Vacation rentals in Forest Meadows

The Shed in Vallecito

This charming little studio cottage was originally built sometime between 1910 and 1925 to house a bakery in conjunction with the butcher shop next door (main house). In the early 1930’s the bakery was closed and the shed was converted into a studio apartment for a young man who lived there for over a decade. In later years it has served as a polling place for Vallecito elections and as a storage facility for various owners. In 2010, after years of neglect, we began a major renovation project in the hopes of returning it to its former glory as a livable cottage. The renovation included new foundation and flooring, new exterior siding, energy efficient windows and doors, and the reframing of the interior walls in order to accommodate the 10” thick insulation. A new bathroom was installed along with the promise of a complete kitchenette to be added in the winter of 2014. The result is a refurbished cottage that is extremely quiet and very comfortable due to the extra thick walls, new insulation, and dual pane windows and doors. It is now completely handicapped accessible. The queen sized Murphy bed has a comfortable memory foam mattress, plenty of pillows and a down comforter and can be folded up for more space during the day. There is a private patio out side the sliding glass door for relaxing. The cottage sits back from the street and is surrounded by a beautiful garden area that offers visitors a quietly, serene setting in which to sip a morning cup of coffee or unwind with a nice glass of locally made wine. A visit to the Vallecito area offers a wide assortment of historical, cultural and outdoor activities. The small town of approximately 300 people is both quiet and welcoming. A short walk, can allow a visitor a peaceful journey into the surrounding countryside where cattle and horses graze in the pastures and birds sing in the trees. Within a 5 minute drive, visitors can wander the shops and sample the wines of the area along Murphy’s trendy Main Street; go spelunking in Moaning Cavern, hike the trail and swim the creek through Natural Bridges or hit the historic district of Angels Camp and a movie at the 75 year old Angels Theater. A 15 minute drive will take you to Columbia State Historical Park and it’s well known Fallon House Theater, New Melones Lake for fishing, boating and waterskiing and Calaveras County Fairgrounds, site of the historic Jumping Frog Jubilee. A 30 minute drive will take you to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the shopping district of Sonora, Mercer Caverns and Cave City or the Stanislaus River at Camp 9. Summer hikes, kayaking and fishing abound within a 1 hour drive from ‘The Shed’ in the Stanislaus National Forest. Winter activities include skiing or snowshoeing at Bear Valley or Dodge Ridge 1 hour away, even Kirkwood Resort is a 2 hour drive. For those with a passion for driving, we are situated about a 2 hour drive from Yosemite National Park, The San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento. When the pass is open in summer a 2-3 hour drive over the Hwy 4 National Scenic Byway takes you through the majestic scenery of the Sierra Nevada, past cold rushing streams, meadows of wildflowers and blue alpine lakes to Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs State Park, and the Lake Tahoe region. A drive along Historic Hwy 49 will take you through the heart of California’s Gold Country where the many small towns offer a bounty of antique stores, unique boutiques, small independent restaurants and interesting museums and mining sites.

The Hideout: Hot Tub | Fire Pit | Game Room

Escape to your perfect retreat! Nestled in the serene surroundings of Arnold, this charming getaway accommodates up to 6 guests with 2 cozy bedrooms and a full bath. Enjoy modern amenities like a fully equipped kitchen, indoor fireplace, hot tub, and pool table. Relax by the fire pit or explore nearby attractions such as Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Bear Valley Ski Resort. With essentials like WiFi, air conditioning, and free parking, experience comfort and adventure in one inviting space.

WOODHAVEN ▮Casually Chic Well-Appointed Lake Cabin

It’s about the details here. Like the locally-roasted coffee, and hand-made local chocolate and soap that greet you. Woodhaven is distinctive – solid bronze hardware, hand-made iron curtain rods, stylish designs, quality linens, thoughtful bath amenities and well-equipped kitchen. It’s designed for your pleasure and the comfort of your family or friends. This tranquil cabin sits in a sunny glade among tall trees, a short stroll to the Lakemont Pines private lake and a short drive to ski slopes.

Country Studio Charm - Yosemite Gateway

This sweet, studio apartment features a large kitchen, with all the essentials. One bathroom and one comfy queen bed. This little gem is tucked away on a three acre parcel, in a quiet country setting, nestled on a tree studded hill. Nearby destinations include Yosemite National Park, Big Trees, Dodge Ridge, Columbia Historic State Park, Historic Downtown Sonora, Ironstone Vineyards, New Melones Lake, Pinecrest Lake, Moaning Cavern, Natural Bridges and other popular Gold Country destinations.

