Cabin options near Elgin, Oregon sit within the Blue Mountain range at elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures during summer months. This region experiences warm days and cool nights from June through September, with snow possible well into May at higher elevations. Winter cabin stays can face temperatures below freezing, particularly at places like Emigrant Springs where winter conditions regularly dip below zero.
What to do
Hot springs soaking: At Grande Hot Springs RV Resort, visitors can enjoy mineral-rich soaking pools throughout the day and evening. "The hot spring fed soaking pools were open for 'twilight soak' until 11 PM which was a great touch after a long day on the road," notes one visitor.
Wildlife watching: The cabins near Grande Hot Springs back up to a wildlife refuge area. "There are many birds. The resort lies next to a wildlife refuge," shares one camper. Nature trails along creeks provide opportunities to see diverse wildlife. "Saw huge bull frogs, tadpoles, and fish. Also saw mule deer," reports another visitor.
Stargazing: The limited light pollution around cabin accommodations creates excellent stargazing conditions. The southern end of Godman Guard Station camping area "has an unobstructed 240(ish) degree view of the sky, facing south. The nearest town is too far & too small to create any loom, so on a moonless night it's incredibly dark here."
What campers like
Private outdoor spaces: Many cabin rentals in the Elgin area feature private outdoor areas. At Grande Hot Springs Resort, the yurts include "a private courtyard and soaking tub backing up to a pond looking up a hillside," according to one guest.
Historical significance: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers cabin stays with historical context. "Park managers were friendly and knowledgeable about the area's rich heritage. It's centrally located to many great adventures, and really easy to find," reports one visitor.
Mountain access: Cabin accommodations at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground sit at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. "The campground was immaculately maintained and had lots of recreation options. On weekends in the summer, the ski lift becomes a mountain biking lift, there are hiking trails, and of course lakes."
What you should know
Highway noise: Some cabin rentals near major roads experience traffic noise. At Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, "the road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet. The sites have water fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees for privacy."
Water availability: Not all cabins provide drinking water on-site. Visitors to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Campground should bring their own drinking water, as none is provided at the facility.
Winter access challenges: Winter cabin stays require preparation. One Emigrant Springs visitor reported, "When we arrived after dark the 200 ft path to our cabin was cleared and we could easily drag our items stacked on a tarp to our cabin. It was below zero but the electric heater kept us toasty warm."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Some cabin areas offer special programming for children. "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on," notes a visitor to Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area. Park rangers conduct "informed classes about animals in the forest."
Lake activities: Wallowa Lake State Park Campground provides cabin options near water recreation. "It is near the lake, clean, with showers. There are go carts and mini golf nearby for families, and the gondola provides gorgeous views," reports one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabin locations often provide up-close nature experiences. "The nature trail to the lake" at Anthony Lakes allows for wildlife viewing. "Lots of chipmunks, so watch what you leave out (even momentarily)," warns one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: At Park At The River near Wallowa Lake, cabin and RV sites vary in privacy. "They have 49 full hookup sites and they definitely pack them in there. We opted for a river site which is dry camping but much quieter and a bit more dispersed."
Seasonal availability: RV sites with cabins have different peak seasons. "We arrived in late November, when it was cold, snowy, and practically empty. But the campground and all of its facilities were open, and the camp host was extremely friendly and helpful!" notes a Wallowa Lake visitor.
Amenities access: Cabin stays at RV parks often provide additional conveniences. "There are all kinds of amenities within walking distance: stores, restaurants, mini golf, etc.," reports a visitor to Park At The River.
