Best Cabin Camping near Federal Way, WA

Several state parks and private resorts around Federal Way, Washington include cozy cabins with varying amenities and comfort levels. Dosewallips State Park Campground offers family-friendly cabins equipped with bunk beds, futons, tables, and heaters, making them suitable for year-round use. Lewis North Travel Camp at Joint Base Lewis McChord provides cabin accommodations exclusively for military personnel, with heated restrooms and a limit of two dogs per reservation. Belfair State Park features cabins in wooded settings with clean, well-maintained facilities. "The cabins are heated and have bunk beds, which makes for a cozy retreat into nature in the winter," notes one Flowing Lake Park visitor.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Most state park cabins require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when availability becomes limited. Pet-friendly options exist at several locations, including Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base, which one visitor described as "excellent for those with military access to the base" with "beautiful views of American Lake." Tall Chief Campground in Fall City offers cabin rentals in a quiet, wooded setting approximately 45 minutes from Federal Way. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park provides a forest cabin experience with electric hookups and heated bathrooms, though water must be brought to the site. Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island features cabins with water and electric hookups in a waterfront setting.

Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering only outdoor fire rings and picnic tables while others include indoor cooking amenities. Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation provides unique shipping container cabin conversions with heating systems that work well during colder months. Lake Sawyer Resort in Black Diamond stocks basic provisions at its market, though prices are typically higher than at grocery stores in surrounding communities. Firewood can be purchased at most cabin locations, either from camp hosts or on-site stores. Visitors planning winter cabin stays should verify heating systems and bring appropriate cold-weather gear, as Washington's forest cabins provide an excellent opportunity for year-round outdoor experiences.

Best Cabin Sites Near Federal Way, Washington (49)

    1. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Ravensdale, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "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."

    "It's close proximity to our house allows us to hook up the trailer after work and include a Friday night in our camping weekend!"

    2. Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base

    7 Reviews
    Spanaway, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 982-5488

    "Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly."

    "It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations. Long term max is 28 days per spot."

    3. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 967-7744

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."

    "Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."

    4. Lake Sawyer Resort

    4 Reviews
    Black Diamond, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 886-2244

    "If you can look past the rundown bathrooms and strict rules about dogs and everything else you’re doing then you can appreciate the beauty of Lake Sawyer every morning."

    5. Belfair State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Belfair, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 275-0668

    $12 - $50 / night

    "It rained a couple of nights but being surrounded by huge trees made it really cozy. Nice walking trails that follow creeks and go right along the sound."

    "Friendly staff, clean sites and facilities, coin operated showers. This campground is located right on the hood canal which is filled with oysters beds. Many people were harvesting the delicacy."

    6. Fay Bainbridge Park

    22 Reviews
    Bainbridge Island, WA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 842-3931

    $7 - $95 / night

    "The spaces are packed in fairly tight with no dividing barriers of trees."

    "The location was ideal for me as a stop off before the Olympics. I was able to load up on supplies and ready my gear. My tent campsite was generously sized, had a picnic table and a fire ring."

    7. Dosewallips State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Brinnon, WA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 796-4415

    $12 - $50 / night

    "The campground has cabins, rustic shelters, and tent and rv site. The cabins are great for families and have a bunk bed and futon set up with a table set and even heaters."

    "This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods."

    9. Tall Chief Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fall City, WA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Lots of trees in our section separating us but in other sections your really close to each other. It is first come first serve and lucky us we got 50 amp."

    "We really enjoyed our stay here it was very quiet and peaceful sites were long and roomy with a fire ring and picnic table. Good cell service with AT&T and Sprint."

    10. Grove Getaways

    1 Review
    South Prairie, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    $40 - $60 / night

    "However, the celestial yurt had electricity and a little fan that kept it cool even on the hottest week of the summer. Hot tub is wonderful but is clothing optional, so maybe not great for families."

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Cabin Reviews near Federal Way, WA

356 Reviews of 49 Federal Way Campgrounds


  • Marisa N.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Flowing Lake Park & Campground

    The cabins are a lot of fun!

    We typically visit the cabins here in the winter, so we don’t usually partake in the summer activities of swimming, boating, etc., but we do love coming here in the winter. The cabins are heated and have bunk beds, which makes for a cozy retreat into nature in the winter. The only reason that this spot did not get full stars is because the park has had transients hiking through the trails (which made for a scary 2 a.m. bathroom break).

