L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in Oregon's Coast Range, providing cabin accommodations amid mixed coniferous forests. Located about 34 miles northwest of Portland, the park experiences cool summer nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Winter cabin stays require preparation for temperatures that can dip below freezing with occasional snow accumulation between December and February.
What to do
Hiking trail combinations: Access multiple trail systems directly from cabin areas at Stub Stewart. "I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop," shares one camper who stayed at Brooke Creek. The park connects to the Banks-Vernonia Trail for paved biking or walking options.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer celestial viewing without city light pollution. "Local astronomy groups often host star gazing events when the night sky is clear for various meteor showers or other astronomical events of interest," notes a visitor to Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park.
Disc golf course: Play the course located within park boundaries without additional fees. According to a camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground, "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."
Horseback riding: Trails accommodate equestrian users with separate facilities for horse campers. One reviewer at Brooke Creek notes the popularity: "Beautiful area secluded lots of trees," though they caution that some "owners don't clean up after their horses that go on the trail."
What campers like
Privacy options: Cabin layouts vary significantly between park areas. "The Dairy Creek West loop has more shaded and privacy for most of the sites if thats what you are seeking, while the East loop is more open and affords a more social experience for those who like the chance to interact with their neighbors," explains a visitor to Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park.
Year-round availability: Cabins provide shelter during winter months when tent camping becomes impractical. One Cape Lookout visitor notes, "cabins are safe and stormproof for great storm watching in winter/spring months."
Off-leash dog area: A fenced section allows pets to run safely. A recent visitor to Mountaindale Cabin Village — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park shares: "Absolutely love the cabins at this place! We live 30 minutes away so it's the perfect quick get away. Our dog LOVES the dog park too."
Quick Portland getaway: Proximity to urban areas makes these cabins accessible without long drives. "This is such and easy and fun getaway if you live near Portland, OR. 45 minutes and you are transported to nature. It's easy to overlook this on your way to the coast, but it is worth a visit if you just need a quick overnight into nature," notes a Mountaindale Cabin Village visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well ahead, especially for weekend stays. "This is a great campground with a lot of sites. Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" advises a visitor to Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
Cabin furnishings: Expect basic accommodations that require bringing your own bedding and supplies. "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," reports a Mountaindale Cabin Village visitor.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between cabin locations. One Dairy Creek West visitor explains: "Cell service was just ok." Another mentions: "Sprint and Verizon have no signal for sure and no Wi-fi is available."
Weather preparation: Pack for rain even in summer months. A Brooke Creek hike-in visitor notes: "My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children's play areas exist near certain cabin loops. "We stayed at Dairy Creek West. Great spaces. Large and level campsites. Playground in a train shape on Hilltop Day-use area for both small kids and bigger kids," shares one visitor.
Biking opportunities: Paved trails provide safe cycling for various skill levels. According to a visitor at Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well."
Cabin proximity matters: Research specific cabin locations before booking. "Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!" explains another Champoeg visitor.
Cabin vs. yurt options: Consider yurts at nearby parks as alternatives. "The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us! There is a small table in each yurt. Theres a couch and a bunk bed for sleeping arrangements, with the lower bunk larger than the top bunk," explains a Champoeg State Heritage Area visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site measurements: Confirm pad dimensions before booking cabins near Timber, Oregon. A visitor to Barview Jetty County Campground advises: "Our spot was very spacious as the length was 45 feet deep on asphalt. It had a picnic table and a fire ring in a well-groomed gravel area about 30' x 30'."
Hookup locations: Check utility connection placement when planning cabin or RV stays. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," reports one Dairy Creek visitor.
Satellite considerations: Tree cover affects signal access. "We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we'd get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees," explains a recent Dairy Creek West visitor.
