North Bloomfield Cabins

For Californians seeking a truly unique and historically rich outdoor escape, North Bloomfield Cabins offer an exceptional experience within the stunning Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. These aren't your typical modern accommodations; they are rustic miner's cabins that provide a tangible link to California's vibrant Gold Rush era, allowing visitors to step back in time while enjoying the beauty of the Sierra foothills. As one satisfied guest succinctly put it, the "Beautiful cabins and grounds" speak to the charm and well-maintained nature of this special destination.

The cabins themselves offer a "glimpse into the past, with their rustic charm and vintage furnishings." While basic, they provide a comfortable and authentic base for exploring the park's vast landscapes and historical sites. A key piece of advice from a previous visitor is to "make sure you bring a blow up mattress or cot. Bunkbeds are there but no beds." This insight highlights the rustic nature and the need for preparedness, encouraging campers to embrace the simplicity and unique character of the experience. North Bloomfield Cabins are more than just a place to sleep; they are an invitation to immerse yourself in history, enjoy unparalleled hiking, and find peace in a setting unlike any other in California.

North Bloomfield Cabins are strategically located at 23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA. This address places them directly within the expansive 3,000-acre Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, a significant site encompassing the historic town of North Bloomfield and the massive hydraulic mining "Diggins" site in Nevada County.

Accessibility to the park and cabins is generally via paved roads, though the final stretch can be "narrow and winding." From Nevada City, the park is approximately 26 miles, or a 50-minute drive. Visitors typically travel 11 miles north on Highway 49 from Nevada City, then turn right on Tyler Foote Road (which changes names to Cruzon Grade Road and then Back Bone Road), followed by a right turn on Derbec Road at the park sign, and another right on North Bloomfield Road. While these are not high-speed roads, they offer a scenic journey through the Sierra foothills. It's advisable to check current road conditions, especially during winter and early spring, as snow can limit access. Once inside the park, the cabins are situated right in the historic town of North Bloomfield, providing convenient walking access to the park's interpretive displays and historical buildings. This blend of remote, scenic access and on-site historical immersion makes North Bloomfield Cabins a unique and manageable destination for Californians seeking a blend of nature and history.

North Bloomfield Cabins provide a unique blend of rustic accommodation and essential modern conveniences, ensuring a comfortable stay within a historic setting. While the cabins themselves are basic, the surrounding park facilities enhance the overall experience.

• Rustic Cabins: Three rustic miner's cabins (named “Carter,” “Smith,” and “Condon”) are available, sized at 15' x 20'.
• Bunk Beds: Each cabin provides two sets of wooden bunk beds, capable of sleeping four adults. Campers need to bring their own bedding items, including mattresses or cots, as reviews confirm.
• Wood Burning Stoves: Cabins are equipped with wood-burning stoves, offering warmth during cooler seasons.
• Running Water: Cold running water is available in the cabins, though it is turned off during freezing temperatures.
• Furnishings: Cabins include a wooden table and benches, seating up to eight people.
• Accessible Restrooms: Heated restrooms with flushing toilets and running water are available a short walk from the cabins. These bathrooms are often praised for being "super clean" and among the "cleanest ever," sometimes including changing tables and diaper pails.
• Showers: Hot showers are available in the main amenity block, a significant comfort after a day of hiking.
• Potable Water: Potable water is accessible at various locations within the campground area of the park.
• Trash Disposal: Trash disposal services are provided within the park.
• Outside Picnic Table & Fire Pit: Each cabin generally has an outside picnic table and a fire pit with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering (check current fire restrictions).
• Bear-Proof Food Lockers: External bear-proof food lockers (48″ wide, 30″ deep, 30″ high) are available within 50 yards of the cabins for safe food storage.
• Lodge Access: A common lodge is available to guests, offering amenities such as games, a ping pong table, a microwave, a Keurig machine, a hot water kettle (BYO cups), and tables for indoor eating. It also has electricity for small appliances and phone charging.
• Air Compressor: An on-site compressor can be used to inflate air mattresses or float toys.
• Small Store: A small on-site store offers forgotten items, ice cream, and ice (accepts Venmo or cash).
• Limited Rentals: Tents, cots, and camp stoves are available for rent, and battery packs for CPAP machines.
• Parking: Vehicle parking is available within 50 yards of the cabins.

North Bloomfield Cabins offer a truly distinctive experience, combining historical immersion with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities:

• Historic Gold Rush Immersion: Located within Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, the cabins allow visitors to literally "step back in time" and experience California's largest hydraulic gold mine and the preserved town of North Bloomfield. Interpretive displays and town tours deepen this historical connection.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts over 20 miles of unparalleled hiking trails, ranging from easy to steep, offering diverse landscapes, from ancient riverbed sediment layers on the Diggins Loop trail to shady paths like the Humbug Creek trail. Many trailheads are accessible directly from the campground/cabin area.
• Clean and Convenient Facilities: Despite the rustic nature of the cabins, the park maintains exceptionally clean restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, a significant comfort highlight for campers.
• Scenic Beauty: Nestled amongst "large pine, cedar and oak trees," the cabins and park offer beautiful natural surroundings, providing ample shade and a peaceful ambiance.
• Water Activities: Blairsden reservoir within the park offers opportunities for swimming and fishing during warmer months, and the South Yuba River is also nearby for additional water recreation.
• Family and Pet-Friendly: The park and cabins are generally suitable for families, with clear rules for dogs (must be on leash), making it an accessible option for those traveling with pets.
• Seasonal Activities: Beyond summer hiking and swimming, the park offers unparalleled snowshoeing in winter, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Educational Opportunities: The park provides interpretive programs on Gold Rush history and hydraulic mining, offering an educational component to your visit.
• Community Lodge: The common lodge with games, ping pong, and small kitchen appliances provides a comfortable communal space, especially useful during inclement weather or for evening gatherings.

North Bloomfield Cabins are part of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, which is managed by California State Parks. For reservations, current information, and specific inquiries, it is best to contact the park directly.

Address: 23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA

Park Office/Visitor Center Phone: (530) 265-2740 (This is the primary contact number for Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.)

Reservations for the cabins can typically be made through the California State Parks reservation system, Reserve California. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially during peak season, as the cabins are popular. Always confirm check-in procedures, current fire regulations, and any specific park advisories or temporary closures before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

For California residents, North Bloomfield Cabins offer a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience that seamlessly blends historical immersion with natural adventure. Located within the accessible Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park near Nevada City, it provides a convenient escape from urban life without requiring extensive travel for many in Northern and Central California. This makes it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a short family vacation.

Locals will appreciate the opportunity to explore over 20 miles of diverse hiking trails, delve into the fascinating history of the Gold Rush, and relax in a tranquil, forested setting. The rustic charm of the cabins, combined with the unexpected comfort of clean flush toilets and hot showers, strikes a perfect balance for those who desire a back-to-basics feel without entirely roughing it. Whether it's for an educational family trip, a peaceful solo retreat, or an adventurous outing with friends, North Bloomfield Cabins provides a unique portal to California's past and an inviting embrace of its enduring natural beauty, making it a truly special and accessible destination for residents.

North Bloomfield Cabins

23579 N Bloomfield Rd, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA