Best Cabin Camping near Cle Elum, WA

Several rustic cabin options surround the Cle Elum area, providing alternatives to traditional tent camping. The Teanaway Guard Station in Cle Elum offers a historic cabin experience with basic amenities including a woodstove, bunk beds with mattresses, and a battery-powered lantern. This off-grid cabin has no running water or electricity but includes a vault toilet nearby. According to one visitor, "The cabin comes with a stove and a battery lantern, with the expectation that you'll provide the fuel and batteries. The bunkbeds are covered in plastic, but it's a thin cellophane so it wasn't noisy." Lake Easton State Park Campground in nearby Easton also offers cabin accommodations with more modern conveniences, including electricity and heating options. Most cabins in the region include picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor cooking and gathering.

Cabin rentals vary significantly in size and comfort level throughout the region. KOA cabin camping is available at Ellensburg KOA, approximately 30 minutes from Cle Elum, with furnished cabins that include electricity and access to shower facilities. One reviewer noted, "My parents rented a cabin and were wowed! Nice folks and awesome scenery." Pet-friendly cabins can be found at several locations, though policies vary by site. The Last Resort and Silver Ridge Ranch also offer cabin accommodations, though amenities differ between locations. Reservations are essential during summer months when cabin availability becomes limited, particularly on weekends. Winter cabin rentals are more restricted, with some locations like Taneum Cabin operating only from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Most forest cabins require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, towels, and cooking equipment. Woodstoves are common heating sources in rustic cabins, with firewood often provided during winter months only. Kitchen facilities range from non-existent in primitive cabins to basic countertops and sometimes refrigerators in more developed units. Visitors should pack food, water, and essential supplies, as on-site stores are limited. The Cle Elum area has grocery stores and outdoor supply shops for last-minute needs, but planning ahead is recommended, especially for remote cabin locations. Flashlights or lanterns are essential for cabins without electricity, and warm sleeping bags are recommended even in cabins with heat sources, as temperatures can drop significantly at night in the mountain environment.

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Best Cabin Sites Near Cle Elum, Washington (32)

    1. Lake Easton State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Easton, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 656-2255

    $25 - $35 / night

    "It was smaller, yet felt large enough so you had your own privacy and space. There were clean facilities available, as well as drinking water and trash bins."

    "Clean raised tent bed with pea-gravel raked evenly good for 6-7 person tent . Fire pit is decently sized approximately 3x2 with a flip top grill that covers half of it."

    2. The Last Resort

    3 Reviews
    Roslyn, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 649-2222

    $35 - $99 / night

    "Super close to cute towns and any needs. It rained most of the weekend, but we were cozy. 5.4.24 ATT 1 bar"

    "Was great loved the outdoors there’s a store close by if u forgot something . Great fishing spots"

    3. Ellensburg KOA

    19 Reviews
    Ellensburg, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-7616

    "They also have a few cabins to stay in.  Our site was near the playground which was central to the camp ground."

    "Need to book a year in advance. Super nice sites on the Yakima river. My parents rented a cabin and we're wowwed! Nice folks and awesome scenery. Power and water to tent site."

    4. Taneum Cabin

    3 Reviews
    South Cle Elum, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 852-1100

    $125 / night

    "Very pretty area outside of Thorp.  Campground is primative, pit toilets, but does have water and garbage.  Unfortunately, the site is closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day. "

    "I’ve encountered an array of wildlife (grouse, beavers, elk) around Taneum Campground and love it. Higher up in the hills can get pretty windy but the area is beautiful to explore."

    5. Silver Ridge Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Easton, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 656-0275

    "The new owners are doing a great job turning the property around. There is a large recent renovated cabin that fits up to 20 people you can stay as well. "

    6. Teanaway Guard Station

    1 Review
    Cle Elum, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 852-1100

    $40 / night

    "The cabin comes with a stove & a battery lantern, with the expectation that you'll provide the fuel & the batteries."

    7. American Forks Campground

    3 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 653-1401

    $15 / night

    "The site offers picnic tables & a triangle shaped fire pit. The fire pits have a grill grate over top of them that we cooked dinner on at night."

    "Close to the river. The river noise will lull you to sleep. Only reason I didn't give a 5 star is the fire pits are totally not useable for grilling. The grills are 2.5 feet off the ground."

    8. Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA

    25 Reviews
    Leavenworth, WA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 548-7709

    $27 / night

    "It is walking and biking distance from town, right behind the Safeway, and has lots of amenities.  Great place for kids especially there's tons of activities, playground and even a pool. "

    "We’ve tent camped, stayed in the cabins and our class C RV. We’ve been in a variety of spots around the campground."

