Cabin camping near Gilbert, Arkansas offers diverse accommodations in the Arkansas Ozarks region at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and winter temperatures ranging from 20-45°F. Most cabin sites in the region maintain year-round operations with peak visitation occurring between May and September.
What to do
Lakeside paddling experiences: Lake Frierson State Park Campground provides kayak and fishing opportunities with rentals available on-site. According to a visitor, "Kayaking and fishing was great! Beautiful place to stay!"
Hiking opportunities: Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers multiple trail options within walking distance of cabin areas. One reviewer noted, "There is a trail at the end of the campground that can access the trail with the swinging bridge, or you can go to the right and walk straight to the camp store right from your site!"
Wildlife viewing excursions: At South Campground — Reelfoot Lake State Park, bird watching ranks as a top activity. A camper shared, "If you love bird watching or photography this place is a dream; osprey, eagles, herons, egrets, and so many others are everywhere. Pelican's stop here on their migration."
Ranger-led programs: South Campground offers educational tours by boat or land. One visitor recommends, "Take one of the many ranger-led tours by land or boat! We did a bird watching tour that was incredible, we got close to so many different species."
What campers like
Historic structures: Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground features unique CCC-built facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "This small but hidden treasure was built in the 40's by the CCC and has been maintained throughout the years. It has a modern campground, hiking trails. A fishing lake and a swimming lake with paddle boats."
Swimming areas: Crowley's Ridge provides water recreation options beyond fishing. One camper wrote, "The lake area is beautiful with a small spring fed waterfall, a swim beach area and even a slide into the water."
Clean bathhouse facilities: Lake Poinsett State Park Campground maintains high standards for its facilities. A visitor observed, "The bathrooms are the cleanest that we have experienced. The ability to walk trails, play on the playground or run around an open field makes this a place for families."
Spacious camping areas: Lake Poinsett offers comfortable cabin camping sites. According to a guest, "We booked three sites together and they were close enough that it was easy to visit each other. It was also a very nice little campground with lots of shade."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer months bring significant insect activity to lakeside cabin areas. A South Campground reviewer cautioned, "The mosquitoes, gnats, and flies were so overwhelming that we couldn't go outside and even spent most the evening killing bugs inside the camper with no lights on."
Limited sewer connections: Most cabin camping areas offer partial hookups only. A Lake Poinsett visitor noted, "Very nice campground with 30something sites. Mostly 30 amp with a few 50 scattered about. Sites were not the fartherest apart, but each was very spacious. Large level gravel sites with water, but no sewer."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between parks. One visitor at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park reported, "Proximity to Memphis was a plus, however, we had 0 service anywhere near our campsite. Nice to disconnect for a night, but plan accordingly."
Cabin reservation requirements: Most parks require advance bookings, particularly during peak seasons. For Lady Luck Casino and RV Park, a visitor explained, "Paved lots, close together, has tables and outside grills. Very clean. RV stay is $40.00/NIGHT. GIVES $5.00 Good Sam discount. First come first serve."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Poinsett State Park provides dedicated play areas near cabin sites. A visitor shared, "The camp sites were the most well kept that i have ever seen. The bathrooms are the cleanest that we have experienced. The ability to walk trails, play on the playground or run around an open field makes this a place for families."
Swimming options: Crowley's Ridge offers water activities for children. One camper recommended, "Kids had a blast here! We did paddle boating and walked the trails!"
Educational opportunities: State parks often provide nature centers with wildlife exhibits. A reviewer at Crowley's Ridge mentioned, "There is a nature center that is under renovation that has snakes, spiders and owls to see."
Weather considerations: Rain can impact tent camping, but cabins provide protection. A Meeman-Shelby camper advised, "The campground has drainage issues when it rains and if your forecast predicts rain, you might want to put your tent up on the pad."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, location matters significantly. A visitor recommended, "We were fortunate to get a very shaded site that was very private. It is a nice park to bike around as the scenery is spectacular!"
Hook-up limitations: Lake Frierson State Park Campground provides basic amenities but lacks some facilities. A reviewer noted, "This is a great fishing hole with a small campground! The sites are nice and have great views of the lake. For those of you with RV's beware that there is no sewer dump station here."
Bathroom facilities: South Campground offers varying bathroom qualities. One camper reported, "The campground has 2 bathhouses with showers. The bathrooms and showers near site 23 are bigger and more accessible. The bathrooms and showers near site 4 do have a ramp but it is uneven."
Site spacing considerations: Lady Luck Casino and RV Park offers different spacing than state parks. A visitor observed, "Free laundry facilities and clean individual bathrooms with showers, ADA accessible with shower chairs. There are picnic tables and grills available nearby."
