Cabins near Downieville with wildlife watching
Downieville sets the standard for camping, with epic seasonal activities from swimming to skiing.
97% (1384 reviews)
- Downieville
97% (1384 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Downieville
12 top cabins sites near Downieville with wildlife watching
97%
(172)
200-acre developing eco-preserv
37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
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$80
/ night
97%
(154)
Garden Goddess Farm
8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines & oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business,
bond with nature & learn how to grow their own food!
Lots of wild medicinal & culinary herbs to discover.
Individuals, Couples & Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food
and opportunity to learn about sustainable living.
Farm is
conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City & Grass Valley. 60-90 Minutes
from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee & ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that
is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary & Homesteading Classes, Private Garden & Foraging Tours.
Celebrate a Special Occasion & try one of our Make & Take Classes, Mead Tasting or Romance Packages! Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal packages, but feel free to bring your own camp stove & food to cook in the bbq area.
Privacy & what to expect: Property is usually very quite & overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring.
We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn & Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few houses that are our neighbors.
There are 3 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 6 guests in a weekend. The main farmhouse is 4500 square feet and hosts 2-4 Culinary Students or Professionals that may be on site.
There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper and Lower Deck & Gardens
to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking & foraging classes.
This Cozy Love Shack
sleeps 2-4 adults/kids. (190 square feet) 1 King Bed with Floor Futon & single bed. It's about 200 feet from main farm house.
The unit has basic electricity, a solar light & mini frig. Sun warmed (luke-Warm) camping shower available. Approx 190 square feet. Toilet is a composting bucket with wood chips.
The
main farmhouse (owner's residence) has
a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras &
Foothills. Enjoy a Happy Hour, Gourmet Farm-fresh meal, picnic
or play a game in the shaded couch area. There are 2 large tables
for dining & couches for relaxing.
We have organic demonstration gardens & orchard that you can stroll or you can book an educational tour & tasting for a more in depth understanding of the culinary & medicinal plants.
Fresh chicken & duck eggs are usually available.
Great place for kids & adults to learn about organic gardening & sustainable living.
Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Grass Valley, Nevada City and Auburn (Lots of Wine-tasting &
Local Wineries). The Beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience
(25 min drive), Scott's Flat Lake & Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes),
Trails for Mountain Biking & Hiking,
Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive). Empire Mine.
Pet Policy:
- If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate.
Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet.
- Please
keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times
- we have ducks and chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered.
- Please
bring your own bedding
if you will be bringing pets.
Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$49
/ night
96%
(426)
Sierra Sol Camp
11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options.
Here are the sites we offer:
-Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin)
-Water Tower (cabin)
-Daisy Belle (canvas tent)
-Rise and Shine (canvas tent)
-Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer)
-Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin)
-Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites)
The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step.
We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more.
We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake.
On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house.
Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
/ night
98%
(51)
Private River Oasis
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Lake Of The Pines, CA
If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, "Private River Oasis" is the perfect place for you. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip, this property offers everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay. With its stunning natural surroundings and modern convenient amenities "Private River Oasis" promises to be your perfect camping experience! So why wait? Book your stay today and start planning your dream vacation!
The Space:
A 13 ft Bell tent is setup for you with one queen bed and one single bed inside (beds are made with sheets and comforters). The tent sits approximately 75 ft above the river with breathtaking views of the river and canyon. If you are coming with a group, there is over an acre of flat land which is perfect for any type of tent setup.
At the tent site you’ll have access to a table and chairs, lounge chairs, picnic table, gas BBQ, basketball hoop and balls, rock campfire, kayaks, and a porta potty. A short 3-minute walk away from the tent you’ll find the shore of the Bear River.
Guest access:
The tent site is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. If you do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle there is parking for up to four vehicles at the house. The tent site is less than a quarter mile walk downhill from the house.
