Cabin lodging options near Packwood, Washington range from rustic single-room structures to multi-room accommodations with varying amenities. Situated at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, cabins in this region experience typical Cascade mountain weather patterns with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Seasonal snowfall often limits access to some cabin rentals from November through April.
What to do
Fishing access: Bumping Lake Campground provides direct lake access for anglers. "The lake is five miles long with lots of camping spots along the lake," notes one visitor who rented a boat to "get a Geocache that was on an island on the lake."
Stargazing opportunities: Mounthaven Resort offers excellent evening sky viewing areas. "The meadow over the bridge is a hidden delight," shares one camper at Elkamp Eastcreek, while another mentions "evening star viewing" as a highlight of their stay.
Mountain biking trails: Several trails connect cabin areas to nearby recreation spots. "We rode our mountain bikes up to Packwood lake one morning, which is 10 miles round trip. It's a great biking trail, but can also be used as a hiking trail if you are looking for a longer day hike," reports a visitor to Packwood RV Park & Campground.
What campers like
Convenient location: Cabins situated close to national park entrances save driving time. "This is a great small campground for exploring Mt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park," writes a visitor to Mounthaven Resort.
Clean facilities: Many cabins have access to well-maintained bathrooms. "Elkamp was very clean with the nicest campground bathrooms we have ever experienced. The shower is coin-operated so bring quarters if you wish to use," advises one camper who spent a night at the facility.
Coffee service: Some cabin areas provide morning coffee options. "Brian is also the barista at the KampGrounds espresso wagon, and he makes a fabulous mocha," reports a visitor to Elkamp Eastcreek, highlighting amenities beyond standard cabin features.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, particularly at higher elevations. "Always windy and temps drop at night even after warm days so dress accordingly," cautions a reviewer at Bumping Lake Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access are restricted in many cabin areas. "There is no cable, internet or cell service. But it's absolutely a little piece of heaven," explains a camper at Rimrock Lake Resort, where cabins provide accommodations without modern connectivity.
Water access variations: Not all waterfront cabins offer the same access to shorelines. "Beach access can be found down a steep-ish hill, but with the river running high, only allowed for a few rocks to sit on. When the river is running lower it looks like it would have a nice beach area," reports a visitor to Hause Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Some cabin locations feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a large swimming area, hiking trails, playgrounds, boating, fishing just to name a few," mentions a reviewer at Ike Kinswa State Park Campground, noting the family-friendly amenities.
Biking opportunities: Several cabin areas offer safe biking paths for children. "Our kids love walking the trails and riding their bikes around the loops," shares a family visitor to Ike Kinswa State Park Campground.
Water activities: Swimming areas with designated safety features provide secure recreation spots. "Big protected swim area and there's even a protected kayaking area that goes up the river. We found a lovely beach up there to explore," explains a camper about Ike Kinswa's water recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many cabin and RV sites require careful positioning. "It would be tricky to get into a spot if you have slide outs," notes a visitor to Ike Kinswa State Park Campground about the heavily wooded setting.
Dump station availability: Limited waste disposal options exist at some locations. "What would improve Elkamp? It would be great to have a dump station. Sewer hookups would be even better," mentions a reviewer about infrastructure limitations.
Road conditions: Access roads to cabin areas vary significantly in quality. "The roads are either super muddy or super dusty. There isn't any gravel," reports a camper at Cascade Peaks Family Campground, highlighting potential challenges for vehicles accessing cabin areas.
