Cabin camping near Enumclaw, Washington offers access to forested settings within an hour's drive of Seattle. Located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area sits at elevations between 700-1,000 feet, creating mild summer temperatures that typically range from 70-85°F during peak season. Winter cabin rentals face occasional snow, with temperatures dropping to the 30s between November and February.
What to do
River access for families: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park cabins provide direct access to the Green River where visitors can wade in eddy pools. "Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools at the public river take-out," notes Julie M. from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Nearby lake swimming: Campers staying in the Enumclaw area can access multiple lakes within a 15-minute drive. "10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding," shares Ashlie M. about her cabin stay near Enumclaw.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple sites offer fishing access from cabin locations. "Lots of great fishing spots," reports Cody F. who stayed at Kanaskat-Palmer with a 30' motorhome. The surrounding lakes and rivers provide seasonal trout, bass, and salmon fishing opportunities from spring through fall.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many cabin locations near Enumclaw feature natural separation between sites. "The sites are large with lots of trees. One loop has electricity and the other does not," explains Kelly P. about Elkamp Eastcreek, where tent sites and cabins provide a "lovely, clean campground."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms at cabin sites. "It has 6 very clean individual bathrooms with a shower in each," notes a visitor to Kanaskat-Palmer. Another camper at Elkamp Eastcreek states, "Elkamp was very clean with the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite full occupancy, several cabin areas maintain peaceful environments. "We were surprised at how quiet the place was despite being completely full," reports Laura M. about her stay. This sentiment appears across multiple cabin locations in the area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer bookings for cabins require advance planning. "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September," notes a camper at Camp Lakeview, highlighting how even shoulder season weekends fill quickly.
Weather considerations: Many yurt and cabin options have seasonal limitations. "The yurt was lovely but it's definitely meant for the cooler months," explains a visitor to Grove Getaways about their celestial yurt. Summer cabin visitors should check for cooling options.
Ranger presence: State park cabins have regular ranger patrols. "The campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day," reports a Kanaskat-Palmer visitor, noting this helps maintain safety but strict quiet hours are enforced.
Varying pet policies: While many cabin sites allow pets, rules differ. Some require additional fees or restrict pets from certain cabin types. Check specific cabin policies before bringing animals.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with younger children benefit from cabin sites with play structures. "There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day," notes Julia B. about her family's experience at Camp Lakeview Resort.
Trail difficulty levels: When choosing cabins for family hiking, consider trail maintenance. "Some portions of the trails closer to the river were slightly overgrown with a few obstacles, which could be problematic for some," mentions Jay F. about trails at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Watch for plants: Parents should be aware of local vegetation hazards. "Watch out for stinging nettles on the paths to the river if wearing shorts. Very painful," warns Jeff O. from his state park cabin experience.
Tips from RVers
Power considerations: RVers using cabin areas with limited electrical service should note capacity constraints. "We ended up here during a heat wave and an entire section of the park blew after having several days of power issues," reports a camper at Tall Chief Campground, where most sites offer only 30-amp service.
Alternative shower options: Some RVers recommend using campground showers instead of onboard facilities. "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean," notes an RVer, helping conserve tank capacity during longer stays.
Cell service variability: Coverage varies significantly across cabin areas. "Try to find a site with good cell reception due to all the trees. I'm getting 120+ mbs download on AT&T in my site right now, but several sites down from me, it can dwindle down to 5mbs," advises Brodie D. about his experience at Tall Chief.
