0 Hot Springs Canyon Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,100 SqFt
UPDATED:
Key Details
Property Type Single Family Home
Sub Type Cabin
Listing Status Active
Purchase Type For Sale
Square Footage 1,100 sqft
Price per Sqft $381
MLS Listing ID OC-25233628
Style Cottage
Bedrooms 3
Half Baths 1
Three Quarter Bath 1
Year Built 1926
Lot Size 49299.441 Acres
Property Sub-Type Cabin
Source California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS)
Property Description
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.
Location
State CA
County Orange
Area Or - Ortega/Orange County
Interior
Interior Features Beamed Ceilings, Ceiling Fan(s), Copper Plumbing Partial, High Ceilings, Storage, Unfurnished, Wood Product Walls
Heating Wall Furnace, Wood Stove
Cooling Wall/Window Unit(s)
Flooring Wood
Fireplaces Type Wood Stove Insert, Living Room
Inclusions Propane Tanks, Propane Generator, Utility Trailer, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, Outdoor Work/Storage Bench with electric outlets.
Laundry Dryer Included, Gas Dryer Hookup, In Closet, Washer Hookup, Washer Included
Exterior
Exterior Feature Barbeque Private, Satellite Dish
Pool None
Community Features Biking, BLM/National Forest, Foothills, Hiking, Mountainous, Preserve/Public Land, Ravine, Rural
Utilities Available Sewer Not Available, Water Connected, Cable Not Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Not Available, Phone Available, Propane
View Y/N Yes
View Creek/Stream, Hills, Meadow, Rocks, Trees/Woods, Valley
Building
Lot Description Treed Lot
Sewer Septic Type Unknown
Others
Virtual Tour https://www.wellcomemat.com/mls/5avt994d51d71mcgq