Cabin rentals near Multnomah Falls range from treehouse accommodations to waterfront structures with varying seasonal availability. The Columbia River Gorge area sits at elevations between 100-4,000 feet with microclimates affecting camping conditions throughout the year. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer highs reach the 90s, making spring and fall ideal for cabin stays.
What to do
**Fishing options: Access North Fork Reservoir at Promontory Park for diverse fishing experiences. "There are nice size trout in this lake that can be caught from the bank if you don't have a boat," notes a visitor at Lost Lake Resort And Campground. The stocked Small Fry Lake at Promontory Park offers youth-only fishing during cooler months.
**Hiking trails: Explore trails ranging from beginner loops to challenging terrain. "Nice hiking trails. The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," reports one camper about Oxbow Regional Park. Trail access varies by season, with some routes closed during winter months.
**Water activities: Rent boats, kayaks, and canoes at several locations during summer months. "Beautiful campground. Amazing weather. Smells like green. Kind host. Very clean water. Dog friendly," describes a visitor at Lost Lake Resort, where water activities are popular from May through September.
What campers like
**Privacy levels: Site selection impacts privacy at most cabin locations. "D022 was very secluded. Could fit at least 2 tents," notes a camper at Lost Lake. At Oxbow Regional Park, "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded," offering greater separation between campsites.
**Natural surroundings: Old growth forests create distinctive camping environments. "This is a huge park (like 1,000 acres) with several camping options. Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park," explains a visitor about Oxbow Regional Park. Tree cover varies significantly between locations, affecting shade and temperature.
**Amenities: Cabin facilities range from basic to comprehensive. "We tent camped here with a 3 year old. Great facilities, great hosts, and great activities for the toddler," shares a visitor at Promontory Park. Many locations offer community cooking stations, fire pits, and access to camp stores with limited hours.
What you should know
**Train noise: Railway proximity affects some cabin locations. At Cascade Locks KOA, "the freight train runs about every 30 minutes including overnight. The first time was a big surprise, but we got used to it." Some accommodations provide ear plugs to help guests sleep.
**Cell service: Connectivity varies widely by location. "There is no Wi-Fi, Verizon was there but I don't know where. Not at the site. But as we walked around the phone would connect in my pocket," explains a Lost Lake camper. Many sites offer limited or no reception, requiring planning for communication needs.
**Reservation requirements: Booking windows vary by season and location. "We were able to get one of the last 2 spots available when we drove up which was nice however they are very close to your fellow campers," notes a camper at Lost Lake, where peak season requires reservations months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
**Kids programming: Some locations offer structured activities for children. At Promontory Park, "The campground did have awesome park staff who put on two great activities for kids every day." These programs typically run during summer months with limited availability in shoulder seasons.
**Playground access: Battle Ground Lake State Park features facilities specifically for children. "This campground has lots of tent sites, and some cabins. There's a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play," notes one visitor. Most playgrounds remain open year-round but lack lighting for evening use.
**Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. At Champoeg State Heritage Area, families can experience "the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River." Educational programming varies seasonally with more options during summer.
Tips from RVers
**Site accessibility: Some cabins present challenges for large vehicles. At Lost Lake, a visitor warns "DO NOT DRIVE YOUR RV DOWN TO THE STORE. Park at your site or somewhere near it and walk to the store. Not great for large equipment." Road conditions deteriorate during wet weather, further limiting access.
**Hookup availability: Utility access varies significantly between locations. At Mt Hood Village Resort, "Full hookups worked well for us. There was a group of tent campers across from us, so it seems they do allow tents in RV spots as well." Many sites offer water and electric but fewer provide sewer connections.
**Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facility availability. "Unfortunately, because of COVID, the facilities (e.g. Welcome Center, restrooms, showers) were all closed, but that was okay for us given the short weekend trip," notes an Oxbow visitor. Winter cabin stays typically have fewer amenities available.