Prime Location, Downtown Murphys

The Surrey Snug is steps away from Murphy’s Pour House and 20+ tasting rooms specializing in Rhone and Italian varietals. Walk to brunch at Grounds, enjoy a tasting at Tanner, browse the specialty boutiques and take a short drive to visit Mercer Caverns or Big Trees! Plenty of activities for kids, families or a romantic getaway! The Surrey Snug is only a short drive to the below popular attractions: -Big Trees State Park (15 miles) -Mercer Cavern (1.5 miles) -Iron Stone Winery (1.5 miles)

Wimberly Cottage @ Red Rooster Ranch

GET AWAY TO THE COUNTRY CHARM OF MURPHYS CALIFORNIA. Wimberly Cottage @ Red Rooster Ranch. An exceptionally cute, clean, classy, chic, comfortable, cozy cottage awaits. A 5 minute walk to the Town’s shops, restaurants, fairytale park, wine-tasting, concerts - relaxation and entertainment. Queen bed, soaking tub and shower, outfitted kitchenette with microwave/convection oven, patios with barbecue, washer/dryer, TV, WiFi, in a beautiful garden setting. THE FINEST MURPHYS HAS TO OFFER.

The Heard House

The Heard House, in the heart of downtown Murphys, is something very special! Vintage charm and character everywhere you turn, lovingly updated with today's comforts and 5-star amenities. Located one block off Main St, within easy walking distance to everything downtown, including the Murphys Hotel, shops and restaurants, two dozen wine tasting rooms, museum, park and river. A sunny, fenced and private 1/3 acre parcel nicely tucked back off the street, with no traffic or noise issues

Horseshoe Cottage Murphys

Our peaceful 1-bedroom cottage has everything you need for your Murphys getaway (two adults, not suitable for infants/children). The unit includes self check-in, free parking, free coffee & tea. During your stay, you can also enjoy using a convenient private bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Horseshoe Cottage is within walking distance to Locke Vineyard or 1 mile driving distance to downtown Murphys w/ great restaurants, park, and wineries. An ideal base to explore the area. No pets.

Private Guest Suite Near Downtown Murphys

Our guest suite is located one mile from downtown Murphys. You are a 3 min drive or short walk from 30+ wineries, good eats, and beautiful walks! For those looking for adventure drive 8 min to explore Mercer Caverns, 25 min to Big Trees State Park for beautiful hikes, or ski/snowboard 45 min away at Bear Valley Mountain Resort. Enjoy a comfortable, clean, and convenient stay with a modern bathroom, open style space, and all the creature comforts to make your stay a relaxing one!

Cozy 2BR Chalet + Loft with Private Lake

Our home is a modern, cozy two-bedroom, two-bath chalet in the Lakemont Pines community. Upstairs, a spacious loft (third bedroom) offers two full-sized beds, a sofa, and a TV—perfect for extra guests or a cozy retreat. This is a wonderful getaway for couples and small families looking to relax and unwind. Spend your days swimming at the private lake, skiing at Bear Valley, hiking in Stanislaus National Forest. In the evenings, unwind on the front porch and enjoy the night sky.

Between Murphys and Arnold, Private, Flat parking!

Early 1900's style cabin built in 1917. Upgraded in 2006 with modern furniture, appliances, and deck. Plenty of flat parking and outdoor space with a horseshoe pit. Settled in the Forest at 3450 feet elevation. 7 miles from Main Street Murphy's and 7 miles from Arnold. Adventure awaits in the outdoors. Enjoy various local mountain lakes, easy river access in Dorrington, fishing, hiking, kayaking and more. Beautiful drive up the hill to Big Trees State Park and Bear Valley.

Birds Nest, fresh, rustic, romantic, pond front

Come stay at this rustic, unique, hand sculpted cob earth house in the heart of the gold country surrounded by wilderness. The house is magical inside and out, with unique curved walls and ceilings, facing a seasonal pond and home to much wildlife. Sit outside at night under the Milky Way, watching shooting stars and listening to toads in the pond. Please note the bedroom is upstairs, the bathroom is down an external staircase. There is no oven.