We broke away recently for a wapatoola weekend.

Three days and two nights of camping at Prineville Reservoir reminded me of that high octane potluck punch we used to mix up for Friday night dorm parties – a little of this, a little more of that – wapatoola.

We had rain. We had snow. We had sleet, near gale-force winds, even a bit of sunshine.

But most importantly, we had a cabin.

One with four walls, a solid roof and an electric heater that would drive you out into the elements if you cranked it more than halfway. The bunks were comfy, the wood floors spic and span.

The people at Oregon State Parks call this time of year (Oct. 1 through April 30) Discovery Season.

And that makes sense.

We discovered that cabin camping at Prineville Reservoir State Park is a cushy alternative to freezing your derriere off in a wind-whipped tent with the kids asking when the fun’s going to start. We discovered that the reservoir’s nice and serene during the off season, with the quiet breached only infrequently by strings of honkers winging out over the water or the patter of rain on the roof. And we found that the catfish are on the bite.

There are two types of cabins at Prineville Reservoir. We bunked the first night in a 13-by-13 foot one-room rustic cabin that sleeps four.

The two rustic cabins at the reservoir come with the aforementioned and highly appreciated heat, light, bunk beds and a fire pit outside.

On night two we took over one of the park’s three deluxe cabins, an 18-by-20 foot, three-room structure crafted out of juniper. The deluxe cabins sleep six, come with microwaves, refrigerators, bathrooms and showers and comfortable porches with gas grills and strategic views.

Guests supply their own bedding.

During Discovery Season, the rustic cabins go for $35 a night; the deluxe cabins are $45.

Although they are available on a first-come-first-served basis, it’s best to reserve one by calling Reservations Northwest at 1-800-452-5687. You can check cabin availability by visiting www.oregonstateparks.org.