Cabin camping near Thorp, Washington offers options along the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains where elevation ranges from 1,600 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most Forest Service cabins require advanced reservations through recreation.gov and have limited seasonal availability.
What to do
River activities: Visitors staying at Ellensburg KOA can enjoy direct access to the Yakima River. "It is right on the river and there's a pool. Rafting and fishing the Yakima river are great reasons to stay here," notes one camper. Several sites back directly onto the riverfront.
Lake recreation: The Bumping Lake Campground provides water-based activities in summer months. "The lake is within a short walk from the camp sites. The camp also has boats to rent. So we rented one to get a Geocache that was on an island on the lake," explains a visitor. Boat rentals are available at the marina for approximately $25 per hour.
Wildlife viewing: Forest areas around Thorp provide opportunities to see native animals in their habitat. One camper at Bumping Lake Campground mentioned, "Our go to spot, love walking the dogs around the lake and along the gravel road. It's very quiet and peaceful." Early morning or dusk offers the best wildlife viewing times.
Winter activities: Some cabins remain open year-round for winter recreation. "We came here April 28 for 2 days. Fishing at Mattoon Lake about 10 minutes away," reports a visitor to Ellensburg KOA, which maintains accessibility through winter months when many forest service cabins close.
What campers like
Privacy levels: The Cottonwood Retreat provides a secluded experience away from crowds. "Perfect spot for privacy and a great night's sleep. Plenty of space," writes one visitor who appreciated the solitude. Sites are spread out with natural barriers between them.
Riverside locations: Waterfront sites rank highly among reviews. At Squaw Rock RV Resort and Campground, "Many sites are on the river and are close together, but wasn't too busy when I was there," notes a camper. River sites often book several months in advance during peak season.
Family-friendly amenities: Larger campgrounds offer activities beyond basic camping. "This is one of the larger KOAs I have been to. Plenty of room for RVs, trailers, and tents. They also have a few cabins to stay in. Our site was near the playground which was central to the camp ground," shares a visitor to Ellensburg KOA.
Convenience facilities: Some locations provide extras that make cabin stays more comfortable. "The general store has all your basic needs, but a difference from other KOAs was that they sell beer and wine," notes a camper at Ellensburg KOA, highlighting the practical conveniences available.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some cabin locations require navigating difficult roads or water crossings. According to a review of Lake Easton State Park Campground, "We arrived after the ranger shack at the entrance had closed for the day, but they have a really easy phone registration process if you arrive after hours but before 10pm."
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects some locations. One Lake Easton visitor advised, "Nice state campground, well kept, beautiful lake if you can get one of the lakeside spots. We had site #11, and the road noise was just too loud for me. Definitely try to get a spot away from the road."
Weather preparedness: The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "Mornings were nice with coffee sitting out watching the high paced river go by. August is a tough time to be there with 90-degree weather and lack of shade," warns an Ellensburg KOA visitor.
Cell service limitations: Many forest cabin areas have no connectivity. One visitor to Elk Ridge Campground noted, "There was zero cell coverage (Verizon) if that is important to you." Downloading maps and information before arrival is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Riverfront cabins require extra vigilance with children. "The sites are also somewhat secluded which is nice for me since it provides some privacy. They also let you scrounge around for your own firewood from fallen trees and branches," notes a visitor to Bumping Lake Campground.
Entertainment options: Look for locations with built-in activities. "There is a TV/play room that my littles loved but not as much as the heated pool, yes, they have a heated pool! 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," shares a parent who stayed at Ellensburg KOA.
Bathroom facilities: Cabin bathrooms vary widely in quality and accessibility. "Showers are free. Cell reception was good," notes a Lake Easton State Park visitor, though availability of these amenities changes seasonally at many locations.
Wildlife education: Animal encounters can become learning opportunities. "We woke up to a buck grazing 30 yards away," reports a visitor at The Cottonwood Retreat, demonstrating how wildlife viewing becomes part of the experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than general location. At Elk Ridge Campground, "Sites 1-13 are located closer to the road while 14-20 are tucked further back closer to the river and we did not hear any road noise in Site 15. All are level."
Utility connections: Hookup arrangements differ between properties. "RV sites have water and electric," confirms a visitor to Elk Ridge Campground, though specific amperage and connection placement vary between sites.
Space considerations: Site dimensions matter for larger vehicles. "Spaces in campsite are awesome and big which we loved," reports a visitor to Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA, indicating adequate room for larger RVs and additional equipment.
Seasonal pricing: Costs fluctuate throughout the year. "We chose Squaw Rock for its amenities and its river access. Our rating is based on how well it met our desires," explains an RV camper, noting that value assessments depend on personal priorities and expectations.
