Cabin accommodations near Olalla, Washington range from rustic structures to deluxe units with heating systems. Situated in the Puget Sound region, Olalla experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers with average temperatures between 45-75°F depending on season. Most cabin rentals require advance booking through Washington State Parks reservation system or private campground websites.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing at Dosewallips State Park: Located on the Hood Canal, visitors can spot elk herds that frequently move through the campground. "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," notes one camper at Dosewallips State Park.
Beach activities at Fay Bainbridge Park: This shoreline park offers excellent beach access for swimming and exploring. "Great campground right on the beach. Clean facilities," reports a visitor. The location provides views of both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker on clear days, with opportunities to watch passing cruise ships.
Water recreation at Millersylvania State Park: The park features Deep Lake with multiple swimming areas and rental options. "There's a beer garden at the lake, clean bathrooms," says one camper at Millersylvania State Park. The park also offers paddle boating rentals and fishing from designated docks.
What Campers Like
Wooded privacy at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park: The cabin sites offer seclusion among trees. "Sites and roads are paved. Hook ups are electric only, bring your water," mentions a camper at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. The park features clean, heated bathrooms and large campsites with good separation between neighbors.
Waterfront access at Belfair State Park: Many visitors appreciate the proximity to Hood Canal. A camper notes, "We enjoyed being so close to the water for swimming and floating. It's also just a short drive into town to get supplies." The water at Belfair is relatively warm and shallow, making it suitable for children.
Organized activities for families at Tall Chief Campground: The facilities include recreational options for all ages. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great. Laundry facilities came in handy," shares a visitor at Tall Chief Campground. The campground offers spacious sites with sufficient room for multiple vehicles.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "The beach loop fills up quickly - get your reservations in as early as possible if you want to camp there," advises a visitor at Belfair State Park.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Some cabins offer basic shelter while others include more comforts. A visitor to Lewis North Travel Camp notes, "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)."
Military facility restrictions: Both Holiday Park and Lewis North Travel Camp on Joint Base Lewis McChord limit access to military ID holders. "To a military ID card holder, you won't find a better deal. Full hookups, sites are a bit close, but the campground loop makes it feel spacious," explains a visitor.
Shower facilities: Most campgrounds offer shower facilities, though quality varies. At Millersylvania State Park, "Shower requires tokens but shortens the shower time if you have to wait." Some campgrounds have individual bathroom/shower combinations while others maintain central facilities.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for dedicated play areas: Parks with playground equipment keep children entertained. At Fay Bainbridge Park, families appreciate the "pirate ship playground for children" and volleyball courts near the beach area.
Consider lake-based parks for safer swimming: Millersylvania State Park offers controlled swimming areas ideal for younger children. "The lake is small and great for letting kids go out in kayaks or other boats," mentions a visitor at Millersylvania State Park.
Select cabins near amenities: Families benefit from proximity to bathrooms and activity areas. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, visitors find "a playground and a couple large open fields for kids to play. Also really close to the water which is cool."
Tips from RVers
Limited sewer connections: Many parks offer water and electric but not sewer hookups. A camper at Tall Chief notes, "No sewer connections which can be a bummer, but the nice bathrooms make up for it." Plan for regular use of dump stations or portable waste tanks.
Site spacing varies substantially: Some parks place RV sites close together while others offer more separation. At Kitsap Memorial State Park, "The spots with hookups are REALLY close together though. This was our first time in a hookup spot so we were a bit surprised how close we were to our neighbors."
Consider cellular coverage needs: Tree cover affects signal strength at many parks. "The sites were level spacious and had a fire ring and picnic table at each. We chose the full hookup option," reports a visitor about Dosewallips State Park, noting variable cell service in the area.