    9. Bumping Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $24 - $48 / night

    "My family and I have stayed at Bumping Lake for years. It’s off grid and the spots are large and private. The lake is great. There is a lot of hiking and biking trails."

    "Loved our weekend at Bumping Lake! Our site in the Upper Campground was really nice and spacious, with a very new seeming fire pit and picnic table."

    10. Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Goose Prairie, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 658-2800

    $45 - $150 / night

    "We felt Squaw Rocks location was good for making day trips. We'd stay here again. This is a mixture of cabins and RV sites. The cabins are nice and nicely laid out on the property."

    "Well-Maintained campground with nice river sites, pool, restaurant, and store. Close to area fishing and hiking."

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Cabin Reviews near Cle Elum, WA

269 Reviews of 32 Cle Elum Campgrounds


  • J
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Lake Easton State Park Campground

    Perfect for a one night stay

    This was a lovely campsite. It was smaller, yet felt large enough so you had your own privacy and space. There were clean facilities available, as well as drinking water and trash bins. Our lot was spacious with a nice picnic table, fire pit, and area for our two person tent. Everyone around us was respectful of one another and wasn't too loud late at night. There are trails behind the campsite that lead down to the river, or just a short drive away is the 'beach' and bridge overlooking the lake. It is peaceful and although the highway is close by, seeing the beauty of the area makes you think and feel you are deeper in nature. I would definitely stay here again for a longer period of time!

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2023

    The Cottonwood Retreat

    Off-Grid Cozy Glamping Experience

    Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to have this property on our platform. This host offers a heated "Glabin" that is off-grid (no running water or electricity) "We suggest that you bring water bottles and snacks. There is a portapotty at your campsite." This is a set-up from tent camping!  There are also horses, cattle, chicken, and dogs on the property! Check them out and leave them some love.

  • Justin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Great camping near Lake

    Quite liked this campground, a few things to note first about the site then the park.

    Site: 31 Great distance between tent pad and picnic table with a few well placed trees for hammock/ clothing line Fire ring was great distance from picnic table. Great privacy (granted the people in the site next to us weren’t there) Close walk to bathroom/showers & Trash Short 5 minute walk to the lake.

    Park: Showers were actually free Normally it is pretty windy, but there was no wind both days we were present Mosquitos were worse than usual, but a constant cost of DEET and a anti mosquito candle kept them at bay, still got bit up a bit There is a pretty legit store with camping stuff, espresso, and ice cream Playground near beach area By the beach there was a dude selling kayak/ paddle board rentals, he does not come on especially windy days Kind Staff, met camp hosts dog

    I’ve also attached some photos of the RV sites from the north campground

    Definitely will come back

  • Kim K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2019

    Teanaway Guard Station

    Sleep in a Bit of History

    I recently rented the cabin for the weekend in February. I've already made a reservation for a summer weekend, but this review is based on winter use.

    The cabin comes with a stove & a battery lantern, with the expectation that you'll provide the fuel & the batteries. A previous user had left a propane canister and left the batteries in the lantern. It's a nice gesture, but come prepared with your own. I'd also brought along a propane lantern, and I'm glad I did. (Although this did violate the "no open flames in the cabin" rule - more on that later.) The interior of the cabin is very dark, and while the battery lantern provides light, it's only bright up close. Plan to bring your own lanterns, especially in the winter when the night's dark comes early. There are some board games and books in the cupboard, as well.

    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. Because of the way the Forest Service installed the bunkbed & the cupboards, the bunkbeds don't fully benefit from the heat of the woodstove. In the winter, you'll want a warm sleeping bag.

    I broke the "no open flames in the cabin" rule because it was 16°F outside, and my meals needed to simmer. I imagine this rule is designed to protect the cabin as well as to protect visitors from CO poisoning. I placed the stove near a window and opened the window a crack, and I never turned my back on the stove. There's a CO monitor in the cabin, and truth be told, the cabin's drafty. But if you're going to break the rule, understand the risk you're taking, and for the love of all that is holy do not burn down this cabin.

    The lock on the woodshed is the kind that the tumblers need to be lined up before you take the key out, but it's also a little worn so it's possible to take the key out without it being lined up. If that happens - as it did with me - it's really difficult to get the key back into the lock far enough to unlock it. (I had to heat up the lock & the key with a candle to get the tumblers "unstuck.") Be very careful with the lock, or you may find yourself having a chilly night. (Wood is only provided during winter rentals, so this doesn't apply for the summer folks.)

    The toilet paper in the vault toilet is kept in a heavy plastic tote. My guess is this is to protect it from rodents. Please keep the lid on tight.

    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. Consider that during food preparation. (I used some plastic wrap to cover the countertop to give me some clean space to work.) I didn't see any rodents while I was there, but there were droppings in a few places. There's no running water, so I'd recommend bringing hand sanitizer as well.

