Cabin accommodations near Curlew, Washington range from rustic forest structures to lakeside rentals with modern amenities. Located in the northeastern corner of Washington state at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. The region sits within the Colville National Forest where seasonal access varies dramatically between summer and winter months.
What to do
Fishing at Twin Lakes: North Lake RV Park & Campground offers excellent access to fishing spots with rentable equipment for anglers of all levels. "This place is great. Super rustic, tons of things for kids to get into, water was clean, power was solid," notes Craig S., who also mentions limited cell coverage makes it ideal for unplugging.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rainbow Beach Resort provides rentals and lake access for water activities. "This is a great spot to rent a cabin. There's great fishing as long as a license is bought online from the Colville Tribe. They also have a swimming area," reports Andrew F.
Winter ski touring: The Snow Peak Cabin area offers winter recreation opportunities for those seeking seasonal activities. Visitors frequently use the cabin as a base for accessing nearby ski terrain at Sherman Pass, with both challenging and conservative terrain options depending on avalanche conditions.
Hiking at Bonaparte Lake: The surrounding mountains provide numerous trails of varying difficulty. "We took a loop to find old ghost towns and remnants in the area plus other loops," shares Patti C., who discovered these trails using maps from the camp host at Bonaparte Lake Campground.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many cabins offer direct water access and views. At North Lake Roosevelt Resort, Rachel A. notes they have "any kind of site you might prefer (water view, tree view, sunny, shaded)," making it easy to find the perfect spot for your preferences.
Wildlife viewing: The remote setting provides opportunities to see native species. "I watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! Also saw deer in the driveway," reports John W. about his stay at Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House, adding that the night sky was exceptional with no light pollution.
Swimming areas: Most lakeside properties feature designated swim zones. Sun Cove Resort offers a water trampoline for children, while Hartman's Log Cabin Resort provides docks and swimming access. "The lake is clean and full of fish!! Bald eagles, Loons, turtles, even Moose & Bears!" writes Maurice G. about the Twin Lakes area.
Off-grid experience: Many cabins provide a true escape from technology. Craig S. mentions that at North Lake RV Park, "your cell coverage will be spotty here. (Bring a book)," which many visitors appreciate as a chance to disconnect.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular cabins book quickly, especially for summer months. "Snow Peak Cabin never disappoints so if you want to get a reservation, make sure you get on it early. Reservations are first-come-first-served at least 6 months out," advises Anna T.
Fishing licenses: Different water bodies require specific permits. For Twin Lakes, Maurice G. explains, "An Indian reservation fishing license is required here, but not a Washington State License. If you have a WA license, you still need the Reservation License."
Cabin conditions vary significantly: Age and maintenance differ between properties. At Hartman's Log Cabin Resort, "Some of their old log cabins are looking like very old log cabins. Wonderful if you don't care about level floors," notes Maurice G., who still rated his overall experience positively despite these quirks.
Limited accessibility: Most cabins aren't wheelchair-friendly. Lara O. reports about Rainbow Beach Resort: "Not really accessible. Can't get in main store/office. None of the cabins I saw would be accessible to a wheel chair. All roll in showers with no benches."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water activities: Properties with swimming areas and boat rentals provide entertainment for children. "This campground is absolutely worth paying for... They have boats for rent in this incredible saltwater lake and it's a wonderful place to bring kids. There is a water trampoline and a place to swim and paddle boat rentals," explains Paige P. about Sun Cove Resort.
Group sites available: Some campgrounds offer areas designed for multiple families. "Sites have a lot of room, table, fire pit, garbage can and easy walk to rest of campground," says Jayme B. about North Lake RV Park & Campground, noting they also have group camping available.
Pack for variable weather: Even summer nights can get cool at higher elevations. Many reviewers recommend bringing layers and appropriate sleeping gear regardless of season, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up options: Most cabin-focused resorts also offer RV sites with varying amenities. "We had no problem getting around in our 50 ft rig. We got 2 sites side by side for our camping partners. Nice grassy area for group activities," reports Mike K., who stayed at North Lake RV Park.
Site spacing concerns: Some resorts place RVs very close together. At Rainbow Beach Resort, Lara O. notes, "RV slots are so close together if you put out your awning you'll hit your neighbor. BUT the view can't be beat."
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin and RV sites have limited winter access or close entirely. For year-round options, consider Rainbow Beach Resort or North Lake RV Park, both of which maintain some level of operations during winter months.
