Cottonwood Cabin
3.489 reviewsPO BOX 476, Entiat, WA 98822, USA
Cottonwood Cabin
$90.00 - $90.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rate for renting Cottonwood Cabin during peak season (June 2 - October 20). Additional service fees apply for reservations.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cottonwood Cabin stands as a charming testament to wilderness hospitality. This 1940s-era retreat, with its rustic timber walls and vintage character, offers modern adventurers a chance to experience the forest as generations of outdoor enthusiasts have before them. Perched alongside the melodic waters of the Entiat River, the cabin serves as your personal basecamp for exploring one of Washington's most stunning natural playgrounds.
Cottonwood Cabin offers a cozy lodging option with basic amenities, suitable for individuals looking for a quiet retreat in a forested setting. It supports tent camping on the cabin’s grounds as well.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time when you enter this authentic piece of Forest Service history. Built in the 1940s as a working shelter for the dedicated crews who protected and maintained these vast woodlands, Cottonwood Cabin has witnessed decades of forest stewardship. The surrounding landscape tells its own story of resilience, with vibrant new growth emerging from areas touched by the 2015 Wolverine fire—a powerful reminder of nature's endless cycle of renewal and the enduring spirit of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Cascade wilderness throughout the year. Summer brings golden days perfect for hiking and river activities, with warm sunshine filtering through the forest canopy. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a pristine wonderland blanketed in snow, offering crystal-clear skies ideal for stargazing. The remarkable diversity of the region means you might experience the lush, rain-soaked forests of the western slopes (averaging 140 inches annually) or venture east to discover sun-drenched landscapes that see just 10 inches of precipitation each year.
ElevationAt 3,100 feet above sea level, Cottonwood Cabin occupies a sweet spot in the Entiat Valley where mountain air stays crisp and refreshing year-round. This elevation places you perfectly between the valley floor and the towering peaks above, offering comfortable conditions for exploration while still providing that authentic high-country experience within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a living postcard where towering lodgepole pines and ancient spruce create a natural cathedral around your cabin. The dramatic backdrop features glaciated peaks that pierce the sky, their snow-capped summits reflected in pristine alpine waters. This diverse ecosystem serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife—watch for majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, black bears foraging in distant meadows, and graceful deer stepping quietly through the morning mist. Every window frames a masterpiece of Pacific Northwest beauty.
Geological RegionThe Entiat Valley cradles Cottonwood Cabin in one of the Pacific Northwest's most geologically fascinating regions. Here, ancient glaciers carved spectacular valleys between towering alpine peaks, creating a landscape where old-growth forest giants stretch toward the sky and shrub-steppe environments paint the lower elevations in subtle desert hues. This unique position within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest places you at the crossroads of multiple ecosystems, where the wet western slopes meet the arid eastern landscapes in a spectacular display of natural diversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe cabin itself measures 20 feet by 16 feet, and there is an area outside for pitching one tent.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a relatively secluded forested area, but users have mentioned the surrounding environment is recovering from prior wildfire damage, making privacy limited due to sparse vegetation.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend bringing additional bedding for comfort and avoiding the area during hunting season for quieter experiences.
Best CampsitesCottonwood Cabin itself.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
4guests permitted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin on private grounds adjacent to Cottonwood Campgrounds.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 2 to October 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov (online or app).
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not applicable; reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are refundable minus service fees and a $10 cancellation fee if canceled before arrival. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiture of the first night's rate.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Cottonwood Cabin and its surrounding areas offer a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, camping, and horseback riding. The Entiat River provides a great opportunity for anglers, while the nearby trails allow for scenic hikes and exploration of natural features.
Hiking
Several nearby trails are available, including the Silver Falls National Recreation Trail, a 1.8-mile trail that allows hikers to enjoy views of the 141-foot falls as well as the surrounding Entiat Valley. Other options include an 8-mile round-trip hike to Myrtle Lake with little elevation gain.Fishing
Fishing in the Entiat River, located near the cabin, allows anglers to catch rainbow trout, Cutthroat trout, and Eastern brook trout. The river features a variety of fishing environments like pools, plunge pools, and glides. Selective gear rules apply.Biking
Mountain biking is available in the surrounding area. Specific details about trails are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding area supports diverse wildlife, including mule deer, cougars, black bears, pine martens, bald and golden eagles, and various woodpeckers and owls. The forest is recovering from wildfire damage, which may affect the abundance of certain species.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are indicated, though the site is not accessible in winter due to seasonal closure.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be prohibited during high fire danger. Always confirm current fire information before arrival.
- Quiet hours unmentioned; presumed null.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife threats include bears and cougars. Burn bans and slick river rocks at Entiat Falls may pose risks.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Ranger Station (509-784-4700), located in Entiat, WA; medical facilities are approximately 41 miles away in Wenatchee.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 2 - October 20.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out their trash and food waste. There is no garbage service at the cabin, although a dumpster is available 1/8 mile west on the main road.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the banks of the Entiat River, with nearby access to falls and fishing areas.
Common complaintsGuests frequently mention cleanliness issues, lack of water during off-seasons, and outdated furnishings.
Campground Map
PO BOX 476, Entiat, WA 98822, USA
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, take US-2 to Wenatchee or I-90 to exit 85. Follow WA-970, US-97, and US-2 to Wenatchee. From Wenatchee, head north for 17 miles on WA-97A along the Columbia River, turning left on Entiat Valley Road (milepost 38). Follow gravel roads to reach the cabin.
Roads are gravel and accessible by standard passenger vehicles. Call the Ranger Station for updated road conditions, potential closures, or weather impacts.Nearby places
Wenatchee, WA (41 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Chelan, WA (43 miles, ~1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Cooper's Store and Cafe in Ardenvoir (28 miles) provides gasoline, groceries, camping supplies, and telephone services.
Camper Reviews
3.5
9 reviews
Cottonwood Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of the Cottonwood Cabin highlight its remote and peaceful setting, scenic surroundings, and proximity to recreational activities like hiking and fishing. However, visitors have expressed concerns about maintenance issues such as cleanliness, wet firewood, and lack of water or heater functionality during colder seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciated the cabin’s secluded location next to the Entiat River and the inclusion of hot water and propane-powered amenities like the refrigerator and stove. 'The grounds are fantastic,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent issues include the cabin’s lack of cleanliness upon arrival ('The cabin was moderately dirty, with dust and cobwebs in the corners'), maintenance problems like a non-functional heater and...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing extra bedding due to the uncomfortable beds and being prepared for limited amenities like wet or unavailable firewood. Several guests suggested avoiding fall visits if the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer visitors generally reported positive experiences, particularly enjoying the availability of running water and the outdoor shower. Fall visits were more criticized due to cold weather and the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The solar power for lights and hot and cold running water is a big luxury for a cabin like this.' - 'The cabin itself has some good and bad points. The solar power and shower house are great, but...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The cabin itself receives mixed reviews. Some guests praised the functional amenities like the propane stove and refrigerator, while others noted problems like leaks and cold temperatures due to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews mention guests bringing pets and recommend keeping them under control to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025