    I was carrying more than my usual backpacking load, and I'd planned to haul things in on a sled. Unfortunately, I failed to test out my sled setup & practice pulling a sled, and on the trail it turned out to be a dismal failure. I got very lucky in that a nearby cabin owner saw me, took pity on me, and hauled my gear in & back out for me. However, his was the only one of the cabins along the road in use that weekend. If you're going to do something similar, be smarter than I was and test out your gear & your technique ahead of time.

    Although the river is nearby, it has a steep bank and I wouldn't risk trying to get water out of it during the winter. I utilized the woodstove's cooktop & melted snow. It's not the tastiest, but it's fine for cooking with.

    I will definitely come back, and next time I will be better prepared. I enjoyed the brief glimpse of life in a remote cabin: splitting wood & kindling, needing to keep the woodstove going through the night, et cetera. But I'm grateful someone else cut the wood and stocked the shed, and that I had access to modern winter clothing & recreation devices like lightweight snowshoes & waxless skis.

  • J
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Taneum Cabin

    HANTAVIRUS CABIN

    I want to start by saying that I have low expectations for hygiene and cleanliness, especially in rustic forest service buildings. But this cabin failed to meet my extremely low bar with its out of control mouse situation (see photos).

    First, much of the information currently available online is incomplete or inaccurate so here's some irl deets as of August 2025:

    This cabin is smaller than it looks in the pictures. It's maybe 300-400 sq feet. 

    There is a flush toilet and shower inside the cabin. Shower is small. The hot water is HOT. You have to walk through the bedroom to get to the bathroom.

    Lights: Don't rely on lighting being provided. As far as we could tell, the propane lights were disconnected? (There is also zero info on how to light them.) There were three LED mini lanterns, none of which had working batteries. 

    Kitchen supplies:  Generally ok (the usual amount of beat up) but bring your own silverware. There were three metal spoons and a handful of plastic forks when we were there. WASH EVERYTHING BEFORE USE.

    There is one bedroom with a reasonably comfortable double or queen bed. BYO bedding. The walls don't go all the way to the ceiling, so don't expect privacy.

    There is a futon couch in the "living room" area. It is very beat up and extremely uncomfortable. Do not attempt to sleep on this if you value your ability to sleep or to have a functioning back. It's really, really bad. I am not exaggerating.

    There is a small dining table with two chairs. There is one rocking chair.

    The stove and frig (which included a freezer) worked great. 

    The cabin is about 40' off of a road that is frequented by OHV enthusiasts. It has a very large parking area which is shared by the camp host for the two campgrounds down the road. He told me he is not the host for the cabin, however.

    AFAIK, there was no host for the cabin and no one is regularly checking on it? There were candles (which aren't allowed) left by previous guests. 

    There is a nice creek across the parking area and past the camp host site. 

    The worst: MICE. And mouse poop. EVERYWHERE. 

    I saw reports of mice in other reviews and wasn't too worried. Mice happen in the woods! I arrived with sanitizing wipes and snap traps. 

    I would have had to work for days to clean that place up. There was mouse poop everywhere. Cabinets with pots and pans had mouse poop and torn up paper towels. Mouse poop on the counter. Mouse poop on the rocking chair. Mouse poop on the futon. 

    At night, so many mouse noises. Among other areas they are living in the chimney/wood stove area. Good luck to whoever first tries to light a fire this fall! 

    The worst area was under the sink. There was a hole leading to the wall space, which was packed with torn paper towels and mouse poop, pee, and some black stuff (mold?) Another hole led to an area under the cabinets, which also had a giant pile of shredded paper and mouse feces.

    I killed three mice over the two nights we were there. They were definitely deer mice, aka the ones that carry hanta virus. We wore masks when sweeping. I felt bad for my friends who slept in there (I slept in my van outside.)

    I expected mice, but I didn't expect there to be zero evidence of anyone trying to deal with them or ensure the basic safety of guests. It is crazy that they charge $125 /night for this and fail to do even the absolute minimum of caretaking.

    If the mouse situation wasn't such a horror show, I would give this four stars. The cabin itself would be nice if anyone cared about it.

  • J
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    Nice & quick camping option from Seattle

    We stayed 1 night here for the maiden voyage of our recently purchased travel trailer, which was nice since it's only about an hour away from our place near Seattle. Arrived Friday early evening and it wasn't busy at all.

    The check-in process was easy, even though their reservation system was down at the time. Filled up w/ some fresh water at the dump station, which was clean and well maintained.

    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. Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean.

    Took a walk down to the day use area by the river, which was easy for us, but some portions of the trails closer to the river were slightly overgrown w/ a few obstacles, which could be problematic for some. Didn't see any kids play structures down there, which would be nice to have for families.