River access:
If you’d like to visit the river to hang out, swim, or fish you can follow the dirt road next to the tent down to the river (3-minute walk). The riverfront has lounge chairs, a picnic table, and kayak's. The riverbank has small pebbles and rocks so water shoes are highly suggested for comfort when going into the water (recommended but not needed).
Come and enjoy the views of the river, forest, and wildlife!
This is a private tent site with one other listing on the property which is located at the house. You may rarely see other guests during your stay.
Check out is at 12pm. If you or anyone in your party stays past 12:30pm you will be charged for an extra night for your full party.
For guests that come for the day but do not stay the night there is a $25 fee per guest(s).
If your vehicle gets stuck on the property and you need a tow we may be able to accommodate for a $350 tow fee per vehicle.
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$120
/ night
94%
(27)
Avian Acres
6 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Avian Acres has been our home for the past 11 years. We have given birth to our children here and are extremely lucky to call this land home.
Our land is 8 acres with a significant buffer wild forest buffer on all sides giving it sense of privacy and wildness, yet just 10 minutes from town. We have a year round spring-fed creek running through the property, an abundance of flora and fauna, along with our own significant organic veggie garden and greenhouse.
Historically this property was situated along the Narrow Gauge railroad track that ran from Nevada City to Colfax and there is still evidence of the raised berm that the track was on which is located at the bottom border of our property.
Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe.
Learn more about this land:
Our 16' diameter round level raised tent platform is just a few feet away from a burbling brook. Next to the tent platform is a shaded lounge area for relaxing to the sound of the water and numerous birds who call this spot home. The campsite is totally private, both visibly and audibly removed from our home and from neighboring properties. Our Organic garden, seasonally stocked full of ripe veggies, is located just 60' feet away down a path through the forest where you are welcome to graze and munch upon checking in with us first to see what is available and ripe for the picking. Next to the garden is a large propane barbque, sink (cold water), and table available for prepping meals. The parking for this site is just 50' from the campsite, and we are happy to help get you settled in if you need assistance carrying your things. Our property is located just 10 minutes to Bear River, 15 minutes to Rollins Lake, 10 minutes to Historic Downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes to Historic Downtown Nevada City, and 25 minutes to the incredibly majestic Yuba River. We are also just 15 minutes off Hwy 80 from Colfax, enroute to Truckee and lake Tahoe.
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$55
/ night
98%
(283)
Victoria Forest
3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA
This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck!
Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect.
A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless!
Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters.
You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :)
Happy outdoorsing!
***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,
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$85
/ night
98%
(221)
Earth Castle Empower Retreat
6 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Gorgeous forested ten-acre land with great access to to the Yuba River, American River, hiking, biking, Historical Nevada City, Grass Valley, and more.
Our charming and secluded retreat is nestled in the heart of nature, offering the perfect escape if you are seeking tranquility and a connection with the great outdoors. Bask under the breathtaking stars at night and feel the healing effect of nature all around you during your stay. You can visit the historical Empire Mine, The National Hotel, or the Nevada Theater (the first Theater in California). Or just chill up here. It's nice and quiet! Enjoy the simplicity and privacy that a public campground doesn't offer.
Earth Castle is also a great place for groups! Plenty of space! We can support pull-through sites for RVs, space for Tents, and room for multiple cars.
Your host is passionate about stewarding this beautiful land. She is an author and Evolutionary Astrologer. Interested in having an astrology reading while you are here? Message Anna-Thea and, schedule permitting, she would love to give you a reading!
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$47
/ night
100%
(148)
Russtic Roadside Retreat (R3)
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Nevada City, CA
Learn more about this land:
R3 is a rustic studio/cabin located in a private corner of our half acre property, walking distance to historic Nevada City, CA. From its humble beginnings as a simple camping platform, R3 is now fully enclosed with a stunning glass front wall which preserves the great view from the site. A small kitchen area and bathroom with flush toilet and shower complete a private and cozy space.
