As a hard-working, active-duty member of the military, a retiree or a Department of Defense civilian employee, your service is much appreciated, and you're duly deserving of some R&R.

Fortunately, Army and Navy installations in the Pacific Northwest are home to some beautiful outdoor recreation, and opportunities abound for relaxing overnight stays.

The following is a sampling of a few cabin and cottage accommodations open only to active and retired military, reservists, DoD civilian employees and sponsored guests.

Cabins at JBLM

The outdoor recreation division manages 13 cabins on Joint Base Lewis-McChord that are available for overnight stays year-round.

"They are like small little houses," said Laura Lad, director of outdoor recreation at JBLM.

Situated just 80 feet away from water recreation on American Lake, the cabins come in studio, one, two and three-bedroom floor plans.

The studio, which sleeps two, includes a small kitchenette, an open area, outside porch with barbecue grill, marble countertops and a flat-screen television.

One and two-bedroom units both sleep six. The one-bedroom unit includes a bathroom and shower, kitchenette, a pull-out couch that sleeps two and one bedroom that sleeps four. The two-bedroom unit, with a living room area and kitchen area, has a master bedroom that sleeps two and a second bedroom with two bunk-bed sets that sleeps four.

The three bedroom unit includes a full kitchen, a dining area that seats 12 and an outside hot tub. The master suite sleeps two; a second bedroom sleeps four; and a third bedroom sleeps two.

"All cabins have grills and picnic tables outside," Lad said. "(All cabins) come with dishes (and utensils) in the kitchen. People have to be ready to come on in with their food, and they can cook there."

Lad said cabins are ideal for weddings, family reunions and other special events.

"We can reserve ninety days in advance," she said. "The requirement for reservation is they can call and pay on a credit card, and pay their first-night deposit. They pay the balance when they come before receiving their key."

Year-round daily rates are $65 for a studio; $80 for a one-bedroom; $90 for a two-bedroom; and $155 for a three-bedroom. No pets are allowed in the units, unless visibly identified as a service dog.

"At all times the pet must be with you," Lad explained.

Lad said if a wedding or special event is taking place on base, the cabins may be reserved for guests, but only if the event is being catered by the American Lake Community Center.

Since the cabins are located on base, all guests must have valid military or DoD ID (or be sponsored by active or retired military).

Cabins at American Lake, Bldg. 8050, NCO Beach Road, JBLM Lewis North, reservations: jblmmwr.com/nw_adv_travelcamp_cabins.html, 253.967.8282

Jim Creek Recreation Area

Located outside of Arlington and only 1.5 hours north of Seattle, the Jim Creek Recreation Area operates as a Naval radio station and diversified outdoor recreational facility.

In addition to an RV park, sites for camping, and accommodations for apartment-style living, Jim Creek is unveiling four new cabins July 1.

Located in the Steelhead Camp, these four cabins each come with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a loft, a kitchen, and living and dining spaces. Each cabin accommodates between six and eight guests.

Reservations require a two-night stay minimum, and a three-night stay minimum around holidays, which includes New Year's, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jim Creek also boasts a lodge on site that sleeps up to 50 people and is perfect for reunions, small weddings and retreats.

While staying at Jim Creek, guests can find much to do. There are hiking and biking trails, multiple playgrounds, a game center, an off-leash dog park and a nine-hole disc golf course.

In addition, there are special events throughout the rest of the summer and into fall, including the July 4 celebration; the Kids' Dog Show July 25; Summer Splash Down Aug. 15; and the Labor Day celebration Sept. 5.

Jim Creek Recreation Area, 21027 Jim Creek Road, Arlington, reservations: DoDLodging.net, 1.877.628.9233

Pacific Beach Resort & Recreation Center

If your ideal vacation getaway takes place closer to the ocean beaches, then Pacific Beach Resort and Recreation Center - set between the Olympic National Forest and the Pacific Ocean - may do the trick.

Pacific Beach Resort, a property of Naval Base Kitsap, provides year-round, cottage-style living abutting old growth forests, scenic rivers and large expanses of beaches. It's considered by many as "Washington's Best Kept Secret."

At Pacific Beach Resort, guests can choose from three, four or five-bedroom cottages. All are fully furnished. Each cottage's parking is limited to four vehicles. Pets are allowed in the cottages. Requests for specific cottages cannot be accommodated.

The daily rate for a three-bedroom with ocean view for military/reserve is $150 during peak season (May 1-Sept. 30) and $110 for off-peak; for retirees it is $165 (peak) and $125 (off-peak); and for DoD/civilian employees, the rate is $195 (peak) and $145 (off-peak).

Four-bedroom and five-bedroom cottages range in price from $125-$220 (peak) and from $90-$165 (off-peak). These cottages each have an east or ocean view option.

All cottages include a living room with a TV and DVD/VCR. Kitchens include basic appliances and place settings. Bedrooms come with pillows, blanket, bedspread and linen.

During peak season operations, guests at Pacific Beach Resort can enjoy an assortment of recreational amenities and entertainment activities.

On-site is Raindrop Lanes, a four-lane bowling alley; the Rec-Zone, offering a climbing wall, gaming station and indoor mini-golf; and the Windjammer Restaurant & Lounge, with ocean-view family dining and affordable menu options.

With the ocean beaches just minutes away, guests can also whale watch, fish and clam at nearby lakes and rivers and comb the beaches for sand dollars.

Pacific Beach Resort & Recreation Center, 108 First St. N., Pacific Beach, reservations: DoDLodging.net, 1.877.628.9233