Even with gas costs up you might find renting a small motorhome less expensive than cabin-rates & restaurant meals these days. I do know you'll find more waters available, as many lakes have more camping spaces than cabins; and sometimes no cabins at all. Having done this, myself, I suspect you'll find camping from one that isn't a bus-size hassle really nice. Here in Sta.Brbra there's camping spaces at Lakes Cachuma and Casitas, and easy access to beach & pier fishing saltwater. Expect hot weather inland these days (a no-wind 105 on Cachuma yesterday)

Bravo for being with Mom! Once they are gone, they are gone.