There is much local history and many cultural activities to enjoy in Nevada County. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, road and mountain biking, river and lake access, skiing, and many more, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Nevada City, and it's sister town, Grass Valley, are Gold Rush Victorian gems, boasting a variety of shopping venues, many fine eateries, and eclectic "watering holes" featuring craft brews, local wines and tasty cocktails. Live music in many locations adds an upbeat and lively ambiance. Unwind with a day at the river or lake, take a road or mountain bike ride, or a hike on one of the many local trails.
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$75
/ night
89%
(9)
Frolic Gatherin'Ground
2 sites · Lodging20 acres · CA
Located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills in Gold Country~ 15 min from Grass Valley, Nevada City or Colfax. Frolic has been an adventure for me in Saying Yes to life and the rewarding challenges it brings. I fell in love with the big oak, the pristine pond and the feral overgrown everything. It has been a workin' progress and lots of time to pause and listen. Frolic has been a great teacher in reminding me to PLAY, relax and go with the flow. I hope you can find the same joy and rejuvenation here.
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$89
/ night
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Secluded + Peaceful Cozy Cabin
1 site · Lodging150 acres · Garden Valley, CA
Peaceful and private Bear Creek Lodge is tucked up against the El Dorado National Forest, surrounded by majestic oaks, pines, and cedars, in charming Garden Valley, CA. The 3,000-square-foot lodge is located on 150 acres, secluded from noise and light pollution, making for spectacular night skies. The park-like setting makes Bear Creek Lodge the perfect haven in the woods, while the beautifully-appointed four-bedroom home makes it the ideal place for rest, relaxation, & rejuvenation!
Bear Creek Lodge has been carefully designed and appointed to help you rest and relax on your getaway to the woods. While you will likely spend evenings listening to nature’s symphony, there are plenty of activities in the house to keep you entertained.
Bear Creek Lodge is 100% off the grid and utilizes an industrial generator that powers this large property. We are pet friendly, but you must register your pet on the site and there is a fee if you decide to bring your pet. Please let us know in advance.
Max. Occupancy: 4 bedrooms; There is a maximum occupancy limit of 14 guests between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
WiFi: Bear Creek Lodge includes high-speed Wifi thanks to fast satellite Internet.
Quiet Hours: While in a remote and secluded area, we must still abide by the local regulations. Quiet Hours must be observed between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Wildlife: The peace and beauty of being tucked away into your own secluded retreat in the woods, comes with the additional steps of having to contend with wildlife and small critters. For your safety and enjoyment, it's important to be vigilant about keeping doors closed into the Lodge. It's also important to clean up ALL food debris at ALL times, both inside and outside the Lodge.
Suggestion to Bring: Remember to bring all necessary medications, as the nearest pharmacy is 14-15 miles away in Cool, CA if needed. And we also recommend bringing flashlights for each guest for moving between the main, upper, and lower levels at night time. Always check the weather app ahead of your arrival for weather forecasts at Georgetown & Garden Valley CA.
Here are only a few of the nearby adventures that Hipcampers can partake in: Skiing, snowboarding, white-water rafting, wine tasting, Apple Hill, Jeep Jamboree, Rubicon trail, El Dorado National Forest, Coloma gold discovery museum, Red Hawk Casino, antiquing, historic downtown Placerville, hidden local trails, hiking, fishing, water-sports and/or doing nothing but relaxing!
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$325
/ night
93%
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Healing Our Mined Ecology
21 sites · Lodging11 acres · Nevada City, CA
HOME found me in late June 2019 after a two-year journey to get out of the city. Looking back, I feel like I left at the right time.
This is our top-end accommodation a one bedroom cabin with its own small kitchen, bathroom and living room with a wood stove. A beautiful spot to check out. The sofa folds out into a queen size bed, can easily accommodate up to four people. The cabin has all basic amenities, kitchen, bathroom, etc. We are not pet friendly.
