Cabin camping near Damascus, Oregon offers diverse accommodations across several parks and private properties within an hour's drive. The region sits at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette watersheds, providing access to both forest and river environments. Winter cabin camping is popular from November through March when temperatures average between 35-50°F.
What to do
Fishing at North Fork Reservoir: Promontory Park sits on the 350-acre North Fork Reservoir where visitors can fish for trout. "There is easy water access with a pier for fishing. Within a mile up the road is a marina and boat ramp," explains a visitor to Promontory Park.
Hiking through old growth forest: Battle Ground Lake State Park offers trails through mature forest. "There's a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play. There are two hikes around the lake; an upper, and a lower one. Both are easy hikes, and are dog and kid friendly," reports a camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground.
Berry picking: During summer months, Sweet Relief cabin property allows guests to harvest berries. "This property takes after its name-sake, with berries covering the property in Summer (eat as many as you'd like!)" notes a visitor to Sweet Relief.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Oxbow Regional Park, campers appreciate the secluded feeling. "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere but it's easy to get to and practically within the city limits of Portland. Accessibility and quiet is why I chose it," explains one visitor to Oxbow Regional Park.
Winter warmth: Cabins at several locations provide insulated comfort during colder months. "We love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice," reports a camper at Champoeg State Park.
Unique structures: Beyond standard cabins, the area offers specialty accommodations. "If you are looking for a different kind of adventure, the treehouse at Cedar Springs Alpacas fits the bill! Built in 1997, it stands 60 feet above the ground in a majestic maple tree," explains a visitor to Cedar Springs Alpacas.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many cabin sites have limited connectivity. "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through," reports a visitor at Oxbow Regional Park.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some cabin areas provide more separation than others. "We literally had chairs around our fire pit that were two feet away from the next site's table. On the other side of us, there was about 10 feet between our main area and the neighbors," notes a camper at Promontory Park.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential for cabin accommodations. "This campground isn't near some major hwy so you don't hear car noise. The campsite was clean and raked upon arrival too!" mentions a visitor at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Some parks offer organized activities. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," shares a visitor to Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
Accessible amenities: Locations with flush toilets and hot water make family stays more comfortable. "The bathrooms were clean, the water was hot, and they had almost enough towel hooks. The park offers hiking, cycling paths, huge picnic areas and a disc golf course," notes a camper at Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Winter considerations: For off-season family cabin camping, check heating options. "Jan 8-10, 2021. If you live in PDX and want to get away from the city for a second, I highly recommend this campground. It got very cold at night so be prepared," advises a visitor to Lost Lake Resort And Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: RVers report varying accessibility at cabin-equipped campgrounds. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," reports a visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Parking limitations at some sites: Not all cabin locations accommodate vehicles at the site itself. "The only thing to keep in mind is that you have to park down below and walk to the site, the furthest ones being over a quarter mile away," explains a camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground.
Loop preferences: Experienced RVers recommend specific areas at certain campgrounds. "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," suggests a visitor at Oxbow Regional Park.
