreat is stylish, comfortable, and much more comfortable than plain-old glamping.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum Stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $150/night
This stunning A-frame tiny home may be listed on HipCamp, but it’s far more luxurious than your dad’s old canvas tent. With a cute trundle sofa bed down below and a lofted bohemian sleeping area up top, the small cabin is ideal for a couple or two friends who want to get away from it all and explore the world’s largest trees.
A hot, outdoor rain-style shower (not available during winter) allows guests to get clean beneath a canopy of oaks and pines, plus an added picnic table and patio furniture make this little home feel much roomier than its 120-square-foot profile. If it rains, don’t worry! Guests also have access to an indoor toilet and seating area to chill out after a day of hiking and enjoying Sequoia.
Check AvailabilityRelated Read: 10 Beautiful California Treehouse Rentals For an Above Average Stay
10. Jazzdagen Dutch Retreat with Views
Why you should stay: Large families and groups of friends will fall in love with this amenity-rich mega cabin.
- Sleeps: up to 6
- Minimum Stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $330/night
We’re not sure if 2,500 square feet still constitutes a “cabin,” but if it’s wrong, then we don’t want to be right. This spacious wood home is nestled into the mountain community of Three Rivers, with phenomenal views of the Sierra Nevada foothills from both its porch and living room.
High ceilings and huge windows give an expansive feeling to the house’s common areas, and the large eat-in kitchen is full of stainless steel appliances and cooking supplies that’ll make the designated cook in your group drool. Each of the three large bedrooms enjoys spectacular views of far-off peaks, and you’ll definitely have to draw straws to see who gets first soak in the jacuzzi tub.
For those who can’t get enough nature, a massive wrap-around porch, complete with a grill and picnic table, offers ample seating for the whole crew to watch the sun set.
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