Camping cabins near Coulee Dam, Washington offer access to the dramatic landscape formed by Ice Age floods that carved the region's basalt cliffs and coulees. Banks Lake stretches 27 miles through this area with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during July and August. Seasonal considerations affect cabin availability at most locations, with many facilities operating from April through October.
What to do
Hiking at Steamboat Rock: The mesa at Steamboat Rock State Park rises 800 feet above Banks Lake with trails accessible directly from camping areas. "We hiked the Steamboat Rock Trail. The first 1/3 of the hike was more moderate with steep trails and scree, but it gets easier once you're past that," notes Lisa B.
Fishing opportunities: Catch walleye, bass and other species at Banks Lake with easy access from multiple cabin locations. "Fishing was fair for walleye, bass. Hiking was abundant. Easy in and out," shares Donald C. from Bay Loop Campground.
Water activities: Bring your own watercraft or rent from various resorts. At Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, "We spent time on and on the water everyday. Gorgeous location and super friendly staff. Kids rode scooters and bikes around. So many families," according to Jennifer H.
Wildlife viewing: Observe native birds and animals right from your cabin site. "We hung out, hiked, fished, and enjoyed the deer, pheasant and wild turkeys wandering the grounds," reports Shay F. during a Thanksgiving weekend at Bay Loop.
What campers like
Cabin climate control: During hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, air conditioning becomes essential. At Blue Lake Resort, the cabins provide relief from summer heat. "We stayed in newly renovated cabin. Very clean with new management upgraded everything they can think of. Cabin has all the amenities including full kitchen," reports Krishna.
Lake access: Direct water access from cabin sites ranks high for camper satisfaction. "The lake is absolutely beautiful and was perfect for water activities, cliff jumping, and great spots for swimming. Very affordable and I will be looking forward to my trip back," says Travis B. about Laurent's Sun Village Resort.
Geological features: The unique landscapes formed by ancient lava flows and glacial flooding create distinctive camping experiences. "I love this state park, the landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder," writes Freddie Faith M. about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Resort amenities: Some locations offer extensive facilities beyond basic cabin features. "A beautiful golf course, a great mini golf course, pool, water wars, grocery, awesome super cute gift shop, office, delicious snack/dinner/restaurant/ice cream/espresso treat stand," lists Jennifer H. describing Sun Lakes Park Resort.
What you should know
Wind considerations: Strong winds affect several cabin areas and require preparation. "It can get pretty windy and the raccoons and mosquitoes can be pretty pesky," warns Ashlie M. about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, while Freddie Faith adds, "Keep that in mind if you are tent camping, as you could easily lose your tent!"
Site selection: Cabins vary significantly in quality, privacy and amenities between and within campgrounds. "If camping here I cannot suggest campsite 88 in campground D unless you are in an RV. It's just a very basic, gravel site with little shade, right by the road entering the campground," advises Freddie Faith M.
Booking strategy: Occupancy patterns vary with some locations filling quickly during peak months. "We have started camping here in September instead of August like we used to because we've discovered the weather is much more pleasant and it is a lot less busy," recommends Christi R. about Dune Loop Campground.
Sprinkler schedules: Some cabin areas maintain extensive irrigation systems. "Pay attention to the lawn watering schedule for your area of the campground. Make sure your stuff is put away before the sprinklers start," advises Christi R.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. "Snack shack and playground for kids, with paved trails to connect all the loops. Showers with hot water for a small fee," notes Erica B. about Dune Loop Campground.
Beach selection: Water access points vary in quality and safety for children. At Jones Bay Campground, "Most sites have lake view/access, although it seemed grassy and muddy to get there. Probably ok to put in a kayak or a canoe," according to Janel D., while Myresa J. reports, "We walked over to a nice sandy beach and kids walked ways into water before it got deep."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy the frequent wildlife sightings around cabins. "There were wild turkeys that walked right into our camp," shares Myresa J., making these interactions memorable for younger campers.
Activity options: Multiple recreation choices keep families engaged. "There is a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing pier (and fish cleaning stations in each camp loop), basketball, volleyball, playground, and paved walking trails connecting the beach and all the camp loops," details Lee D. about Steamboat Rock State Park.
Tips from RVers
Utility variations: RV sites near cabins offer different hookup configurations. At Two Rivers Resort, "Spaces are spread out. Huge campground. Nice facilities. Private beach. Quiet. Well taken care of," notes Gary S.
Power reliability: Electrical supply can be inconsistent in some locations. "Night two resulted in the power to 20% of the campsites going out and would not be fixed. 100 degrees with no A/C was a great way to clear a section of the campground," warns Travis B. about Laurent's Sun Village Resort.
Campground layouts: Some cabin areas place RVs in close proximity. "We chose a spot in the rv tent area which was not very clean and very loud. Stay in the outer ring if you have an RV," recommends Melanie A. about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Site surface conditions: Ground preparation varies between campgrounds. "The spots were solid dirt and our site was on top of the one next to us. It would have been better suited for a smaller rig (we were in a thirty foot trailer)," shares Lorrie K. about Blue Lake Resort.
