Cabin

Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!

Photo gallery for Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!

Fabulous deck and views...  can you believe this is in San Diego County?
Several guests have shared that they ate all their meals outside...
Absolute BEST access for snow days! Road and parking area is plowed. Beautiful!
In SoCal our snow melts so fast.  Come on up and enjoy it while you can!
Stone fireplace. We deck the halls for you a bit for the holidays.  Come enjoy!

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Palomar Mountain, CA
  • Palomar Mountain State Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Harrah's Resort Southern California
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Palomar Mountain
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley)
    ‪71 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Loft

2 Twin Beds

Master

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!

Looking for snow? When we are a winter wonderland, Cabin Fever has absolutely the very best snow access on all of Palomar. We front on County plowed, Crestline Road. There is a shovel on the deck if you need to clear the berm.

Cabin Fever has been a much-loved vacation rental since May 2013 with hundreds of wonderful reviews. Many guests have now returned multiple times. We have our first guest coming this year for the 15th time and many quite a few times. We are constantly updating and adding to the cabin and you'll find it immaculate.

Like to get away from it all but have the luxuries of home? Come away to this delightful, enchanting, cabin-in-the-woods. Slip back in time with the mountain-milled, cedar log siding and deck. This cabin makes your heart smile!

A stone fireplace is waiting for you with a rustic mantel claimed from the forest floor. Cozy up in front of the fire on comfortable leather furniture with some vintage antiques woven in.

Modern amenities start with the fully stocked, kitchen and bath with granite counters and a washer/dryer. There is a 50 inch 'Smart TV' to turn on for your favorite music , or watch a movie, and enjoy our high speed internet and Apple TV with so many options using your devices. Built in Mini-splits with both AC and heat on each level to click on while you get a warm fire going.

Browse from our library of books that take you back in time to days gone by, or inspire, intrigue or motivate. When was the last time you played Dominos? We have a collection of games to choose from, plus a few books and toys for the children.

Where will you sleep?
Upstairs is the bedroom with a queen bed and reading nook. Close the black-out drapes, turn on the Sound Soother if you'd like, and settle in to sleep in.
Across from the bedroom, above the living area is a ramp to a loft with 2x2s to prevent slipping but not comfortable barefoot. (Wish there was room for stairs!) There are two, twin mattresses suitable for children, since an adult can not stand up because of a low ceiling. The kids we've met at the cabin absolutely love the loft.

Bathroom
The only bathroom is downstairs. Nightlights, light the stairs and the bathroom. There is a Pack N Play for your little ones.

Palomar is a place to 'not do' too. Enjoy our propane barbecue while soaking up the sun on the deck and take in the chorus of birds, get lost in a favorite book or one of ours.
A trip to Palomar is not complete without going to the world famous Observatory (closed during snow). Browse the General Store and visit the Boucher Fire Lookout. (Our only restaurant is closed for repairs). You can take off on a hike on the many miles of trails in the State Park and National Forest or fish in Doane Pond.

There are several 'Field Trips' within walking distance to visit one farm with chickens, turkeys, goats and sheep for fresh goat cheese, milk and eggs. Our Palomar Roaster imports organic coffee and is a short hike up the road.

There are also wonderful day trips from Cabin Fever. However, one couple planned lots of outings but a couple days later, when they were checking out, totally relaxed, said, 'Next time maybe we will venture out of the cabin. It has such a wonderful ambiance and we loved it so much that we just had to stay in the entire time'. We have lots of options waiting for you at our Fun Things to Do link provided on this page, right above those nice Reviews that have come our way. Keep scrolling...

You're invited to be our guest and come away to Cabin Fever!

