Cabins near Antelope, Oregon offer overnight options in the high desert at 2,600 feet elevation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during the day while dropping significantly at night. Winter brings freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall, making seasonal planning essential for cabin stays in this remote region of central Oregon.
What to do
Hiking the canyons: The John Day River canyon provides excellent trails for outdoor exploration. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, visitors can access multiple trail options. "The John Day River is easily accessible and swimmable just down from the campsite. It's great to fish, float, or hike the trails nearby," notes one Cottonwood Canyon visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Billy Chinook offers productive fishing for multiple species. "The lake is long and deep with Kokanee, Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout, but you'll need to make sure you purchase an Indian permit (available at the store) if you want to fish for them," explains a reviewer at Pelton Park Campground.
Stargazing: The clear high desert skies create exceptional stargazing conditions away from city lights. "The stars are absolutely amazing at night," reports a visitor at Antelope RV Park and Campsites. Another camper at Cottonwood Canyon noted, "The evening I arrived was the night before a full moon, so the setting sun over the canyon and the waxing moon gave a lovely glow to the sights."
What campers like
Lake access: Lake Simtustus provides water recreation opportunities near cabin accommodations. A Lake Simtustus RV Park visitor reports, "Good small dock and spot to camp. Good fishing off dock and near the campground." Another reviewer mentioned, "About 5 miles off main highway, on the edge of Lake Simtustus, they have boat slips, pontoon boats and kayaks to rent."
Family-friendly amenities: Many cabin locations include additional recreational facilities. A visitor to Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort wrote, "Just grab a tent and a cooler because this place has everything you need. There is a small store, arcade, restaurant with great pub food, ice cream, and a Bar Lounge with pool table. Rent a paddle boat or even a pontoon!"
Clean facilities: Cabin locations maintain well-maintained restroom facilities. "The friendly staff does an amazing job keeping the restrooms, showers and grounds clean," notes a Pelton Park visitor. A camper at Deschutes River Campground mentioned, "This campground has one of the nicest restroom facilities yet. Hot solar powered huge shower rooms, kept very clean and nice flush toilets as well."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rental facilities book quickly during peak season. The Deschutes River Campground at Cove Palisades has specific seasonal availability: "There are two campgrounds here: Crooked River Campground (E Loop mid-February through mid-December) and Deschutes River Campground (A, B, C Loops - mid-May through mid-September)."
Weather considerations: High desert climate means significant temperature variations. "We arrived at dusk, late in July, and as is typical for the region, it was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in," notes a Cottonwood Canyon visitor.
Road access: Some cabin locations require navigation of challenging access roads. A visitor to Cove Palisades Lookout Dispersed warned, "Once you are past the gate, the road becomes very rough. Do not pass the gate if your vehicle doesn't have 4WD. The tundra made it, but not very comfortably and took about 30 mins to get down to site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations include child-friendly play areas. "Playground for kids!!!! Restrooms and showers are nice," reports a visitor to Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort. At Pelton Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "The park is very family-friendly, with easy physical access to restrooms, the docks and playground equipment."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning activities for children. "They put on a power point for the kids about local animals," mentions a Redmond Central Oregon KOA visitor. The same location offers additional attractions: "They have a pool (which was always crowded), and they also have a place where you can rent bikes and petal-kart rentals."
Swimming spots: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. A Deschutes River Campground visitor shared, "There were multiple day use areas to swim at just a two minute drive from there. The parking at some of the day use wasn't great and they don't allow dogs at the 'beaches' which sucks because that's the only place kids can comfortably swim."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites with cabins nearby vary in quality and accessibility. At Lake Simtustus RV Park, "Extremely nice staff, well kept and spacious sites. Stunning views from most sites (C and B groups are the best views). D is best for shade and A is down on the water."
Campground layout: Understanding the terrain helps with planning. "Don't bring your bike unless you're in C group, it's the only flat paved road. The rest of them are gravel or damn near vertical," advises a Lake Simtustus visitor. This information helps cabin visitors understand accessibility between accommodation areas and amenities.
Quiet hours: Campgrounds enforce quiet hours for all guests. "This is a PGE park with on-site camp hosts and regular visits from the local law enforcement. You'll feel safe camping here solo or with your children. Quiet time is politely enforced," notes a Pelton Park visitor.
