Cabin camping near Gales Creek, Oregon offers access to forested lands at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet in the northern Coast Range. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round with seasonal temperature variations from 80°F summer days to winter lows in the 30s. Winter cabin rentals typically see higher availability while summer reservations should be made 6-9 months in advance.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, the network of mountain biking paths ranges from beginner to advanced with recently renewed trail signage. "Open feel, but sites are spacious. Nice playground for kids, fun disc golf course and wonderful access to biking (paved or dirt)," notes Ryan W.
Beach exploration: Cape Lookout State Park Campground provides cabin access just steps from coastal shorelines. "It was such a short walk to the beach and you could hear the waves when you're going to sleep! Look up the tides tho, since there's such a short beach to the water, during high tide the beach disappears," shares Trina C.
Disc golf: Multiple courses are available within 25 miles of Gales Creek, with full 18-hole courses at Stub Stewart State Park. "The disc golf course is entertaining, but not super challenging. Located on barely 10 acres the designers have done a good job using every bit of the land here," explains Steve C. from Paradise Point.
Horseback riding: Beach rides are available at Nehalem Bay State Park for visitors staying at cabins or yurts. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," reports Jamie B.
What campers like
Cabin heating options: Mountaindale Cabin Village at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park provides heated cabins suitable for cooler weather camping. "We stayed in the Cabins here, dog friendly, cozy in the winter months, only a couple dog friendly cabins so have to book ahead of time. Sweet campfire, a bit close together," shares Lauren B.
Private outdoor showers: Hagg Lake House offers more rustic cabin accommodations with dedicated washing facilities. "The place is a beautiful house on a hill, which allows you to camp in the wooded areas. They have an outhouse/shower/sink on the property so you can get cleaned up no problem," notes Name.
Beach proximity: Cabins at several coastal locations provide quick beach access from your accommodation. "When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy. The atmosphere is very green and lush," explains Jenny R. about L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Fishing access: Barview Jetty County Campground cabins provide quick access to multiple fishing opportunities. "If you like to fish, crab, or clam all three are available either at the campground or within 30 minutes. Tidepools are about .5 mi away, close enough to walk," notes Kelly P.
What you should know
Limited cabin availability: Dog-friendly cabins at parks like Stub Stewart require advance booking. "This is a great stove that's efficient. I'd opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight," suggests Stephanie Z.
Early wake-up calls: Some cabin locations have natural alarm clocks. At Hagg Lake House, "The roosters, quite frankly, don't give a dam what time it is, they start their roostering at 2 am, so it was a bit hard to get sleep," warns Shawn A.
Cabin amenities vary widely: Pack accordingly for your specific cabin type. "We had a nice time. The best part was it was only 45min away from our home. Cell service was just ok," shares Robert D. about Dairy Creek Camp.
Seasonal considerations: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground experiences different challenges by season. "Spring and summer can be a bug challenge so bring lots of insect repellant!" cautions C.W.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: "Large campsite, easy access to the beach for sunset, clean facilities, showers. Easy to get to multiple little towns too!" reports Katie P. about Barview Jetty County Campground.
Consider multi-family cabins: Camp Wilkerson offers larger shared cabin spaces. "Great camping if you go in groups. The group camping areas have lean tos that can accommodate many people in the bunks," explains Don H.
Pick cabins with adequate spacing: At Champoeg State Park, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There are lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," shares Scott W.
Seek out educational opportunities: "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares Leslie C. about Champoeg State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: "The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites," notes Stephanie Z. about Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart State Park.
Reservation insights: Most cabins require 2-night minimum stays during peak season. "Arrived at just the right time to make a hot meal and take in the stars," shares Patrick W. from L.L. Stub Stewart.
Access considerations: Some cabin areas have limited vehicle access. "For being so close to the greater Portland area it felt like we were much further away. I would recommend this place, just make reservations early," suggests Ashley B. about Champoeg State Park.
Utility connections: Many cabin locations offer partial hookups. "Cabins include electricity, beds, and private space while still providing a natural forest setting. On April 18 our first time out in 2022 we camped in spot 76. It rained the whole 5 days we stayed here," reports Robert D.