Property manager

Bonnie Phelps
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Some toys, books, games, videos and toy bears.
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Events

No events allowed
Very quiet area, not suitable for parties.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Very quiet area, not suitable for parties.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Palomar Mountain

Located in Pauma Valley, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. Palomar Mountain State Park and Palomar Mountain reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Palomar Observatory and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Palomar Mountain, CA

What's nearby

  • Palomar Mountain State Park - 7 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Palomar Observatory - 11 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Sengme Oaks Water Park - 19 min drive - 17.6 km
  • Harrah's Resort Southern California - 22 min drive - 23.2 km
  • Palomar Mountain - 38 min drive - 13.6 km

Getting around

  • Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 80 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mother's Kitchen & Restaurants - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪San Agustin Vineyards - ‬61 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain! located?

This family-friendly Pauma Valley cabin is located in the mountains, 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Palomar Mountain State Park, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Palomar Observatory and Palomar Mountain. Lake Henshaw and Harrah's Resort Southern California are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 221 out of 244 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 244 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 244 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 244 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 244 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Evalinda D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great communication and care

We had a few little hiccups during our stay but Bonnie and Nathan were just a phone call away and made sure our stay was what we were hoping for. They were both so helpful and very pleasant to interact with. My husband and I took our toddler up there for 4 nights and we had a great time. The cabin was perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing

Quiet, peaceful & overall a much needed trip to relax!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendi T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway!

The cabin was amazing. It was just the right size for our family. We spent the weekend in Palomar for our daughter's 11th birthday, and it didn't disappoint. The cabin was fully stocked with everything needed, from cooking to cleaning. Palomar Mountain has minimal amenities, so we knew to bring our own food. The guest book recommends visiting Cecilia's farm, which made our weekend. I have nothing negative to say about the cabin. The whole trip was perfection! We will stay there again as soon as we can! soon as we can.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Cabin for the weekend

My wife and I spent the weekend hiking and bird watching using this lovely cabin as our homebase. The cabin was cozy and the grill worked perfectly to cook some steaks. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cabin

This was our second time staying in the cabin and we had a lovely time! It was beautiful in the snow and the fireplace heated up the whole place nicely. They had everything we needed for a weekend getaway and Bonnie was also really helpful when it unexpectedly snowed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wil D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary getaway

The location is beautiful, semi-secluded and located within a reasonable driving distance. The cabin was clean and well taken care of. Communication with the host was great. There is about a 60ft walk from the parking area to the house with steps and a walkway, although it has solar lights on the path i would recommend a flashlight after dark. This is a two-story with the bedroom and loft upstairs. If you have any mobility issues, this may not be a good choice as the stairs are steep and a little narrow.Otherwise this is the perfect little place for a weekend trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and Homey but uncomfortable for me

Bed has no box spring, I felt like I was trying to sleep on cement. Furniture is faux leather and does not recline. I had to sleep in the childrens bedroom to get a good nights sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden Gem in Palmoar

A cozy cabin that has everything you'll need. It is also in an excellent area central to most of the nicer trails in the area
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tayler L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Mountain Getaway

We were looking for a getaway to the mountains during our trip to San Diego. The cabin near Palomar Mountain was perfect for our family. It was clean and cozy with all the amenities we would want. There were hiking trails nearby and the observatory as well. Bonnie was very gracious and helpful during our stay. We plan to visit again this coming summer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and cozy getaway

What a wonderful stay we had at Cabin Fever! Everything was as described. Bonnie was extremely helpful and quick to answer any question, even went out of her way to drop off a couple items. Would definitely stay here again! ofofcoucoucouplerequested items.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay

Perfect!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great time

Relaxing and nice change of scenery from where I work
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nik F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Getaway!

Perfect little cabin, very clean! The location is superb and the nice afternoons on the large deck were a treat! Bonnie was wonderful with the communication and made the whole process very efficient! Will definitely be back another time!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet relaxation

We had a great time exploring Palomar mountain and enjoying the quiet surroundings. We learned much about the ecosystem from the great books in the cabin library. We really felt at home, cooked great meal, played soccer in the park and at the Palomar picnic park. The general store folks were accomodating and the cabin well appointed. We would highly recommend to others!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Luz

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place, cute and well equipped. House keeping was a little bit under done.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alicia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cabin Fever

We had a great time and the host is verg accommodating. The cabin is great for a couple and kids considering the loft is tiny so keep that in mind when booking
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Quaint Cabin

Very quaint and unique cabin! Looks right out to the trees and valley. Easy access from main road via a few stairs. Almost at the end of the paved road so fairly quiet and private. Updated with all the normal amenities and warmly comfortable furnishings. Great place for some R&R. Host Bonnie went above and beyond to ensure we had a good time.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kj

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This place is a fabulous get away. Super cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always a great stay!