    We heard a couple trains while there, but the noise wasn't too loud. Never heard the fire siren that they warned us about. Overall, it was a good camping experience for a quick trip and would return!

  • B
    May. 22, 2023

    Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA

    Great campground but the sites were on top of each other

    I've stayed at several KOA's over the years and this KOA is very nice. It has a great playground for the kids, a pool, shower stations, a coffee and ice cream bar, and a great general store. The safe was super friendly and helpful. The reason we stayed here specifically was its close proximity to downtown Leavenworth. When booking my stay, it was an additional$30 dollars to select my site and for a two-night stay, I felt that was too much. I quickly found out why they can charge$30 dollars. The first site we were placed in, site 20, could not even fit my 20-foot trailer. The second site, site 22, was a little longer and I could fit my trailer and truck into the site. The sites were so tight that we could barely fit the provided picnic table next to our trailer. As our neighbors arrived, they made a joke that their site was barely a driveway. That said, there were numerous spacious sites available if you were willing to spend the extra money.

  • Shane S.
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Bumping Lake Campground

    My favorite lake camping

    My family and I have stayed at Bumping Lake for years. It’s off grid and the spots are large and private. The lake is great. There is a lot of hiking and biking trails.

  • Mary C.
    Sep. 2, 2018

    Ellensburg KOA

    Cool spot in Ellensburg

    This is one of the larger KOAs I have been to.  Plenty of room for RVs, trailers, and tents.  They also have a few cabins to stay in.  Our site was near the playground which was central to the camp ground. There is a TV/ play room that my littlesloved but not as much as the heated pool, yes, they have a heated pool! 

    This site lies on the banks of the Yakima River.  My dad was able to go fly fishing and my littles were able to search for rocks and fish in the shallow areas. 

    The general store has all your basic needs, but a difference from other KOAs was that they sell bee and wine! 

    The hosts are great but are pretty strict with quiet hours (which I prefer with littles).


Guide to Cle Elum

Cabin camping near Cle Elum, Washington offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers.

Cabin campers appreciate these amenities

  • Enjoy full hookups and a cozy atmosphere at Whistlin' Jack's Outpost & Lodge, where you can easily access the Naches River for fishing and swimming.
  • Experience a well-maintained environment at Silver Ridge Ranch, which features cabins and RV sites, along with a bar and café for weekend dining.
  • Relax in a peaceful setting at The Cottonwood Retreat, known for its privacy and spacious accommodations, perfect for a quiet escape.

Cabins are available at these campgrounds

  • American Forks Campground offers rustic cabins along a creek, providing a serene backdrop for your camping experience.
  • At Teanaway Guard Station, you can stay in a historic cabin surrounded by beautiful forest scenery, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Taneum Cabin features a primitive cabin experience with access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing, perfect for adventurous campers.

Cabin campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Naches River when staying at Whistlin' Jack's Outpost & Lodge, where you can cast a line right from your cabin.
  • Explore the scenic trails and enjoy wildlife watching at American Forks Campground, which is known for its tranquil environment and natural beauty.
  • Engage in outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking near Silver Ridge Ranch, where the surrounding landscape offers plenty of exploration opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are typically included in Cle Elum cabin rentals?

Cabin rentals around Cle Elum typically offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads or sleeping areas. At Taneum Cabin, you'll find rustic Forest Service accommodations, though be prepared for basic facilities. For more creature comforts, Ellensburg KOA offers cabins near a playground, heated pool, TV/play room, and general store. Most cabins in the area provide shelter and sleeping space, while amenities like electricity, running water, and bathroom facilities vary significantly by location. Always check if you need to bring your own water, bedding, and cooking supplies.

When is the best season to book a cabin in Cle Elum?

Summer is prime time for booking cabins around Cle Elum, with warm days perfect for exploring nearby trails and lakes. Lake Easton State Park Campground offers spacious accommodations with clean facilities during the warmer months. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider early fall when temperatures remain pleasant but tourist numbers drop. Winter cabins are also popular, particularly at Whistlin' Jack's Outpost & Lodge, offering a cozy retreat for snow enthusiasts. Book summer cabins 6-9 months in advance, while shoulder season (spring/fall) reservations might be available with shorter notice.

Where are the best cabins to rent in Cle Elum?

For cabin rentals near Cle Elum, Teanaway Guard Station offers a rustic experience with a stove and battery lantern (bring your own fuel and batteries). It's popular in both winter and summer, making it a year-round option. Another excellent choice is The Cottonwood Retreat, which features a heated 'Glabin' perfect for those wanting to upgrade from tent camping. Though off-grid with no running water or electricity, it provides a comfortable wilderness experience with a portapotty on site.