Camping cabins near Stehekin, Washington offer visitors access to the North Cascades wilderness at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet. The region has a variable climate with summer temperatures typically reaching 70-85°F during the day and cooling to 45-55°F at night. Most cabin facilities remain open from late April through October, though some provide limited winter accommodations with restricted road access.
What to do
Riverside fishing access: Howard Miller Steelhead County Park provides immediate river access from tent sites for fishing. "The tent sites are right on the waterfront behind a row of foliage. The Skagit is a fishable river and spectacular when the salmon pinks run every other year. You can hear them jumping and splashing from your camp site," notes one camper at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park.
Hiking nearby trails: Many cabin sites serve as base camps for day hikes. "This campground is right at Diablo lake! There were even camp sites right on the water! Fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch. Kayaking was rough as the winds were strong while we were here. Hiking and more available to those that stay," explains a visitor to Colonial Creek South Campground.
Winter activities: Some cabins maintain winter accessibility for snow activities. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," advises a visitor about seasonal considerations at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
What campers like
River and lake access: Many campers appreciate direct water access from their accommodations. "Our camp spots were close to the lake. The cedar trees gave great cover from the rain. The trails around camp were well maintained," reports a guest at Colonial Creek South Campground.
Proximity to towns: Some cabins offer convenient access to nearby communities. "Very cute RV park with very nice owners. My only complaint is that the showers cost money!" notes a visitor to Pine Near RV Park, which is "a block up from the charming town of Winthrop."
Privacy levels: Cabin locations offer varying degrees of seclusion and privacy. "Unlike the South Campground, the North side has a lot less going on--not a bad thing at all, though! Dinged this side a star because there's no view of the lake from the camping area--you have to walk a (short) path to the beach area," explains a guest at Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito issues: Several locations report mosquito problems during warmer months. "We were scheduled to camp for 2 nights but ended up leaving after 1 night. It was very windy while we were there and the mosquitoes were everywhere. We drove in to town to get additional mosquito repellents and nothing worked," warns a camper at Pearrygin Lake State Park.
Variable shower facilities: Shower availability differs significantly between locations. "This review, and apparently most other reviews here, are for the south campground. I didn't see a Dyrt record for the north campground, but it should potentially have one as south and north are pretty different. North is more basic and peaceful and rugged, and south is more developed and family friendly," explains a visitor at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most cabin locations require advance booking. "Make sure you reserve a site online. If you just show up last minute you may be Sol. Bring bug repellent because the mosquitoes are bad," advises a visitor to Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for pool amenities: Some locations offer swimming facilities. "Swimming pool, bike rentals, mining for gems, arrowheads and fossils; purchase from store, playground. Cabins are quieter than tent/RV sites. Very nicely maintained. Grass. Not much privacy and very busy bathroom," notes a visitor to Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA.
Consider campground noise levels: Family-friendly locations vary in noise level. "This campground has nice facilities and is well maintained but it's definitely more toward the 'campground culture' crowd versus people looking for a quiet, peaceful escape. Lots of large groups playing music, rowdy kids having fun, generators running, etc," explains a camper at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground.
Check for playground access: Many family-oriented sites include play areas. "There is some nice playground equipment and horseshoe pits (not sure if you have to bring your own horseshoes). There is a trail, but a sign was posted saying there was a recent cougar siting, so I took a pass on that one!" reports a visitor to Howard Miller Steelhead County Park.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing varies: Some locations provide more separation between campsites than others. "Several spots on both sides of Entiat River. Typical NForest type campground with little visual privacy but decent space between spots!" notes a visitor to Cottonwood Campground near Entiat.
Winter water considerations: Cold weather camping requires additional preparation. "RV sites in the open field kinda suck for tenting, but other than that it's a decent KOA. Nice outdoor pool. Decent store. Nice playground. Has breakfast on summer weekends," explains a camper at Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA.
Hookup availability: Electric and water services vary significantly between locations. "Easy access, Made same day late reservation at front gate, Paved streets & individual sites, Most sites close to level, Restrooms and showers clean and work well, Nice walking paths, Good family park with fishing / swimming / boating possibilities, Dump station at exit for those w/o sewer hookup sites," explains a camper at Pearrygin Lake State Park.