Have stayed here so many times it's like our 2nd home. We absolutely live staying here over the year's. Great space,and more than gracious host.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stella L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

stress-free rest

I had a good rest for 3 days and 2 nights at your cabin. Everything, including kitchen items, was well-equipped, and the best part was that the inside of the house was clean. I already miss my time there and want to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roderick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Host was very nice and pleasant! Very nice and comfortable stay. Anyone looking for a great cabin getaway, this cabin works outs perfectly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Quiet

Really wonderful place to getaway. Went got my anniversary and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quiet and relaxing special moments. Very pleased!!.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dylan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy cabin

great spot not too far from san diego or oc. east access yet far enough off the beaten path to be quite peaceful. definitely would recommend for a couple looking to get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jaclyn C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint

Everything was as listed. It was a very small, quaint cabin. The most difficult portion was the parking. It was not clear that the parking was just a pullout along the paved road (no driveway) and that there was a 500-ft walk (with stairs) to the cabin. We are able-bodied with good eye-sight, so when we got there in the dark, it was not a huge issue for us, but felt that portion was misleading in the listing. Otherwise, it is fairly quiet, even if the cabin is next to a paved road.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and quiet

The cabin was quiet and lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Bonnie Phelps

Host profile image
Nathan Phelps grew up with fond memories visiting Palomar each winter for fun in the snow. His parents lived on the mountain in the mid 70s, sold their house, then bought it back 20 years later. Now, full time since 1998 there are always fun times on the mountain. In 2011, Nathan was living in San Diego investing in Fix and Flips when he happened on this fixer cabin. He just had to have it - but not to flip. He plans to keep Cabin Fever forever as a rental to share with folks like you!

Nate's mom, Bonnie Phelps, has been the 'Resident Realtor' on Palomar since the beginning of the Century. All communication will be with Bonnie. She enjoys managing the cabin and sharing the mountain with our guests.

Nathan's brother and sister-in-law purchased a ranch next door to his folks to raise their four kids up here. So, Nathan couldn't resist, sold his place in San Diego and also moved up full time fall of 2016. The mountain is a family affair and we invite you to experience this beautiful area for yourself, too!

Why they chose this property

The cabin really needed someone to breath in new life. It was a very tired, very abused fixer. The floor was bowed and you couldn't even get the door open. That wasn't a problem since you just stepped in through the big, broken window. Nate saw the vision to create something wonderful. After completely gutting and restoring from the foundation to the roof, it's all brand new.
This is the first property that Nathan acquired with no intention of ever selling. A huge bonus is that there is another fixer cabin on the same property. Already named 'Shady Oaks', it is presently used for storage, patiently waiting for him to wave his magic wand again.
Please stay tuned! Eventually the goal is to have two very unique cabins available for larger groups. Be assured that no construction will happen during your visit. That's a promise!

What makes this property unique

Another reason he could not resist owning these two little diamonds-in-the-rough, was the access. It is great to have such good parking when we are treated to a Winter Wonderland.
The property also has some wonderful oaks, firs and cedars with a couple big boulders peppered around the land. There is an amazing chorus of birds to enjoy from the deck.
His initial goal of creating a 'Vintage, Modern Cabin' has paid off and is appreciated by all. You have the comforts of home, with the vintage touches that remind many of fond visits to Grandparent's homes in days gone by. Folks also have fun seeing the 'Before and After' photos in the Welcome Book, of the progress creating this charming cabin with new additions all the time. Ah, Cabin Fever is very special! We hope to have you as guests, and invite you to share this link with your friends! Thank you so much!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests