Cabin camping options within driving distance of Steptoe, Washington provide overnight accommodations in a region known for its rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. The Palouse region sits at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Most cabin rentals in the area remain open between April and October, with limited winter availability during the region's snowy conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails near cabins: Visitors staying at Riverside State Park cabins can access numerous walking paths along the Spokane River. "Just a beautiful park! Lots of hiking trails and wildlife viewing. The swinging bridge is awesome," notes one camper. The park features over 40 miles of trails suitable for various skill levels.
Water activities: Boyer Park & Marina KOA provides cabin accommodations with direct access to water recreation on the Snake River. "This a a great site with all the amenities. It provides a boat launch and nice sized RV lotes. It is kid friendly and is a 2 minute drive from Lower Granite Dam if you want to take a tour," reports one visitor. Swimming areas with cement entry points make water entry safer for cabin guests.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping cabins near Steptoe offer opportunities to observe local animals. "We were at Boyer Park & Marina, a KOA, Sept. 1-5, 2024... Even when full, everything was pretty quiet. The beach and walking paths are very nice and close by no matter which spot you're in," writes one reviewer who enjoyed the natural setting while staying in a cabin.
What campers like
Easy grocery access: Unlike more remote cabin rentals, Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake offers cabin units with convenient access to supplies. "Very friendly staff that keeps the facilities clean. Full hookups with lots of pull through spaces if needed. We fully utilized the bike path along the river each day for nice long rides into Idaho and back to Washington," writes one camper about the resort's location.
Evening activities: "Sweet Saturday with homemade goodies in the office and then Sunday Sundaes for $1 you can have an ice cream sundae with toppings in the office! The kids LOVED it!" reports a camper about Premier RV Resort's special weekend events for cabin guests.
Proximity to attractions: Cabin campers appreciate locations that allow day trips to regional sites. "It is also a 10 minute drive from Illia Dunes for a day trip," notes a Boyer Park visitor, highlighting easy access to additional recreation spots from the cabin accommodations.
What you should know
Noise factors: Train tracks run near several cabin camping locations. At Spokane KOA Journey, "The tent sites had a nice triangular metal and wood canopy for shelter from rain and also for shade. It is right next to an active railroad, so bring earplugs if you don't want to be woken up by trains several times," advises one camper. Similar noise issues affect other cabin sites in the region.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access vary at cabin rentals. "Only downside is no Verizon coverage and free wifi is junk. But for $3/day you can get decent wifi," notes a Boyer Park cabin visitor, while another camper reports, "WIFI is really weak and there is no cell service."
Weekend crowds: Occupancy rates peak during summer weekends. "Quiet during the weekdays. Gets REALLY busy on weekends. A lot of families with a lot of kids. If you are a curmudgeon you won't like it on the weekend," observes one Boyer Park cabin guest.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Waterfront cabin locations offer swimming opportunities. At Liberty Lake Regional Park, "The campground is close to the water and lots of picnic areas. The RV spots are pretty close, but is surrounded by nature and trails," notes one visitor. The park's cabin units provide an easy walk to swimming areas.
Entertainment options: Look for cabin sites with playgrounds and recreation areas. "The Kids loved this park, we just spent the day hanging out fishing and playing at the park when we went to Lewiston to Visit our daughter," says one camper about Chief Timothy Park, which offers cabin rentals with kid-friendly amenities.
Level of development: Family cabin rentals vary from rustic to highly developed. "Super safe and well organized. A little pricey and you need a reservation. Usually packed. Great for families (large and small), boaters, fishers, and the casual glamper needing a break," writes a Boyer Park visitor, pointing out the trade-offs between amenities and crowds.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Many campgrounds with cabins also accommodate RVs. "We pulled in to the public park and the attendant told us to check with the camp host even tho the sign said full. We had our choice of two tent sites for our conversion van. We selected a shaded spot. They had ice for sale and take credit cards," explains a visitor to Riverside State Park.
Site selection: When booking cabin units, location matters. "I wish we had more time to spend at this campground. It was a bit off the beaten path but worth it. It is also situated right by a lake, but did not see any direct access to the lake from the campground," notes one camper about positioning considerations at cabin sites.
Seasonal operations: For cabin rentals using RV parks with extended stay options, check operating dates. "For a suburban park this is gorgeous, clean, well maintained and welcoming. Not much of a camping experience but superb for what it is and the perfect place to rest on a night in transit!" says a visitor to Northern Quest RV Resort, which remains open year-round when other cabin options close.