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2021

    Belfair State Park Campground

    On the shores of Hood Canal

    This campground is located on the northern side of Hood Canal and offers some great views of the water. About half the sites are in the woods, although they are all pretty close together. Some of the larger sites, including the RV sites, are right next to the beach, and you can set up chairs and have a beautiful view. These sites have little, if any, vegetation to provide privacy. A mid-week visit in early May found lots of sites open. The grounds and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. There is a lot of open lawn, especially in the day use area, which would be great in the busy summer months. You need a Discover Pass for day use. These are required at pretty much all county and state campgrounds in Washington State. Right now they cost $30 per year. There is one Washington Water Trails site available for people arriving by human-powered boats (kayaks). It's first-come, first-served, with a picnic table and fire ring.

  • E
    Jan. 1, 2022

    Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    Great Military only campground for a New Year's eve trip

    Great campground that serves military exclusively. We made a next day reservation due to the weather and just wanted a night away. Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of. Only some of the sites have fire rings (so make sure to ask when making your reservation). The Northwest Adventure Center had propane, a dump station, firewood and tons of others things you can buy to make the outdoors more fun. Super quiet area. Only 2 dogs allowed per reservation. No camp-wide wifi but we didn't care about that. Great AT&T cell service. You can hear the nearby trains passing by but we were used to that already so it didn't bother us. Camp Host was amazing and able to answer our questions. Definitely will visit again.

  • Missy C.
    Nov. 15, 2022

    Tall Chief Campground

    Nice, quiet and woodsy

    We are here in November for a week. We really love it here. The staff are friendly and helpful. Lots of trees in our section separating us but in other sections your really close to each other. It is first come first serve and lucky us we got 50 amp. I would scout the map and be first for checkin just in case someone left that day because their are only a few 50 amp. Hopefully you aren’t spending too much inside to matter but we have a washer dryer and a residential fridge and a small fridge. Looks like newer picnic tables and they also provide fire rings. You are about 20 minutes from downtown Redmond. We will definitely stay here again. I bet summer is really busy because it’s a great area. Also not far from Snoqualmie falls and lots of hiking available. Really nice laundry room and play area for kids. I wish they had a fenced off leash area for dogs but they do have 3 different potty areas for them.

  • 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!

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    Great Shrimping take off point

    We usually stay here during our annual shrimping trips. The site is in a valley so when heavy rainfall happens you will get muddy, swampy sites. During sunshine, the place is great.

    The campground has cabins, rustic shelters, and tent and rv site. The cabins are great for families and have a bunk bed and futon set up with a table set and even heaters.

    Bathrooms and showers on site, though showers will cost you. Sites are pretty open, though there are a few that are a bit hidden. Lots of areas to hike and explore, even a hidden waterfall a short drive away.

    Great for shrimping, clamming and oyster hunting.

  • Mercedes D.
    Sep. 27, 2017

    Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    cute woodsy getaway super close to the city!

    told macdonald is super cute park and campground! they offer the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions for those who want more of a "GLAMping" outdoor experience. the campground, park and trails are very well maintained and they even provide you with garden carts to help you get your stuff across the bridge. great spot for steelhead + salmon fishing. we've fished steelhead and pinks out of the snoqualmie river in the past. it's located right smack in the middle of carnation so on a nice sunny day you could walk out of the park to get pizza, ice cream or even mexican food. the suspension bridge is pretty cool, but hold onto your phones tight because it could slip through the holes into the river below. i would rate this place as 4-5 star park / 3-4 star camping since it's not even close to roughing it. those bucolic woods are our backyard.

  • Mary C.
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Millersylvania State Park Campground

    Go here!!!

    They have glamping! Or as the campground calls it: pampered camping. This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  Super easy to get our trailer in and out of the spaces and there was lots of extra parking for our larger group.  A quick walk around the grounds offered a nice hike and showed us some pretty awesome sites Id like to stay at in the future.  They are on a progressive price, meaning depending on the site is what your price will be.

    The canvas tent option was one I didn’t know about until I got there.  The tents are cabin shaped and have a few chairs and BBQ grill outside it.  Great option for families.

    The park also offers a cottage right next to the lake.  This is a nice alternative to traditional camping.  One thing that was great about the park was the various kitchens around the grounds.  This offers a great way for larger groups to have a set space for meals.

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 3, 2022

    Dosewallips State Park Campground

    Gorgeous location

    This campground is right next to a state park. It’s also very close to a river and lots of woods. We stayed here to see Olympic national park, (I wouldn’t recommend this location to travel to Olympic every day, it was very far.)

