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!
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Very quiet area, not suitable for parties.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Palomar Mountain
Located in Pauma Valley, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park and California Center For The Arts are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Pala Casino Spa Resort and Redhawk Golf Course. Travelling with kids? Consider Palomar Observatory, or check out an event or a game at Galway Downs. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Palomar Mountain State Park - 10 min drive - 5.6 km
Sengme Oaks Water Park - 15 min drive - 12.7 km
Lake Henshaw - 21 min drive - 21.6 km
Harrah's Resort Southern California - 21 min drive - 19.0 km
Palomar Observatory - 24 min drive - 11.5 km
Getting around
Murrieta, CA (RBK-French Valley) - 80 min drive
Restaurants
Mother's Kitchen - 3 min drive
San Agustin Vineyards - 61 min drive
LA Jolla 76 Roadside Grill - 20 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!?
As of 13 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain! on 16 Jun, 2026 start from S$180, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Vintage/Modern Cabin Fever! Fun on the Mountain!?
On-site parking is available at the 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!?
Checkout 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. Harrah's Resort Southern California and Casino Pauma are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very clean and quiet, exactly as described, easy to find.
Dwayne D.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Feb, 2026
It was such a pleasure to happen to drive by and meet you briefly. Thank you for choosing Cabin Fever for your stay from all the way on the other side of the world! Safe and happy travels.
Charming renovated cabin, cozy and well-equipped, used the fire place every night and a great central location for exploring Palomar Mountain and the region.
I had a wonderful experience. Everything was so perfect and clean. Well stocked with everything needed and it was decorated so beautifully. 10 out of 10
Debbie H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Dec, 2025
For the past dozen years we have done everything we can to earn our much appreciated Five Star reviews and really value our 10 star reviews, too! Our cleaning crew over the years have really done an excellent job to insure Cabin Fever for your stay.
Everything was perfect! The host gave amazing instructions ahead of time, and left helpful notes all over with instructions on how to use things. We really felt at home for our little Christmas in the woods! It was so relaxing and quiet, and there was no shortage of cozy blankets to cozy up to the fire and read a book or watch a Christmas movie! The kitchen is spectacular! I was able to cook everything we wanted with ease!
My wife and I have stayed up here more than once and, well, it nailed it again! Cabin Fever is our go to recharge. It’s easy to get to, has a good kitchen, bath and bedroom, and one of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever read/napped in. More than enough room for two adults with a great deck and view. Bonus: if you’re lucky enough to catch a rainstorm, the porch sits under a corrugated steel awning and the sound is just glorious!
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.
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.
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!
Evalinda D.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kj
1 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had such a great time at Cabin Fever. The place is really charming, with a cozy feel and just the right mix of vintage and modern touches. Everything was super clean and felt well taken care of. You can tell a lot of thought went into making the cabin feel welcoming and comfortable.We spent most of our time relaxing on the deck, soaking up the quiet and the fresh air. It was the perfect spot to unplug and slow down. The kitchen had everything we needed, and the bed was comfy. Even the little details, like the books and games, added a nice personal touch.If you’re looking for a low-key mountain getaway, this is a great spot. We’re already talking about coming back.
Frank C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul, 2025
Thank you! We enjoy staying at Vacation Rentals, too, so have a goal to make Cabin Fever your BEST stay ever.
When traveling, we like to settle in and relax at the rental. That is why you'll find books and games tucked away. And of course comfortable beds, nice linins and great housekeepers to leave it sparkling clean.
About the host
Hosted by Bonnie Phelps
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