Cabins near Odessa, Washington are typically located along Banks Lake and Potholes Reservoir in the Columbia Basin region. Summer temperatures in this area regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, with winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. The volcanic coulee formations and shrub-steppe landscape create a desert-like camping environment where shade is limited but water recreation abounds.
What to do
Fishing from shore or dock: At Mardon Resort, anglers can access the water without a boat. "Camp on the water on the beach or up higher. Tucked in right on Moses Lake. Good fishing & a beach with sand. Fully stocked store and friendly staff. I love it here because it's quiet, fishing dock, and... you can rent golf carts for driving on the beach & campground," notes Shawn A.
Hiking to panoramic views: The Steamboat Rock trail at Dune Loop Campground offers significant elevation gain with rewarding vistas. "Steamboat Rock Trail will take you to amazing 360° views of Banks Lake. Watch for snakes during the summer though," advises Carlos M. The first third of the hike features steep sections with loose rock before leveling out.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to see native fauna at Bay Loop Campground. "We spent Thanksgiving weekend camping this year. The campground was partially open but very empty. The bathroom was open and warm, which was lovely. We hung out, hiked, fished, and enjoyed the deer, pheasant and wild turkeys wandering the grounds," shares Shay F.
What campers like
Temperature-controlled cabin options: When temperatures soar, cabins provide relief from the heat. "We tent camped at the campground here a few times. The swimming area is a short walk away. There's also a second swimming area and a playground within the park that is a quick drive. There is an on-site store and snack shack. We love this place. The kids have a blast," explains Ashlie M. at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Renovated accommodations: Some properties have updated their cabin facilities. "We stayed in newly renovated cabin. Very clean with new management upgraded everything they can think of. Cabin has all the amenities including full kitchen. The location is awesome, quiet and peaceful for a relaxing vacation," reports Krishna Kishore R. about the accommodations at Blue Lake Resort.
Well-maintained campgrounds: Seasonal care keeps facilities in good condition. "The grounds were well maintained, and bathrooms were clean. There was a good amount of space between sites, which was great. Most spots were very nice, and many were right next to the water," reports Lisa B. about her stay at Dune Loop Campground during shoulder season.
What you should know
Primitive cabin options: Some cabins lack amenities found at hotels. "Primitive campsite with loads of space. Stopped for a night here. Good spot," notes Chris S. about Crab Creek at Rocky Ford, a BLM site with basic accommodations.
Security considerations: Gated accommodations provide additional peace of mind. "A hidden gem near moses lake, wa. Easy to find from I-90. Very friendly staff. Good lake for fishing trout. Definitely will go back. The gated entry provided extra sense of security and it was a very relaxing stay," mentions Steve B. about Warden Lake RV Resort.
Shoulder season advantages: Fall and spring visits offer different experiences. "We have started camping here in September instead of August like we used to because we've discovered the weather is much more pleasant and it is a lot less busy. The summer can be hot. We make sure to book a spot with shade," advises Christi R. at Dune Loop Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Locations with designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation. "A beautiful oasis in the middle of a dry area of the state. Located near / within Dry Falls and Sun Lakes State Park this camping resort has it all. A beautiful golf course, a great mini golf course, pool, water wars, grocery, awesome super cute gift shop, office, delicious snack/dinner/restaurant/ice cream/espresso treat stand, peddle boats, row boats, beach, lake swimming," explains Jennifer H. about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Rental equipment: On-site rentals reduce packing requirements. "This campground is the best! Boat rentals, good fishing and fun things to do. Not super expensive compared to others. It does get windy so make sure you have a good tent in wind," advises Nicole B. about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Playground access: Activity areas help keep children entertained. "There's great fishing if you have a boat, but with no easily accessible shore, it's not great for shore fishing. The shore is mud so swimming also isn't ideal either. There is a good playground for kids and a short walking trail," explains Stephanie S. about Potholes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer complete utility connections. "Very well maintained (but $) state park. The sites were all very generous in size and spaced a decent distance apart. The drives are paved and can accommodate large RVs. Each site has a large metal picnic table and fire grate," notes Lee D. about Bay Loop Campground.
Wind protection considerations: The region experiences significant wind events. "We loved this campground. The grounds were well maintained, and bathrooms were clean. There was a good amount of space between sites, which was great. Most spots were very nice, and many were right next to the water," explains Lisa B. about her experience at Dune Loop Campground.
Seasonal variations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort significantly. "I can't recommend this spot for the following reasons: The site was backed up against the highway and was not only was it so loud we couldn't sleep—it literally shook the rig despite stabilizers. If we'd been further into the park, it still would have been uncomfortably loud," warns Amy & Stu B. about their experience at Pier 4 RV Resort.
