Cabin camping near Selah, Washington offers visitors lodging options at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,000 feet throughout the Yakima Valley and surrounding areas. Most cabin accommodations sit along rivers or near lakes, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F during July and August. Winter cabin rentals operate in temperatures averaging 25-40°F between November and February.
What to do
River activities at Ellensburg KOA: The Ellensburg KOA provides direct access to the Yakima River for fishing and rafting. "It is right on the river and there's a pool. Rafting and fishing the Yakima river are great reasons to stay here," notes reviewer Russ H. who rates the experience positively despite some highway noise.
Winter recreation from Rimrock Lake Resort: Rimrock Lake Resort serves as a base for snowshoeing during winter months. "We were headed to the Oregon coast from there. The parks, teepee and amenities seem nice. Right on the river was beautiful. The sunrise… incredible!" reports Jennifer H., who experienced unexpected snowfall during her stay.
Fishing on Bumping Lake: The lake extends five miles with multiple fishing access points. "We rented one to get a Geocache that was on an island on the lake," explains Becky R. about Bumping Lake Campground, where boat rentals facilitate fishing trips and geocaching adventures throughout the lake's extensive shoreline.
What campers like
Privacy at secluded sites: The Cottonwood Retreat delivers exceptional seclusion. "Perfect spot for privacy and a great night's sleep. Plenty of space... Woke up to a buck grazing 30 yards away," reports Prudence T., highlighting the quiet nature of this single-cabin property.
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Hause Creek Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms (pit toilets) were clean and the camp host was lovely! Nice recreation area nearby," notes reviewer Olivia, who appreciated both the clean facilities and the friendly staff managing the property.
Off-grid experience without crowds: Several cabin options offer unplugged settings without cellular service or WiFi. "We didn't want to be right on the water as our dogs would be in it 24/7. This site you could still see the water and hear it. We found many paths down to the water, even some places to soak if we wanted," explains Erica B. about her experience finding the right balance of water proximity at Hause Creek.
What you should know
Seasonal wind conditions affect comfort: Wind patterns impact camping comfort, particularly at waterfront properties. "Site 9 is huge with room for several tents and hammocks... 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," shares Stephanie S. about Hause Creek Campground, recommending appropriate tent selection for breezy conditions.
Reservation timing requirements: Many cabins require substantial advance booking during peak season (June-August). "We called about a week in advance and they got us a spot in their otherwise full campgrounds. Although we were next to the road (Hwy 12) we had a decent peekaboo view of the lake," reports Jerrell W. about securing a last-minute reservation at Rimrock Lake Resort.
Off-grid considerations: Cabins without utilities require additional preparation. "We suggest that you bring water bottles and snacks. There is a portapotty at your campsite," advises The Cottonwood Retreat, which operates without running water or electricity in its "Glabin" accommodation.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for hot weather relief: When temperatures climb above 90°F in summer, pools provide necessary cooling. "This site lies on the banks of the Yakima River. My dad was able to go fly fishing and my littles were able to search for rocks and fish in the shallow areas... they have a heated pool!" shares Mary C. about the Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning wildlife sightings occur frequently at lower-traffic properties. "Bumping Lake is a beautiful area of the Cascade Mountains and the campground itself is pretty large... Site 43, 44, and 45 are in a separate little loop in the Upper Campground right on the lake," advises Shay F., noting these specific sites offer optimal lake access.
Game facilities at family-friendly properties: On-site recreation supports family entertainment when weather prevents outdoor activities. "Great for kids, big playground and easy walk near lake," notes Brian P. about facilities at one property, while other reviews mention "Many games (giant chess, corn hole, etc.) sprinkled throughout the property."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for noise management: Highway proximity affects cabin and RV site quality. "Sites 9-12 are reservable, walk in and right against the river. The river was running high while we were there, so it drowned out most of the road noise," explains Stephanie S. about Thousand Trails Crescent Bar, where selecting river-adjacent sites minimizes highway noise.
Hookup variability between properties: Water and electrical connections vary widely between locations. "Single utility service serves two sites. The water spigot has a Y splitter to share a single water connection. Power has one 30 Amp and one 50 Amp socket. The first rig arriving gets to choose which one they want to use," details Cande D., explaining the importance of arrival timing at shared utility sites.
Weather preparation requirements: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "Always windy and temps drop at night even after warm days so dress accordingly," advises reviewer zannie P., highlighting the significant temperature drops that occur even during summer months at higher elevation properties.
