Cabin camping near Elma, Washington offers year-round options in the densely forested Chehalis River Valley. Located at approximately 200 feet elevation, the area experiences mild winters with frequent rainfall and summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F. Most cabin accommodations are situated within established state parks or private campgrounds where advance reservations are essential during peak summer months.
What to do
Beach exploration: 45 minutes away at Grayland Beach State Park, where "the dunes between the campground and the beach make for a nice walk and an awesome place to explore and for kids to play." The park offers "easy access to the beach to put your feet in the ocean" with "areas for outdoor games in the summer."
Freshwater activities: 30 minutes from Elma at Millersylvania State Park on Deep Lake. A camper noted "lots of walking trails and a lake" with "many families and kids running free." Rental options include "paddle boating, dipping toes into the water, and purchasing snacks at the small store."
Hiking trails: Minutes from cabin sites at Schafer State Park, featuring "a figure eight hiking loop that offers some really great variation in terrain and vegetation without being too long" according to one visitor, who added "there was a really cool section along the back side that was like walking through a forest tunnel."
What campers like
River proximity: At Schafer State Park, "The campground is located along side the Satsop river. The campsites are nice and the fishing is even better." Another visitor mentioned "the river is really good for splashing and wading, but a little too shallow for swimming and floating. There are some great rock beaches that you can set up chairs and hang for the day."
Family gatherings: The spacious layout at Camp Thunderbird makes it "great for large groups" with "tent sites, adirondacks, and cabins" available. One visitor noted "there is a great big field and lots of trails" making it ideal for family reunions or multi-family trips.
Privacy levels: At American Heritage Campground, "the lots are well plotted with space and privacy." Another camper appreciated that "the heavily wooded individual sites" provide seclusion, describing it as "not new and fancy but quaint and classic."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Belfair State Park offers year-round cabin access but "often our first or last trip of the year, due to its proximity to the greater Seattle area." A visitor noted that during winter "the park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full."
Facility differences: Cabin quality varies significantly between locations. At Pacific Beach State Park, "there are not many sites to the campground, so reserve several months in advance to get a good spot." Amenities are "very basic campsites, geared more for RV camping" with limited hookups.
Price considerations: Campground costs range widely based on amenities. A camper at Millersylvania State Park called it "a bit pricey ($37 peak season) but very convenient if you're in Olympia and need a campsite late/on the fly. Clean bathrooms, water, and a (very cold) shower!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: American Heritage Campground features "an old school playground which we love" along with "friendly owners who also staff it." The campground has been "in the family for over 40 years" and offers a safe environment for children.
Beachcombing opportunities: At Twin Harbors State Park, "the well maintained trails and the gorgeous empty long stretch of beach made up for all the chaos at the campground. Wake up early and you'll have the beach all to yourself!" Many families enjoy collecting shells and watching for wildlife.
Swimming options: While Schafer State Park has river access, Millersylvania State Park offers lake swimming with "a very pretty and clean lake." A visitor mentioned "the water is rather warm for in the sound, it's also pretty shallow which is great for the kids to play in."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Pacific Beach State Park, "electrical hookups only but dump site available. It's right off the beach with a little shop in walking distance." For those with pets, "most campers leave dogs off leash on the beach" though rules vary by location.
Utility considerations: Reviewers caution about electrical systems at some campgrounds. At Schafer State Park, a camper noted that "some sites are way too small for a tent and some are huge and can easily fit 3 tents" with inconsistent access to hookups.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance planning, especially for cabins. For Pacific Beach State Park, "summer books up quickly, need to secure 9 months in advance" with limited cell service and spotty WiFi once you arrive.