    The amenities were nice, bathrooms with warm water (one shower per bathroom.)

    No laundry, no Wi-Fi and both Verizon and AT&T worked with about one bar.

    The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host.

    The best part about this day was the surrounding area. Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles.


Guide to Federal Way

Cabin camping near Federal Way, Washington offers access to both freshwater and saltwater environments with numerous camping options within a 1-hour radius. The region features multiple state parks along Hood Canal and Puget Sound where cabin campers can experience temperate rainforest conditions. Winter cabin camping is viable with temperatures typically ranging from 35-45°F, making this a year-round destination.

What to do

River activities at Kanaskat-Palmer: Located 45 minutes from Federal Way, this park offers excellent river access. "Short hike to river spots that are perfect for wading or fishing. 10 minute drive from Deep Lake which is beautiful and great for swimming and paddle boarding," writes Ashlie M. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.

Clamming and oyster hunting: Dosewallips State Park provides access to shellfish gathering areas. "There's so many activities to do; clamming, shrimping, hiking, hunting for oysters, and there's even places to rent kayaks. No shortage of bald eagles here either," notes Shariah T. about Dosewallips State Park Campground.

Beach exploration: Fay Bainbridge Park offers beachfront cabins with access to water activities. "Beautiful beach, great views of Mt. Rainier & Baker on a clear day, cruise ships going by, pirate ship playground for children," writes Judy J., highlighting activities at this waterfront location.

What campers like

Private wooded settings: Many cabins near Federal Way are surrounded by forest. "The sites are large and pretty private. We have stayed in site 42 which is a back in spot with fire pit and table above the back of the pad," shares Shay F. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.

Wildlife viewing: Some cabins offer direct access to wildlife observation areas. "Every night, my husband and I would walk to the wildlife viewing platform to see lots of birds, or walk down by the river and see lots of elk and bald eagles," writes Amy & Stu B. describing their cabin stay at Dosewallips State Park.

Winter comfort: Cabins make cooler months comfortable for camping. "The sites are level, spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option. Firewood could be purchased through the camp host," notes Amy & Stu B. about their experience at Dosewallips, where cabins remain comfortable even during colder months.

What you should know

Advance reservations essential: Most cabin locations require booking well ahead. "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September. Note that you can check availability online on the day of, but you cannot make same day reservations online," cautions Laura M. about visiting Belfair State Park Campground.

Military-only options: Some excellent cabin options are restricted to military personnel. "Great for those with base access. The tent camp sites were private enough and the laundry and running water/showers were a huge plus!" notes Ashley H. about Lewis North Travel Camp at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

Varying levels of privacy: Cabin sites range from secluded to more communal. "Sites are a bit close, but the campground loop makes it feel spacious. Clean showers. There is no wifi unless you're at the camp office," explains Paul B. regarding Holiday Park Military at Lewis McChord Base.

Tips for camping with families

Look for playgrounds: Some cabin areas offer child-specific amenities. "Great kids area pirate ship. Great beach walk and good camp sites. Be prepared for showers to be closed but the restrooms were open," recommends Tanya B. about Fay Bainbridge Park.

Consider bathroom proximity: Cabin locations vary in bathroom access. "Quaint park. The tent spots are clustered together in 2 areas with a shared covered pavilion. Unfortunately the showers were closed, likely due to Covid," notes Sable about facilities at Fay Bainbridge Park.

Plan for river safety: Parks with river access require supervision. "The riverfront accessed from the campground tends to be a bit too raging for my taste with children. We usually take the kids to the lake at Nolte state park (approx. 3 miles away) for water play," advises Kelly P. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.

Tips from RVers

Camp host availability: Many cabin areas have on-site hosts for assistance. "Park hosts sell firewood, sites are level and fairly decently divided from your neighbor. There are many pull through sites," notes Laura M. about Tall Chief Campground in Fall City.

Site selection strategies: Choose cabin sites carefully for the best experience. "Do not choose a site by the cabins or field, you will be disappointed. Choose a large site by the river!" advises Michele K. about cabin camping at Dosewallips State Park.

Cell reception considerations: Coverage varies significantly between cabin locations. "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!" explains Brodie D. about connectivity at Tall Chief Campground, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Federal Way, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Federal Way, WA is Kanaskat-Palmer State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Federal Way, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 49 cabin camping locations near Federal Way, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.