Cabin accommodations near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area span from Trout Lake at 1,800 feet elevation to lower riverfront locations under 100 feet elevation, creating distinct seasonal experiences. Winter temperatures in higher elevation cabins regularly drop below freezing from November through March, while summer brings dry conditions with temperatures in the 80s and occasional fire restrictions. Most cabins require advance reservations up to 9 months ahead for peak summer dates.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lost Lake Resort And Campground, clear waters provide accessible fishing for beginners. "Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," notes ChiAnn M. The lake contains "nice size trout in this lake that can be caught from the bank if you don't have a boat," according to Eric P.
Hiking trails: Access the Sandy Ridge Trail System from Mt Hood Village Resort. "Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness. You will never get bored in the Mt Hood area," explains Joel H. Trails range from beginner-friendly paved paths to more challenging forest routes.
Water activities: Seasonal swimming opportunities exist from June through September when water temperatures are warmest. "The lake is always cold no matter the season," warns ChiAnn M. about Lost Lake, which typically doesn't warm above 65°F even in August. Kayaking and paddling options are available at several locations with rentals costing $15-25 per hour.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Elk Meadows RV Park, visitors report "Saw elk splashing through the meadow at night while we watched stars and satellites," according to Matthew. Deer sightings are common at Peterson Prairie where "several deer roamed the campground and wondered in and out of campsites," reports Ashley B.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Cabin sites offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Lost Lake, "D022 was very secluded. Could fit at least 2 tents," notes Jason S. In contrast, some locations place cabins in closer proximity. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," Katie B. adds about Lost Lake facilities.
Cleanliness standards: Elk Meadows RV Park maintains high cleanliness standards. "Very clean bathrooms. Large dumpsters and a dump station," reports Michell C. Similarly, at Peterson Prairie Campground, "The camp hosts were fantastic, and the grounds and bathrooms were kept extremely clean," Linda N. explains.
Mountain views: Several cabin locations offer mountain viewpoints. "Gorgeous view of Mt Adams if you can get one of the premium sites," Richard H. mentions about Elk Meadows. The surrounding landscape provides scenic backdrops for many cabin sites. "Beautiful views of Mt Hood and the lake is breathtaking," Katie B. notes about Lost Lake's surroundings.
On-site amenities: Many locations provide additional facilities beyond basic cabin features. "Nice heated pool and clean showers," and "Hot tub was not working but everything else was good," dj S. reports about Cascade Locks KOA. Game rooms, playgrounds and community areas supplement cabin accommodations at several locations.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Railway noise affects some riverside cabin locations. "A train runs through the area. It can be quite loud, especially at first, but we found that we quickly got used to it," Royce C. mentions about Cascade Locks KOA. At least four campgrounds report regular train noise with freight traffic running throughout night hours.
Accessibility challenges: Cabin access varies considerably between locations. At Oxbow Regional Park, "You have to park down below and walk to the site, the furthest ones being over a quarter mile away," Matt W. explains. For wheelchair users, options are limited, as Jeremiah S. warns, "If you or someone in your party requires accessible facilities, I strongly advise you to avoid Lost Lake, Oregon."
Seasonal limitations: Many higher-elevation cabins have restricted winter access. Peterson Prairie Campground operates "May 24 to September 24" according to its season listing, while others like Battle Ground Lake State Park remain open year-round. Water availability may be affected by season, with Ashley B. noting Peterson Prairie borders "Lost Creek (Dried up most of the time)."
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential for most cabin sites. Some locations like Elk Meadows require substantial advance planning during peak periods. "Book early if able," advises Royce C., particularly for premium view sites or holiday weekends when facilities reach full capacity.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground offers family-friendly water access. "There's a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play," Wendy C. explains. The park prohibits motorized boats, making it safer for young swimmers. "A lot of people grab the big inter-tubes and go with that," Richard B. adds.
Playground facilities: Several cabin locations include dedicated play areas. "This campground has lots of tent sites, and some cabins. There's a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe," Wendy C. continues about Battle Ground Lake. Similarly, Mt Hood Village Resort has "a playground for the kids" according to Sam M.
Child-friendly activities: Organized programming exists at some locations. "The game room was very nice and the pool was a great way to cool off and relax," notes Royce C. about KOA facilities. Fishing opportunities specifically geared toward beginners make Lost Lake suitable for children learning outdoor skills.
Noise levels: Family demographics influence atmosphere at different cabin sites. "This place is super kid friendly, as-in, there's kids running absolutely everywhere," Corinna B. reports about Cascade Locks KOA. For quieter family experiences, Peterson Prairie generally maintains lower occupancy and noise levels outside peak weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site access: RV access varies significantly between cabin campgrounds. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots," Steve R. notes about Mt Hood Village Resort. However, at Wind Mountain RV Park, the location is described as "NO big-rig-friendly" in its amenities listing.
Hookup availability: Full-service connections exist at several cabin locations. "We were able to switch sites away from an area with two families/lots of little kids," Sally C. mentions about site flexibility at Oxbow. Electricity, water and sewer hookups vary by location, with some offering only partial connections or centralized facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires advance planning. "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water. We got a nice level one," Chris J. reports about Battle Ground Lake's year-round availability. Higher elevation sites close during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions.
Privacy options: Site layout affects RV camping experience. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion," Jack B. describes at Mt Hood Village Resort. Site numbering systems often indicate privacy levels, with perimeter sites typically offering more separation than central locations.
