Cabins near Bennington Lake range from rustic forest service accommodations to more comfortable private options. The Blue Mountain region sits at elevations between 4,000-6,000 feet with dramatic temperature changes between seasons. Winter access to remote cabins often requires snow transportation methods, while summer temperatures can exceed 90°F at lower elevations.
What to do
Stargazing at high elevations: Godman Guard Station sits at 6,000 feet with minimal light pollution. A camper noted, "The southern end of the 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."
Wildflower viewing: Fry Meadows Guard Station offers exceptional spring and early summer wildflower opportunities. "I saw a ton of coralroot orchids and mountain lady slippers in mid June," reports one visitor who appreciated the botanical diversity.
Fishing access: Locations near Starbuck-Lyons Ferry Marina KOA provide river access for anglers. "The Snake River is a few feet away," mentions one reviewer, noting the site "seems to cater to fishermen" with easy boat launching facilities.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The High Road Cabin provides secured entry for those seeking isolation. A reviewer notes, "This space provides a locked gate to give you privacy and peace of mind! Minimal light pollution will provide you gorgeous starry skies."
Family accommodations: Godman Guard Station offers spacious layouts for larger groups. As one visitor shared, "I didn't know we had a good campground near us. The cabin is pretty cheap and was able to fit my entire family including uncles and aunts and grandparents etc."
Historic significance: Emigrant Springs features educational opportunities about regional heritage. A visitor commented, "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."
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area cabins experience significant traffic noise. A camper warned, "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."
Seasonal accessibility: Many cabins require advance planning during certain seasons. The Wenatchee Guard Station can be difficult to access during winter months, and one visitor noted summer congestion: "Apparently it's a popular area for atvs, cuz some jagoff on a quad or dirt bike was using the outhouse every hour."
Supply requirements: Remote cabins require bringing all necessities. For Lyons Ferry facilities, a visitor advised, "Be sure you pack what you need, because the nearest store, other than the KOA store is miles and miles away."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area offers structured children's activities. A family reported, "The park rangers were so nice. They had informed classes about animals in the forest. The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on."
Temperature preparation: Blue Mountain cabins experience significant temperature drops after sunset. At Fry Meadows, a camper noted, "The building is fairly close to a road, but there is so little traffic that it doesn't bother you. I had great weather and it cooled off a lot at night."
Advance bookings: Reserve cabins early for family gatherings. One Emigrant Springs visitor shared, "We have stayed here many times. 10 years ago was one of our favorites. Our families came from all over Oregon and Washington, even California."
Tips from RVers
Approach routes: Some access roads to cabin areas present challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor to Dayton-Pomeroy warned, "If maps send you down Hartsock Rd (a right turn just outside of downtown Dayton) I don't recommend taking it. You will come to a steep canyon called Hartsock Rd. While the road is OK, not very wide, the grade is pretty steep."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts comfort at lower elevation sites. A Lyons Ferry Marina visitor noted, "Nice campground but very desert-ie right so hot in the summer but on the river though so if you have a boat its great."
Basic supplies: Dayton-Pomeroy-Blue Mountains KOA provides more amenities than forest service cabins. A visitor described it as "very pleasant stay, well run and clean" with services including "dump station, propane, gas, and water."
