Camping cabins near Orient, Washington provide access to Roosevelt Lake and other waterways within the Colville National Forest. Located in northeast Washington at approximately 2,100 feet elevation, the area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings and cold winter conditions when many seasonal facilities close. Cabins range from basic rustic structures requiring guests to bring most supplies to more equipped options with kitchenettes and indoor plumbing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Both Twin Lakes and Roosevelt Lake offer productive fishing grounds. "This is a great spot to rent a cabin. There's great fishing as long as a license is bought online from the Colville Tribe," notes a Rainbow Beach Resort visitor.
Water recreation: Bonaparte Lake Campground provides swimming areas and boat access. "The campground is sited on Bonaparte Lake's southern end. It is stocked with fish and there are loons present... There is a dock where you can fish plus a boat launch. A swimming area is also available," explains one camper.
Mountain exploration: Nearby trails offer hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor at Bonaparte Lake Campground shared, "We took a loop to find old ghost towns and remnants in the area plus other loops... It would make a beautiful trip in the early fall."
Outdoor activities: Seasonal outdoor pursuits vary from swimming to snowsports. "Ski touring into the Snow Peak Cabin in the winter/spring has become an annual tradition for me and my friends... There's also some good skiing near the cabin and at Sherman Pass proper near where you park," reports a winter visitor.
What campers like
Lake views: Many cabins offer direct waterfront access or short walks to shores. "Some sites have lake frontage and are deep sites. One couple across from us had a hammock between 2 trees with a great lake view," noted a visitor at Bonaparte Lake.
Wildlife encounters: Iron Mountain Ranch Screen House provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "I had a great campfire and watched a mama bear and her cub on the hill beyond the cabin! Also saw deer in the driveway and the night sky was awesome with NO lights in any direction except the stars!" reports one guest.
On-site amenities: Beaver Lodge Resort offers access to trails and waterways. "Perfect lake to swim in that is connected to a larger ski lake with a channel so there is not heavy boat traffic on the ski lake," mentions one regular visitor. Another camper shares, "There is a little trading post that you can have dinner or buy small things. No service but well needed to get away and enjoy the outdoors."
Year-round options: Some cabins cater to specific seasonal needs. A Snow Peak Cabin visitor noted, "The cabin is cozy and well stocked with cots, chairs, pots and pans, firewood, and solar lights! All you really need to pack in besides the basic necessities are your sleeping bag, ski apres, and a good water filter."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular cabins book quickly during peak seasons. "I stayed here 2 years ago and got a reservation less than a month before we left. This year, 2021, I can't even book a site for the summer right now! I love that people have discovered this hidden gem but I am bummed I can't go back this year," shares a Bonaparte Lake Campground visitor.
Rustic conditions: Cabin quality varies significantly between properties. A visitor at Hartman's Log Cabin Resort noted, "Some of their old log cabins are looking like very old log cabins. Wonderful if you don't care about level floors. They also have a multi-room motel if you want that instead."
Utility hookups: Check whether cabins provide electricity, water, or heat. "This place has whatever you are looking for in a campground. RV sites with full hookups for water/electric/sewer, there are outdoor or private indoor showers, it's ADA accessible," reports a visitor at Dreamswept Farm Resort.
Cell service limitations: Many cabins have limited or no connectivity. A North Lake RV Park & Campground visitor advises, "Heads up, your cell coverage will be spotty here. (Bring a book)."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: North Lake RV Park & Campground offers water access for children. "We had no problem getting around in our 50 ft rig. We got 2 sites side by side for our camping partners. Nice grassy area for group activities," explains one visitor who traveled with companions.
Space considerations: Look for cabins with sufficient gathering areas. "The sites are quite large and can definitely hold a large party. You can access the lake from most of the sites but there is also a dock there for fishing," notes a Bonaparte Lake Campground visitor.
Insect awareness: Be prepared for seasonal bugs. A North Lake visitor cautions, "Be aware of bees during the day and mosquitoes at night."
Family traditions: Many families return to the same cabins annually. "My family goes here every year during Labor Day weekend. I have so many fond memories here," shares a Beaver Lodge Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At some locations, utility connections require planning. "The hookups were not in good spots. The electric was at the front and shared, only one 30 and one 50, and the water/sewer was at the back end. We needed a 50' hose to reach and the electric was tight. Everyone had the same complaint," notes a visitor at Beaver Lodge Resort.
Site spacing: Some locations have tighter arrangements than others. "RV slots are so close together if you put out your awning you'll hit your neighbor. BUT the view can't be beat," mentions a Rainbow Beach Resort visitor.
On-site supplies: Many locations offer basic provisions. "This place has showers and bathrooms which were great after a day floating on the river which is just a short drive away," notes a North Lake RV Park & Campground visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Not all facilities accommodate mobility issues. A Rainbow Beach Resort visitor cautions, "Not really accessible. Can't get in main store/office. None of the cabins I saw would be accessible to a wheel chair. All roll in showers with no benches."
