Cabin camping near Carnation, Washington provides rustic accommodations within easy reach of Seattle while maintaining a wilderness feel. The area sits at approximately 80 feet above sea level along the Snoqualmie River valley, making it prone to seasonal flooding but creating lush, verdant terrain. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-45°F while summer averages 55-75°F with moderate rainfall year-round.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Wallace Falls State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations with nearby hiking routes. "The hike to Wallace Falls (lower & upper) is moderate & enjoyable. The 'wooded hike' meanders along the Wallace River, which is said to have salmon & steelhead in August," notes Josiah P.
Fishing opportunities: Thunderbird RV and Camping Resort provides riverside sites with fishing access. "Riverside no sewer hookups but have dump station by where you check in. Perfect to check in dump if you stay on river side," mentions Tracy P. The helpful staff can direct you to the best fishing spots.
Seasonal berry picking: During summer months, blackberry patches grow wild near many cabins. At Wallace Falls, one visitor reported: "If camping in July-August, blackberries abound! I picked enough berries to share with my crew. There is nothing better than perfectly ripe blackberries on a camping trip."
What campers like
Quick access from Seattle: Tolt MacDonald Park receives praise for its proximity to urban areas. "Great spot close to the city if you want to get away but not drive too far," reports Kayko S. The park's shipping container cabins provide urban comforts in a natural setting.
Private, spacious sites: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers cabin camping with good separation between units. "Quiet campground with decent privacy between sites. We stayed just one night at site 42, which was on a corner and offered a good amount of privacy and easy access to the clean bathrooms," shares Rachel.
Family amenities: Flowing Lake Park & Campground offers cabin accommodations with features parents appreciate. "The park had lots for the girls to do and explore. We had a great time," writes Bridget S. The park also includes "the most amazing playground" according to Mindy P.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities book quickly, especially during summer. At Tall Chief Campground, "We love Tall Chief because it is super close to a lot of great spots around the Seattle region... Most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!" notes Brodie D.
Transportation logistics: Some cabins require walking from parking areas. At Wallace Falls, one visitor explained: "We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provide trees to manage our hammocks. Therefore we parked in the parking lot near a tree and strung our hammocks from the tree to the car."
Ranger presence: Kanaskat-Palmer maintains strict rules and regular patrols. "This campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day. I have been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quiet as myself and three 9-year-old girls were talking too loud," reports Kelly P.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fay Bainbridge Park cabins sit near excellent play structures. "Amazing kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites," shares Tanya B. The park combines cabin comfort with outdoor activities.
Noise considerations: Select cabin sites farther from common areas for better sleep. "Very disappointed. Booked and told tent sites could be driven up to. Not the case. Host was very nice. Beautiful place," notes Robert N., highlighting the importance of verifying access details when traveling with children.
Weather preparation: Pack extra layers and rain gear for cabin stays, as temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer. At Flowing Lake, cabin campers note the "cabins are spacious and private" with good tree cover, but also recommend bringing additional bedding for comfort.
Tips from RVers
Utility limitations: Most cabin accommodations provide limited hookups. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, one RVer noted: "Campsites in the RV loop were spaced out enough with vegetation between them so as to provide some privacy. Our site had a pull-through driveway, 30amp hookup, a fire ring and picnic table."
Bath facilities: Bathrooms vary widely between locations. "Bathrooms are super nice - each is private with a shower. Camp staff were pleasant and helpful," writes Julie M. about Kanaskat-Palmer, making it a good option for those who prefer clean facilities.
Cell reception issues: Coverage can be spotty in cabin areas due to terrain. At Tall Chief, "Another thing that can be annoying is trying to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. They definitely have a few, but I would say arrive early so you can drive by all the sites while checking to make sure you have good reception if you need it."
