Cabin accommodations near Craigmont, Idaho provide access to the Clearwater River drainage area at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most cabin options require advance reservations from April through October when fishing and water recreation are at their peak.
What to do
Fishing options: Winchester Lake State Park Campground offers diverse fishing opportunities where "we caught: blue gill, trout, bass, crappie, perch, cat fish and had a small Tiger Muskie on the line but lost it." The lake supports multiple fish species accessible from shore or small watercraft.
Hiking trails: Near Orofino, Canyon Creek provides hiking trails with lake views. A visitor notes, "Was a creek at the top of a mountain in the middle, I guess hence the name. Local had wondered how we found his special fishing spot." Most trails in the region are moderate difficulty with elevation changes under 500 feet.
Water recreation: Dworshak Reservoir cabins allow for boating and swimming. According to one camper at Three Meadows, "The reservoir was pretty low but the camp site was incredible #48. We had water and electric. Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks."
What campers like
Secluded locations: Canyon Creek cabins provide isolation from crowds. A visitor shared, "Me and some buddies went for a weekend and there was only 1 other couple there the whole time. Super quiet, you feel like you're alone from the rest of the world."
Wildlife viewing: Hells Gate State Park Campground cabins offer riverside wildlife observation. One review notes, "Awesome camp ground right on the river. We saw lots of different wild life. The only down side is a out of state fishing license is kind of expensive."
Natural swimming areas: Several cabin locations feature swimming areas. At Three Meadows Group Camp, a visitor mentioned they "stayed in a cabin for two nights in late June 2021 and had an awesome time! Lots of great tent and RV campsites in a nicely maintained park!"
What you should know
Road access: Several cabin locations involve challenging access roads. A reviewer at Freeman Creek Campground cautions, "It is not the easiest to get to, and the road is a test for your engine and brakes, but once you arrive it is a quiet peaceful park with great water access."
Limited cell service: Most cabin locations have spotty or no cellular coverage. At Winchester Lake, a camper noted "2 bars AT&T LTE" while Canyon Creek reports "I could make and receive phone calls but no internet service with Verizon."
Seasonal water levels: Reservoir levels fluctuate significantly by season. A Canyon Creek visitor observed, "The reservoir level is way down! Just getting to the water is a challenge. Maybe this was nice years ago but it's a good ways out from Orfino."
Bathroom facilities: Most cabins use vault or pit toilets rather than flush facilities. At Canyon Creek, a visitor mentioned "Vault toilet was well maintained" while Three Meadows reports "Bathrooms are pit style but kept very clean!"
Tips for camping with families
Guided nature trails: Several cabin locations offer educational opportunities. At Freeman Creek, a visitor noted, "Cool little guided nature trail for an evening walk with out little one to learn about animal tracks."
Kid-friendly activities: Kamiah/Clearwater River KOA provides structured recreation. A visitor reported, "We had a wonderful time!! People are so friendly!! Nice shade trees all over, pool was great! Bathrooms where clean!!"
Safety considerations: Steep terrain requires supervision at some locations. At Freeman Creek, a visitor warned, "At first when we rolled into our spot I thought I was going to be in huge trouble- drive through spot with a wicked drop off on the right side (camper door side) with the fire pit and picnic table at the bottom."
Playground access: Several cabin locations include play structures. At Hells Gate, a reviewer mentioned, "Very family friendly place and the trail is wheelchair accessible. Great trek along the river. Watch for rattlesnakes in the area!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Winchester Lake, specific sites offer better access. A visitor advised, "There are 46 water and electric sites and 22 standard sites. Most sites are wooded and private. The staff was very friendly and helpful."
Utility connections: Bear Den RV Resort in Grangeville provides full hookups for RVs with cabin options. A reviewer noted, "Big rig friendly and mostly pull through sites." The resort accommodates larger RVs with cabin alternatives when needed.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season cabin camping offers greater solitude but reduced services. A Winchester Lake visitor shared, "I will definitely be back soon, even frozen it was very enjoyable."
Dump station locations: Most cabin areas lack on-site dump stations. A Winchester Lake visitor explained, "Not full hookups but lots of fishing... They did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept! There is a dump station just in town at the gas station."
