Cabins near Spanaway, Washington offer camping options for both military personnel and civilians. The area sits at approximately 540 feet elevation and experiences mild summers with temperatures averaging 75°F from June through September. Winter cabin rentals remain available at several locations with temperatures typically ranging from 35-45°F during December through February.
What to do
Water activities at Deep Lake: Millersylvania State Park Campground provides access to Deep Lake where visitors can swim, fish and paddle. One camper noted, "A quick walk around the grounds offered a nice hike and showed us some pretty awesome sites I'd like to stay at in the future."
Hiking trails: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park offers riverside trails within walking distance of cabin sites. "Each site seems to have a trail connecting to the outer trail that runs along the river. Big entertainment for three boys who explored the woods and played on the rocks and in the eddy pools at the public river take-out," a visitor reported.
Military recreation: Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base provides recreational activities for military ID holders. A reviewer commented, "Good little camp ground on post with almost everything you need. It is in the wilderness, on the lake, but it is also fairly close to stores and gas stations."
What campers like
Secluded woodland settings: Cabins surrounded by trees provide privacy between sites. A camper at Elkamp Eastcreek described it as "lovely, clean campground" where "the majority of the campsites were amid tall trees."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive regular maintenance at most cabin locations. One visitor at Kanaskat-Palmer reported, "Bathrooms in that loop were pretty nice... heated and very clean."
Lake access: Multiple cabin rentals provide direct access to lakes for summer recreation. A camper at Lewis North Travel Camp shared, "Great place! Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer months. A Kanaskat-Palmer State Park visitor advised, "We got lucky and snagged the very last spot here on a Saturday in late September... Note that you can check availability online on the day of, but you cannot make same day reservations online."
Pet policies: Pet rules vary by location with specific limits on number and size. At Lewis North Travel Camp, "Only 2 dogs allowed per reservation."
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin rentals may have limited amenities. Some parks close certain sections during off-season periods. A Millersylvania camper noted, "The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: American Heritage Campground provides facilities specifically for children. A visitor mentioned, "This year they are offering hayrides through the park."
Swimming options: Select cabin locations include dedicated swimming areas. At Camp Lakeview, a camper described "a small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for children. American Heritage includes "playground, great well stocked store, laundry, and helpful staff."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electricity availability differs between cabin types and locations. A visitor to Camp Lakeview Resort mentioned, "RV Hookups At A Decent Price... Monthly, Weekly And Daily Rates."
Leveling challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require additional equipment for leveling. One camper at Kanaskat-Palmer reported, "The gravel pull through was so not level the jacks pushed the front tires 6 inches off the ground."
Water supply planning: Not all cabins include individual water connections. A Kanaskat-Palmer visitor noted, "Hook ups are electric only, bring your water. The first time we went we did not know and our Basecamp's heat runs via the hot water heater."
