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Historic Creekside Cabin in Gated Forest Service Retreat - Hot Springs Canyon This 1926 creekside cabin is part of a rare gated Forest Service retreat in the Santa Ana Mountains, just 12 miles from San Juan Capistrano along the scenic Ortega Highway. One of only 14,000 remaining in the U.S., it's part of America's first Recreation Residence Program"”established by Congress and signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1915 to provide families with recreational experiences in our National Forests. The cabin and its improvements are privately owned, while the land is permitted through the U.S. Forest Service. Set within the Trabuco District of the Cleveland National Forest and bordered by picturesque Hot Springs Creek, this unique retreat offers a tranquil, back-to-nature experience only minutes from downtown San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, and Dana Point. Inside the approximately 1,100 sq. ft. cabin, vintage charm meets thoughtful updates. Features include an Oregon wood-burning stove, thermostat-controlled gas heat, in-wall air conditioning, skylights, and clerestory windows that fill the living spaces with natural light. The primary bedroom's 16-foot bay window overlooks the creek in both directions, while a stained-glass window casts a warm glow across the smaller bathroom each morning. Three additional rooms provide flexible use as guest rooms, office, or storage. Modern comforts include the availability of satellite internet, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a propane-powered backup generator"”all while preserving the authentic 1920s cabin style. The current Forest Service permit is valid through 2028, with renewal approved through 2048. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this small community of just fourteen cabins enjoys privacy, shared stewardship, and an enduring connection to nature. No additional cabins will ever be built here"”ensuring peace, quiet, and unobstructed forest views for generations to come. Watch red-tailed hawks soar by day and listen to the owls hoot at night. Hike nearby trails, explore the creek, and experience a living piece of California's natural and cultural history. Cash only sale. No financing currently available for Forest Service cabins. Listing has supplements. Please read.
Property Type(s):
Single Family
| Last Updated | 10/27/2025 | Tract | Hot Springs Canyon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1926 | Community | OR - Ortega/Orange County |
| County | Orange |
Additional Details
| AIR | Wall/Window Unit(s) |
|---|---|
| AIR CONDITIONING | Yes |
| APPLIANCES | Dryer, Electric Range, Range Hood, Washer, Water Heater |
| AREA | OR - Ortega/Orange County |
| CONSTRUCTION | Shingle Siding, Stone, Wood Siding |
| EXTERIOR | Barbecue |
| FIREPLACE | Yes |
| HEAT | Fireplace Insert, Wall Furnace, Wood Stove |
| INTERIOR | Beamed Ceilings, Ceiling Fan(s), High Ceilings, Master Downstairs, Storage |
| LOT | 99000 acre(s) |
| LOT DESCRIPTION | Wooded |
| LOT DIMENSIONS | 99000 |
| PARKING | On Site, Unpaved |
| POOL DESCRIPTION | None |
| SEWER | Septic Tank |
| STORIES | 1 |
| STYLE | Cottage |
| SUBDIVISION | Hot Springs Canyon |
| UTILITIES | Cable Not Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Not Available, Propane, Phone Available, Sewer Not Available, Water Connected |
| VIEW | Yes |
| VIEW DESCRIPTION | Hills, Meadow, Creek/Stream, Valley, Trees/Woods |
| WATER | Shared Well |
| WATERFRONT DESCRIPTION | Creek |
Location
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Listed with CENTURY 21 Affiliated
The information being provided by Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS® (“CSMAR”) is for the visitor's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties visitor may be interested in purchasing. Any information relating to a property referenced on this web site comes from the Internet Data Exchange (“IDX”) program of CSMAR. This web site may reference real estate listing(s) held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent who owns this web site. Any information relating to a property, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The data contained herein is copyrighted by CSMAR and is protected by all applicable copyright laws. Any dissemination of this information is in violation of copyright laws and is strictly prohibited.
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