"4 of us enjoyed our stay in the cabin. We made a simple, delicious dinner in the kitchen, enjoyed talking around the fire pit, slept, enjoyed a morning walk in the neighborhood, ate breakfast, and then headed out for an afternoon at the river. We chose the cabin, because our little adventure was only 1 night, which seemed too short for setting up a campsite. The cabin met our need perfectly. We had air mattresses and sleeping bags with us; 1 person used the double bed, and the other 3 opted to use air mattresses. I would happily return for another stay!"
"This site definitely suited our needs for the weekend we stayed. Josh was very accommodating before we even showed up and was welcoming once we got there. It’s a great little retreat into the woods and convenient as far as being able to access Scott’s Flat Lake nearby. It is also nice and quiet at night so that is definitely a plus."
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$150
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Honeycomb Hut
1 site · Lodging6 acres · Nevada City, CA
Picturesque cedar cabin nestled in the pines. Located one mile from downtown Nevada City. Fifteen minutes from the Yuba River (a magical swimming/hiking spot), ten minutes from popular mountain bike trails, and forty-five minutes from the closest ski resort. The hut is the perfect amount of space for one to two people, and is wonderful for romantic, friend, or solo getaways. 2-WD accessible.
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$95
/ night
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Cabins near Downieville with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Downieville is nestled in northern California, just west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Close to several national forests and a wealth of campgrounds, Downieville is well-known for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Downieville Downhill, a 17-mile track running from Sierra City to the heart of Downieville, is undoubtedly the most famous. Campers can also dive into Lake Tahoe’s refreshing water in hot summer months or ski soothing groomers in the middle of winter. Stay the night in a yurt, wood cabin rental, or RV campground nearby. For fantastic hiking, head to Tahoe National Forest and walk beneath giant sequoia canopies, or get spritzed by misty air when watching waterfalls in Plumas National Forest before pitching a tent by the water at a dispersed campsite.
Where to go
Tahoe National Forest
Roughly 1.5 hours from Downieville, Tahoe National Forest has 76 designated campgrounds to choose from. Book a fire lookout tower featuring propane-powered appliances, roll the RV into campgrounds equipped with toilet facilities and drinking water, or opt for primitive backcountry tent camping for an untamed experience in the local wilderness. Then, spend the day viewing giant sequoias in Placer County Big Trees Grove, discover preserved mining towns, or explore one of the many hiking trails that lead to natural gems like waterfalls, scenic vistas, and wildflower-filled meadows in spring.
Lake Tahoe
The biggest freshwater lake within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe offers unbeatable summer fun and world-renowned ski resorts in winter. Although dispersed camping isn’t allowed in the Lake Tahoe area, there are plenty of other options including wood cabin rentals, glamping in canvas yurts, and RV-friendly campgrounds. Many tent and motorhome campgrounds provide convenient amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and laundry facilities, with individual campsites featuring picnic tables and grill-top fire rings. Head to Emerald Bay for sandy beaches in warmer months, and spend snowy winter days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or sledding at one of the nearby local ski resorts.
Plumas National Forest
Get acquainted with Plumas National Forest’s awe-inspiring beauty and excellent camping options. There are dozens of RV and tent campgrounds to choose from, some with drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and firepits. Dispersed camping is also allowed, just make sure to respect fire bans. There are eight separate recreation areas within Plumas National Forest to explore. Some well-known highlights include Feather Falls, scenic views at the Sierra Buttes Lookout, and Lake Davis for swimming and trout fishing.
When to go
Downieville offers year-round outdoor entertainment and camping accommodations, just be prepared for cold winters. An average annual snowfall of 115 inches makes it one of the snowiest areas in California. July and August are the warmest and driest months, but they’re also the busiest. Double-check for road and campground closures in wintertime, as well as campfire bans in the summertime. Many areas don’t allow fires seasonally, and the freezing winter temperatures shut down water access in higher-elevation campgrounds.
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