Cabin camping near Morton, Washington offers woodland accommodations throughout the year at elevations ranging from 125 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal variations with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most cabin sites sit among Douglas fir and cedar forests with varying proximity to water features.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: Thousand Trails Paradise features two fishing ponds stocked regularly. "The staff were very accommodating when we wanted to stay an extra night last minute because we liked it so much! Only an hour from Mt. Rainier NP and the town near by has some solid shops," notes one visitor about the nearby Elkamp Eastcreek.
Swimming in multiple pools: Thousand Trails Paradise RV Campground maintains three swimming pools at different depths. "This campgrounds has an awesome swimming area with three pools, one 8ft deep, on 6ft, and one wading pool. Also has a large spa," a camper points out.
Explore lakeside trails: The trails around Mayfield Lake provide access to secluded beaches and river areas. "My partner cut herself and the owner brought out her first aid kit and cleaned and bandaged her wound," mentions a visitor about staff assistance at Eastcreek while exploring the trails.
Visit Mt. St. Helens: Seaquest State Park Campground serves as a convenient base for mountain exploration. "A short tunnel goes under the road for safe access to the visitor center," explains a camper about the park's easy access to Mt. St. Helens information.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Elkamp Eastcreek offers secluded spots among mature trees. "Nicely maintained property, with spacious sites, great restroom facility, acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing. Tom was gracious and welcoming host," a visitor shares about their cabin experience.
Lakefront access: Ike Kinswa State Park Campground features waterfront cabin sites. "This campground is on Mayfield Lake where the Cowlitz River flows into the lake... The campground is heavily wooded which is really nice for shade," notes a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Many cabin locations maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. "Bathrooms were clean and the hosts were sweet. My partner cut herself and the owner brought out her first aid kit and cleaned and bandaged her wound," reports a visitor about Eastcreek's attention to guest needs.
Water activities: Water access from multiple cabin locations allows for boating and swimming. "You can walk to little beaches, kayak off of them or go to the big swimming area/park which is lovely. Big protected swim area and there's even a protected kayaking area that goes up the river," a camper shares about Ike Kinswa State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. "We spent 1 night at Elkamp and were sad to have to move on so quickly. It would be a great base for exploring the south side of Mt. Rainier as it is within minutes of the Nisquilly entrance," one visitor explains about their brief stay.
Seasonal considerations: Mayfield Lake Park operates from April 15 to October 15, while other locations remain open year-round. "Can hear HWY 12 at night time. During the day there was heavy machinery running VERY close to the upper loop, maybe expect construction noise this summer?" warns a spring visitor.
Amenity variations: Cabin options range from rustic to fully equipped. "The campground has clean free showers, plenty of hot water and not more than a minute walk from our campsite," a visitor at Thousand Trails notes, while others mention paid shower facilities elsewhere.
Water levels: Lake access points change seasonally with water levels. "We went in the late summer so the river was extremely low making the walk to get the the water very long and a little precarious," cautions a visitor at Riffe Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Thousand Trails Chehalis offers multiple family activities. "Kids are helping review campgrounds we visited this summer. They loved that there was scavenger hunts for pigs in morning, tractor rides in afternoon, face painting, slushees, movie in lodge, crafts, slushees, a great store, basketball court, pools and overall, the experience was phenomenal!"
Protected swimming areas: Several lakefront locations feature designated kid-friendly swimming zones. "This park is huge! Lots of space to hand out and swim. There's always kids running around so it is great for young ones. Bathrooms were clean and big," notes a visitor to Riffe Lake Campground.
Junior Ranger programs: Seaquest State Park offers educational activities for children. "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park."
Cabin spacing considerations: Cabin proximity varies significantly between locations. "Our small family had such a great time at Eastcreek. The staff were attentive but not invasive. Someone came around and made sure we had enough firewood often," notes a family that appreciated the attentive service.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness challenges: Many locations require leveling equipment. "If you have auto levelers, you'll have an easier time but still rough. Sardine can narrow, narrow, narrow- you spot and the person next to you, you will be on top of one another," warns an RVer about Paradise RV Campground's layout.
Electrical variations: Power supply reliability differs between locations. "A number of the sites did not have power and were not marked as such. Additionally there is a water issue that asks you to boil water," cautions a visitor at Paradise RV Campground.
Space dimensions: Cabin site access varies in difficulty for larger vehicles. "It took a long time to get set up because of the ridiculously small amount of space I had to maneuver my 33ft RV and my 8ft extended cab truck," warns a visitor to Majestic Mobile Manor about space constraints.
