Camping cabins near Tonasket, Washington are scattered throughout the Okanogan Highlands, a region characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer brings dry, warm days with temperatures typically between 75-90°F. Most cabin rentals in the Tonasket area experience peak demand during July and August when local lakes reach comfortable swimming temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Bonaparte Lake Campground, visitors can fish directly from the dock. "The campground is sited on Bonaparte Lake's southern end. It is stocked with fish and there are loons present," notes reviewer Judy T. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.
Water recreation: Sun Cove Resort offers numerous water activities beyond simple swimming. "They have boats for rent in this incredible saltwater lake and it's a wonderful place to bring kids. There is a water trampoline and a place to swim and paddle boat rentals and more," shares Paige P.
Wildlife viewing: Several cabin locations offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Our dogs were happy playing in the water and watching the deer, geese and herons," mentions Katie S. about Shady Pines Resort. Local wildlife is most active during early morning and evening hours.
Ghost town exploration: The area surrounding cabin rentals contains historical sites. "We took a loop to find old ghost towns and remnants in the area plus other loops," explains Patti C. from Bonaparte Lake Campground. Self-guided tours require maps available from most cabin rental offices.
What campers like
Large sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious accommodations. "The sites are HUGE for a KOA and very well maintained," writes Shelly S. about Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday. "Sorta a western vibe which goes along with Winthrop City."
Lakefront views: Waterfront cabins are particularly popular. "Great sites on the waterfront with amazing views. We've been coming here for 13 years. Just about everyone is a repeat customer," says Chad M. about Shady Pines Resort. Most lakefront cabins cost $20-40 more per night than standard options.
Clean facilities: Cabin rental facilities typically maintain high standards. "The shower house we used was very clean and had individual rooms for each shower and toilet," reports Eryk G. about Winthrop KOA. Many cabin sites also feature regularly serviced vault toilets for overnight guests.
Year-round availability: Several cabin options remain open throughout winter months, unlike tent camping areas. "An absolutely fantastic little campground for all sizes, from tents to big RVs!" shares David & Sue C. about Shady Pines Resort, which operates year-round with heated cabin options.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak summer months, securing cabin rentals requires advance planning. "I stayed here 2 years ago and got a reservation less than a month before we left. This year, 2021, I can't even book a site for the summer right now!" explains Marie L. about Bonaparte Lake Campground.
Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns affect cabin stays throughout the year. "We ran into some smoke the 2nd day of our trip there but the third day was clearer. It never got bad while we were at Bonaparte Lake but just over the mountains in Oroville where we went to get gas, it was in the unhealthy range of the Air Quality Index," notes Patti C. Wildfire smoke typically occurs between July-September.
Site selection matters: When booking cabins, location within the campground affects experience. "We had site 18 which was at the end of one of the rows and it was very spacious with a big grass area and a few trees," shares Cindy R. from Winthrop KOA. Corner cabin sites typically offer more privacy and space.
Facility limitations: Some cabin locations have restricted amenities. At American Legion Park, "The park is sandwiched between a busy city street and the river. Bathrooms are old but clean," according to Peter. Most budget cabin options ($45-75/night) have shared bathroom facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Structured recreation: Several cabin locations offer organized activities. "Swimming pool, bike rentals, mining for gems, arrowheads and fossils; purchase from store, playground. Cabins are quieter than tent/RV sites," says Shayna A. about Winthrop KOA.
Swimming options: Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground provides family-friendly water access. "Nice clean campground. A and b loops are the best," advises Jeremy M. The swimming area includes a designated children's section with shallow water and floating markers.
Quiet zones: Family cabins benefit from strategic placement. "The campground was very quiet (except for the playground straight across from my site) and not busy on the weekdays we visited," notes Shelly S. about Winthrop KOA. Tuesday through Thursday typically sees 30-40% lower occupancy rates than weekends.
Wildlife education: Cabin stays offer opportunities to teach children about local ecosystems. "Love it here!!" shares Danielle E. about Aeneas Lake cabins, where families can observe waterfowl, deer, and occasionally moose from cabin porches during evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many combination RV/cabin campgrounds have terrain considerations. "Paved streets & individual sites, Most sites close to level," reports Leonard H. about Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground. Most cabin sites include parking for one vehicle with additional parking available in overflow areas.
Utility connections: RV sites with cabins typically offer various hookup options. "Great place for our class c. Beautiful sunset as we looked at the North Cascades. Minutes from Winthrop," explains Travis H. about Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground, which offers water and electrical hookups at most cabin sites.
Connectivity considerations: Digital access varies widely between cabin locations. "Only downside is wifi is sketchy and 4g is sub par," mentions Joshua D. about Winthrop KOA. Most northern Okanogan County cabin rentals have limited cell service outside of major towns.
