Cabin accommodations near Bingen, Washington range from basic shelters to fully equipped structures with mountain views. Most are situated between 600-1,500 feet elevation in the Columbia River Gorge area, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly between seasons. Winter cabin rentals often require AWD vehicles for access, particularly at higher elevations where snow accumulation is common from November through April.
What to do
Hiking access: Peterson Prairie Campground provides convenient access to multiple outdoor activities including the nearby ice caves and natural bridges. "Plenty of stuff to do in the area...ice caves, natural bridges, lakes for fishing, and just general exploring," notes one visitor to Peterson Prairie Campground.
Lakeside recreation: Lost Lake offers various water activities including boat rentals for visitors without their own watercraft. "The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," explains a camper at Lost Lake Resort and Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Cabins situated in meadow areas provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We saw elk splashing through the meadow at night while we watched stars and satellites," reports a visitor at Elk Meadows RV Park who stayed in a 20-foot trailer.
What campers like
Cabin privacy: Many cabins feature secluded settings despite being in established campgrounds. At Lost Lake Resort and Campground, a visitor staying in site D022 noted it "was very secluded. Could fit at least 2 tents," highlighting the spaciousness of even standard cabin sites.
Accessibility options: Some cabin facilities offer accessible accommodations, though availability varies. One visitor to Lost Lake expressed frustration about limited accessible options: "The handicapped parking is inconveniently located nowhere near an ADA-accessible lakeside spot," indicating the importance of confirming accessibility features when booking.
Mountain views: Several cabin properties offer direct views of major Cascade peaks. At Elk Meadows RV Park, cabins along the northern edge of the property provide spectacular scenery. "The views of Mt Adams are just awesome," remarked one visitor who stayed during September.
What you should know
Train noise: Several cabin properties near Bingen experience frequent train noise. At Cascade Locks KOA, visitors should expect regular train disturbances. "The freight train runs about every 30 minutes including overnight. The first time was a big surprise, but we got used to it," explained one camper, noting that some accommodations even provide ear plugs.
Seasonal limitations: Many cabin facilities in the area operate seasonally. Peterson Prairie Campground cabins are available "May 24 to September 24," while Elk Meadows RV Park operates from "April 15 to November 15," making winter cabin options more limited.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely between cabin locations. At Lost Lake, one visitor noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, some cabin properties offer dedicated play areas. At Mt Hood Village Resort, a visitor noted, "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids."
Indoor recreation options: Some cabins offer indoor activities for rainy days. "The game room was very nice and the pool was a great way to cool off and relax," mentions a visitor to Cascade Locks KOA, highlighting amenities beyond standard cabin features.
Beginner-friendly fishing: Sites with stocked lakes provide ideal learning environments for young anglers. "Really easy fishing if you're just learning," notes a Lost Lake Resort visitor, making it suitable for children developing outdoor skills.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RV travelers sometimes opt for cabin rentals during adverse weather. "We stayed in one of the cabins very nice camp," reported a visitor to Cascade Locks KOA who normally travels in an RV but chose cabin accommodations during a West Coast trip.
Site selection: When booking cabins at Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground, consider layout and privacy factors. "The sites are pretty close together and at our time was $50 for hookups and $42 for walk in tent site, so definitely expensive," noted one visitor, highlighting the importance of researching specific site arrangements.
Supply considerations: Unlike RV camping with onboard facilities, cabin campers should verify what supplies are provided. At Yurt at Rivendell, a visitor noted the accommodations were "Very nice and secluded... Only critique is not stocked with much of everyday things.. Coffee ect."
