Several cabin options exist near Cle Elum, Washington at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,000 feet. The wooded Cascade Mountain setting creates temperature variations that can drop significantly at night, even during summer months when daytime temperatures often exceed 80°F. Rustic forest service cabins and more modern rental units throughout the area accommodate different comfort preferences.
What to do
Winter recreation access: Cabins at Lake Easton State Park Campground serve as excellent winter bases. "Nice for camping in the snow," notes Jennifer M., with another camper mentioning, "The north side/tent campground is a good walk to the beach and makes it not so convenient with little kids, but the sites are nice there and more private."
Fishing spots: The Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground cabins provide direct river access. "We chose Squaw Rock for its amenities and its river access. Our rating is based on how well it met our desires. We felt Squaw Rock's location was good for making day trips," explains one visitor who specifically planned a fishing-focused stay.
Trail connections: Cabin accommodations at Bumping Lake Campground connect to numerous hiking trails. "It's got it all. Lake access. Trail access. Pristine wilderness. Horse trails. Hunting. Fishing. Scenery," says Steve C., with another visitor noting, "There is a boat dock right near the campground. A small general store is open until 5pm."
What campers like
Riverside settings: Many cabins near Cle Elum feature waterfront locations. At American Forks Campground, "Great quiet campground. We were there Monday thru Thursday and we were the only ones there for half the time. Close to the river. The river noise will lull you to sleep," reports Angela M.
Cabin variety: Options range from bare-bones to fully equipped. At Ellensburg KOA, which has cabins about 30 minutes from Cle Elum, one visitor mentions "Our site was near the playground which was central to the campground. There is a TV/play room that my littles loved but not as much as the heated pool." The property also offers waterfront sites: "If you get one of the sites in the back and on the river it's actually really nice and spacious!"
Affordable alternative: Taneum Cabin offers a cost-effective option compared to private rentals. One visitor encountered challenges: "I broke the 'no open flames in the cabin' rule because it was 16°F outside, and my meals needed to simmer... I wish I'd brought along a pair of camp shoes to keep my bed socks clean. There's a warning that you should expect every surface in the cabin has been contaminated by mouse urine & droppings."
What you should know
Cabin facilities vary widely: Not all cabins include common amenities. At The Last Resort, "Please note that the pictures from previous reviews may be misleading, as this campground is not located next to the lake but on the opposite side of the road. The Last Resort has multiple addresses listed on various websites, including a store, gas station, and cabins in the vicinity."
Connectivity challenges: Most forest cabins lack reliable cell service. One visitor to Squaw Rock notes: "You're in a valley with NO cell service. Wi-Fi in the park is non-existent. There's a weak signal near the office."
Road noise concerns: Some cabins experience highway sounds. At Lake Easton, "We had site #11, and the road noise was just too too loud for me. Definitely try to get a spot away from the road," advises Laura M. Similarly, another visitor mentions, "Noisy, noisy, noisy, and noisy. From the sound of the highway to the insurmountable number of inconsiderate neighbors... forget getting any sleep."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin amenities for children: When selecting cabins for family stays, prioritize proximity to recreation. At Bumping Lake Campground, "Our campsite was right on the water side which made swimming and playing in the water so easy. The camp also has boats to rent. So we rented one to get a Geocache that was on an island on the lake," shares Becky R.
Kid-friendly activities: Some cabin locations include dedicated family areas. At American Forks, "There was a woodsy area behind the site where kids could play," notes one visitor, while another describes finding "a really cool meadow & lake" after exploring up the mountain.
Wildlife encounters: Cabin locations offer wildlife spotting opportunities. "I've encountered an array of wildlife (grouse, beavers, elk) around Taneum Campground and love it," says Brit B., though several locations report minor rodent issues that require proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for travel trailers: Choose cabins with adequate parking. At Squaw Rock, "The cabins are nice and nicely laid out on the property. The RV sites back in onto the Naches River, unless you decide to drive into the site and face the river like we did. We ran our water and electricity under the coach to the service point."
Shoulder season advantages: For less crowded cabin stays, consider spring and fall. Squaw Rock visitors in April found "many spots available" while summer visitors report "very tight spaces."
Supply planning: Cabins often require bringing specific items. Several visitors recommend extra propane, flashlights, bedding, camp shoes, and sanitizing supplies - particularly for rustic cabins with woodstoves and limited facilities.
