Best Cabin Camping near Cle Elum, WA
Several rustic cabin options are available within a short drive of Cle Elum, Washington, providing alternatives to traditional tent camping. Teanaway Guard Station in Cle Elum offers a historic cabin experience with basic amenities including a woodstove and bunk beds. The cabin comes with a battery-powered lantern, though visitors report the interior remains quite dark. "The bunkbeds are covered in plastic, but it's a thin cellophane so it wasn't noisy. There are provided pillows; I didn't use them. The bunks' mattresses are comfortable," notes one visitor. Lake Easton State Park Campground in nearby Easton provides cabin accommodations with more modern facilities, including clean bathrooms and showers. Taneum Cabin in Thorp features picnic tables and fire pits but lacks electric hookups, showers, and running water. Most cabins in the region include outdoor fire rings for cooking and evening warmth.
Cabin rentals vary significantly in comfort level and amenities throughout the region. Pet-friendly cabins can be found at several locations including Lake Easton State Park and American Forks Campground, though Teanaway Guard Station prohibits pets. Ellensburg KOA, about 30 minutes from Cle Elum, offers furnished cabins with more amenities than forest service options. "My parents rented a cabin and were wowed! Nice folks and awesome scenery," reports one KOA visitor. Reservations are essential during summer months when cabin availability becomes limited, particularly on weekends. Most locations accept bookings up to 6-12 months in advance through recreation.gov or private campground websites. Winter access varies, with some cabins like Teanaway Guard Station remaining open year-round but requiring additional preparation for cold weather conditions.
Most cabins require visitors to bring their own bedding, pillows, and cooking equipment. Teanaway Guard Station provides wood during winter months, but summer visitors need to bring their own fuel sources. Kitchen facilities range from non-existent to basic, with most cabins offering only outdoor fire pits with grates for cooking. Visitors should pack food, water, and essential supplies before arrival, as on-site stores are limited. The Ellensburg KOA features a general store with basic camping supplies and some grocery items. Cle Elum has several grocery stores and outdoor retailers for last-minute purchases, though prices tend to be higher than in larger towns. Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries are recommended for all cabin stays, as lighting is typically minimal even in more developed accommodations.