Best Cabin Camping near Ashton, ID
Several rustic cabins and furnished cottages can be found near Ashton, Idaho, providing varying levels of comfort and amenities. Squirrel Meadows Cabin, located about 25 miles from Ashton in a forested area, offers basic accommodations with bunk beds, a wood stove, table, chairs, and basic kitchen supplies like dishes and pots, but no electricity. Warm River Cabin, managed by the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District, provides a more secluded cabin camping experience with fire rings available but no electric hookups or water connections. Jolley Camper RV & Cottages features more modern cabin rentals with electric hookups, drinking water, and access to showers and toilets. "The cabin is pretty awesome, although there is no electricity - but that didn't really bother my family. We did a ton of outdoor activities, so we weren't inside the cabin a whole lot," notes one Squirrel Meadows visitor.
Most cabin rentals in the region require advance reservations, especially during summer months when proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks increases demand. Pet policies vary significantly between properties - Warm River Cabin prohibits pets while Squirrel Meadows Cabin and Jolley Camper welcome them. Cabin sizes range from intimate spaces for couples to larger units accommodating up to six people, though one reviewer mentioned that "the cabin does fit 6, although we had 5 people in our group and that seemed like plenty." Buffalo Run Campground in nearby Island Park offers cabin options from May 15 to October 15, while Wakeside Lake RV Park in Rexburg provides cabin rentals from April through October. KOA locations in the broader region feature both basic and deluxe cabin options, with one visitor noting, "If you choose a cabin, it consists of beds, a porch swing, and a space heater. Unless you choose to upgrade, then you have a kitchenette and bathroom/shower."
Visitors to forest cabins should bring their own bedding, pillows, and sleeping pads as mattresses are often basic or nonexistent. Most rustic cabins require guests to bring their own drinking water, food supplies, cooking equipment, and garbage bags. At Squirrel Meadows Cabin, campers must pack out all trash or face additional charges. Bear safety is essential - proper food storage is critical as wildlife encounters are common. The cabin rental at Squirrel Meadows costs approximately $40 per night, making it an economical option compared to hotels. While some cabin locations have nearby general stores, prices can be high, so stocking up on groceries before arrival is recommended. Cabins with electricity may offer refrigeration, but those without require alternative food storage solutions and coolers.
