Cabins near Milton, Washington range from rustic structures to fully equipped accommodations with electricity and kitchen facilities. Most state parks in the area maintain cabins within wooded settings. Temperatures in this Puget Sound region average 45-75°F during camping season, with higher precipitation from October through April.
What to do
Hiking near riverside campsites: At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, visitors can access trails connecting to the river. "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," notes Ashlie M.
Water activities on American Lake: Military families can enjoy water recreation at Lewis North Travel Camp. The Northwest Adventure Center provides equipment for lake activities. Christine L. explains that the camp offers "excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly."
Wildlife viewing and photography: The area's lakes and forests provide habitat for regional wildlife. Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park offers bird watching opportunities with "a very pretty and clean lake," according to John G. The park includes "lots of walking trails and a lake. Many families and kids running free."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many cabin locations provide separation between sites. "The sites are large with lots of trees. One loop has electricity and the other does not," says Kelly P. about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river."
Lake access: Several cabin locations offer water access. Camp Lakeview provides "access to a lake, fishing is welcome, swimming allowed, great playground for kids, allows pets, has a small store in the office with some essentials if you forget something," according to Molly N. The campground includes "a small beach with a large dock available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Elkamp Eastcreek, campers enjoy "the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced," says Shannon H. Another visitor describes it as "well maintained campground, full hookups and tent sites available. Sites fairly large & private with tons of old trees and right next to a creek."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking, especially during summer months. Some parks have different seasonal availability. At Millersylvania State Park, Christina F. notes that "after months of trying to get reservations for this popular campground, we finally got one for Thanksgiving weekend! The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open."
Campground patrols: Some parks maintain strict quiet hours and rule enforcement. At Kanaskat-Palmer, "this campground is heavily patrolled by the park rangers. I usually have contact with them in my campsite at least twice a day. I have been asked by the park rangers at 10:01 p.m. to be quiet."
Facility limitations: Cabin visitors should verify amenities before arrival. At Camp Lakeview, "the dump site is out of commission but was told I could empty tanks at one of the full hookup sites, roads coming in are narrow," reports Curtis B. Some campgrounds have limited cell service, as Millersylvania offers "no cell service" according to one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations provide play areas. Fay Bainbridge Park offers "a pirate ship playground for children," says Judy J. Camp Lakeview features "a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court," making it ideal for family activities.
Swimming options: Lakes near cabin sites provide swimming opportunities. Millersylvania State Park includes "a nice shallow area and two large swimming areas as well as a fishing dock. The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," reports Ellen T.
Natural exploration: Family-friendly cabin sites allow children to explore natural areas. At Kanaskat-Palmer, Julie M. appreciated "each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV cabins vary in size and accessibility. At Belfair State Park, "we camped here in a early September last year. We enjoyed being so close to the water for swimming and floating. It's also just a short drive into town to get supplies," says Becky R. The park offers a "beach loop for RVs and a woods loop for tents & smaller RVs."
Hookup availability: RV cabin sites typically provide electric connections, but other hookups vary. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers "30amp hookup" sites with "water and electric hookup, picnic table, fire pit at each site." One visitor advised to "bring your water" at Millersylvania since some locations offer electric-only connections.
Leveling considerations: Some cabin sites with RV access require additional equipment. At Kanaskat-Palmer, Cody F. mentioned, "We went here in October and dry camped with our 30' Motorhome. I only took away a star because it was advertised as ok for a Motorhome but the gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground."
