There’s a fantastic new choice for you if you’ve ever stayed in a rustic cabin at one of Oregon’s state park campgrounds and thought, “You know what, this could be smaller.”
The Detroit Lake State Recreation Area has already quadrupled the number of little cabins available for campers due to the popularity of the mini rustic cottages that have previously been introduced.
Perhaps other parks are noticing. Although there are currently no other parks that have little rustic cabins, campers should keep an eye out for potential future additions, according to state parks spokesman Stefanie Knowlton.
The actual small cabins are not brand-new. The little buildings have served as staff housing throughout the summer but have lain vacant during the winter. Detroit Lake has created a new revenue stream during the colder months by using them as campsite lodging choices during the off-season, which runs from October 1 to April 30.
In October 2023, the recreation area began renting out three tiny cabins, according to Cynthia Reed, park specialist at Detroit Lake. The park constructed three more since they were so well-liked. More park guards would be able to stay on site throughout the summer months thanks to the additional cabins, she said.
Only from October 1 to April 30 are the tiny cabins available. They serve as staff housing in the summer.State Parks in Oregon
The 120-square-foot small cabins come with a table and chairs, as well as a bunkbed.State Parks in Oregon
The park department’s regular-sized rustic cabins and the little rustic cabins aren’t all that different. In addition to a table and chairs, a microwave, a mini fridge, and counter space, the smaller model has a large bed underneath a bunked twin bed. Electricity and heat are available, however restrooms are at a neighboring common campsite structure (Reed assures me that the showers are hot).
The purchase of the $53 per night mini rustic cottages at Detroit Lake includes a $10 pet deposit, which campers who did not bring pets can get back on the spot.
The size of the small cabins is, of course, the largest difference. To put it nicely, the small cottages, which are around 120 square feet each, are comfortable. A picnic table and fire ring are available outside for guests to enjoy in pleasant weather, providing much-needed breathing room.
However, the size does not appear to be a problem at Detroit Lake. According to Reed, the popularity of the little rustic cabins is evidence that campers are returning to the Santiam Canyon, which was devastated by fire in 2020, even though they might not be searching for the same old off-season campground.
According to Reed, visitors are seeking something more. Everyone’s needs and motivations have evolved.
The park has made the decision to maintain its camper store open during the off-season, where visitors can purchase hot coffee and snacks, in addition to opening the small cabins. To accommodate the demand, the park intends to create a second loop of year-round campgrounds the following year.
According to Reed, who has stayed in the mini cabins, they’re a great option for visitors who wish to visit the park during the winter months because they provide a warm and dry place to sleep that’s within driving distance of locations like the Hoodoo Ski Area, the Breitenbush Hot Springs, and numerous hiking trails that have reopened since the 2020 wildfires.
“With these cabins, we’ve been able to reach a wider, more diverse group of visitors,” Reed said. The more individuals choose to come back to the region, see the changes, and accept them, the more it demonstrates the community’s resiliency and its ongoing evolution.
Oregon State Parks
-
Historic gift shop on the Oregon coast to close for repairs
-
State park cabins and yurts are perfect for winter camping in Oregon. Here s how to snag one
-
Cape Lookout reopens summer reservations, as construction moves to fall
-
Fee increases at Oregon state parks set to take effect in 2025
–Jamie Hale co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast and writes about travel and the outdoors. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-294-4077, or HaleJamesB.
Your support is essential to our journalism. Sign up for OregonLive.com now.
