Camping cabins near Klickitat, Washington range from basic platform structures to fully equipped accommodations with modern amenities. The area sits at the transition zone between the wet western slopes and the drier eastern regions of the Cascade Range, creating diverse ecosystems within a small geographic area. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer days regularly reach into the 90s with minimal rainfall between July and September.
What to do
Explore ice caves nearby: Peterson Prairie Campground provides easy access to the Guler Ice Caves. As one visitor noted, "There are some really great hikes you can do nearby. We did the Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail. Both of these hikes were moderate/difficult... a little over 8 miles roundtrip."
Swim in Horsethief Lake: Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground offers swimming opportunities during warm months. "There's also a lake for swimming which is awesome because it gets super hot here in the summertime," reports one camper. Another mentions, "This is an absolutely gorgeous place on Horsethief Lake, there's really cool petroglyphs down the road as well and close lake access."
Observe wildlife: The area provides opportunities to view deer, elk and various bird species. At Elk Meadows RV Park, "Saw elk and heard elk bugling every morning in the meadow. Very quiet and relaxed," shares one visitor. The park also features "Gorgeous view of Mt Adams if you can get one of the premium sites."
What campers like
Clear night skies: The rural setting allows for exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city lights. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, "The evening I arrived was the night before a full moon, so the setting sun over the canyon and the waxing moon gave a lovely glow... At night it is incredibly dark. This was the best part! You can almost forget that there is an RV 5' away."
Water recreation options: Lost Lake Resort and Campground offers multiple water activities. A visitor reports, "Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals." The John Day River at Cottonwood Canyon State Park provides additional water recreation: "The gorgeous John Day River was perfect for fishing, swimming, floating."
Mountain views: Several cabins and campsites offer views of nearby peaks. One camper at The Klickitat Treehouse noted the "incredible view of Mt. Adams" while another mentioned that Elk Meadows RV Park has "Beautiful view of mountain and meadow!!!"
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience regular train traffic. At Cascade Locks KOA, "The freight train runs about every 30 minutes including overnight. The first time was a big surprise, but we got used to it." Another visitor mentioned, "If you're sensitive to noise or a light sleeper, it may be something to consider."
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin rentals have limited availability during winter months. "Peterson Prairie Campground offers rustic cabin rentals within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with availability from May through September." Similarly, Elk Meadows RV Park operates seasonally from "Apr 15 to Nov 15."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for various wildlife in and around cabins. One camper at Tree House Tranquil mentioned keeping dogs leashed due to wildlife, while others reported seeing deer regularly walking through campsites at Peterson Prairie Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites strategically: At Columbia Hills, "There appeared to be a few tent only sites that were on the grass - I would only stay here again if I could reserve one of those sites." Another camper advised that at Peterson Prairie Campground, "We booked a double site and we could have set up 6 tents!"
Consider amenities for comfort: Yurt at Rivendell Romance offers a compromise between camping and comfort. A visitor noted it was "Very nice and secluded," though they mentioned it was "not stocked with much of everyday things." Bring essentials like coffee and cooking supplies.
Pack for temperature variations: The region experiences significant day-to-night temperature swings. Even in summer, nights can be cool. One camper at Cottonwood Canyon advised, "We arrived at dusk, late in July, and as is typical for the region, it was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in."
Tips from RVers
Select proper sites for your vehicle: At Peterson Prairie, one RVer advised, "We stayed in site 7 with a 23 foot trailer. Although it was big enough, I would not recommend that spot for a trailer. There are many other spots in the campground that are better for trailers."
Prepare for variable conditions: High winds can affect some campgrounds in the gorge area. At Columbia Hills, "The unrelenting Gorge wind is something to be prepared for!" Another camper noted, "Winds hit 29 MPH at some points of our stay. Make sure you plan accordingly and have a tent that can withstand winds."
Check hookup availability: Not all campsites provide full hookups. At Columbia Hills, "Sites are back in and have well maintained level sites of crushed gravel. The first time I haven't had to level the trailer side to side. Water and Electrical hookups well maintained."
