Cabin accommodations near John Day Lock and Dam offer rustic to modern options at elevations ranging from 160-2,000 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Seasonal variations affect cabin availability, with many locations requiring advance booking during peak months from June through September.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, visitors regularly spot elk in the meadows. "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," notes one camper who witnessed elk walking through her campsite at dawn.
River activities in summer: The John Day River provides swimming and fishing opportunities from May through September. "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," reports a regular visitor to Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
Stargazing away from light pollution: Clear night skies offer excellent stargazing during summer months. One visitor at Cottonwood Canyon mentioned, "The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Columbia Hills State Park provides peaceful settings despite proximity to transportation routes. "This small state park is tucked alongside the Columbia River and Horsethief Lake. The grounds surrounding the campground and alongside the lake are large, green grass areas with picnic tables everywhere," explains one visitor.
Historical exploration: The petroglyphs at Columbia Hills State Park add cultural depth to cabin stays. "One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!" shares a camper who explored the historical features.
Cabin layout and design: At The Klickitat Treehouse, cabins feature thoughtful amenities. "The treehouse is furnished with 3 queen-sized beds + a couch. It also contains most modern amenities that you would find in a hotel suite, including A/C, 2 heaters (bedroom & bathroom), a wood stove for heating the main area," details one visitor who appreciated the cabin design.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Seasonal temperature swings require proper planning. "It was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in," explains a summer visitor to Elk Meadows RV Park, where temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across cabin locations. "Note, however, that there is no wifi or cell service (this was a plus for me, as I was looking for an unplugged experience)," mentions a Klickitat Treehouse guest.
Reservation timing: Book cabins 3-6 months in advance for summer stays. "I don't stay in state parks very often but I had wanted to check out Cottonwood Canyon ever since it opened last year. I waited until after October to go because they don't allow fires from June 1-Sept 30," advises a visitor who planned around seasonal restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation: Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "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!" shares an enthusiastic family camper.
Safety awareness: Teach children about local wildlife precautions. "Because of all the rattlesnake warning signs, I kept my dog leashed or tied out on a campsite-length cable," notes a Cottonwood Canyon visitor, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness.
Bring entertainment: Pack games for downtime during hot afternoons. "In the overflow area you can play horseshoes," mentions a Pine Hollow visitor, noting the additional recreation options beyond water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Hunt Park, RVers find varied options for different rig sizes. "This is a county fair grounds with lots of RV space for all sizes. Self register at the gate and find your spot," explains one RVer who appreciated the straightforward process.
Power management: During summer heat, electrical hookups become essential for comfort. "We camped here with our UMCI Motorcycle Group, and had a great time. Good power sites, even though we were in our Motorcycle tent trailer," notes a Hunt Park visitor who found the electrical amenities sufficient even for small setups.
Wind protection: Position RVs to minimize wind exposure in open areas. "It is windy! I love the wind so I found it invigorating - but it was even a bit too much for me at times. Winds hit 29 MPH at some points of our stay," warns a Columbia Hills State Park camper who recommends securing items outside RVs.
