Cabinet-style accommodations dot the landscape around Havana, Arkansas, ranging from basic structures to fully-equipped vacation homes. Located in the Ozark National Forest at elevations between 1,800-2,700 feet, cabin rentals provide shelter from seasonal temperature swings that can reach below freezing in winter and above 90°F with high humidity in summer. Most cabin camping areas in this region require advance booking, especially during peak fall foliage season from mid-October through early November.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Magazine State Park: The highest point in Arkansas sits at 2,753 feet, offering several trail options. "The hike up to the highest point in Arkansas is easy and family friendly for kids. Campground and bathhouse were well maintained and nice," reports Jeremy C. The Mount Magazine State Park Campground trails range from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.
Fishing at Cove Lake: The well-stocked lake provides year-round fishing opportunities with particularly good crappie fishing in spring. "Cove lake use to be my all time favorite place to go. We have a huge family and we would all meet there a few times a summer. Their food was awesome. The camping was good. But we love the lake and renting boats and tubes," shares Tina D. at Cove Lake Complex.
Boating rentals: Many cabin areas provide boat access with reasonable rental rates. At Cove Lake Complex, "Boat rentals right onsite, concessions, even a small beach area!" according to Taryn S. Canoes and kayaks are available at multiple locations with hourly or daily rates ranging from $10-50 depending on boat size.
Off-road adventures: For cabin guests seeking motorized recreation, "There are a ton of trails to explore. They have a store and restaurant on site. The trip out there is amazing. They own 800 acres and have a ton of off-road trails for all," notes Desiree Y. about Byrd's Adventure Center.
What campers like
Private bathroom cabins: Some cabins offer individual bathroom facilities rather than shared bathhouses. At Petit Jean State Park, cabins vary from basic to deluxe. "The cabins are beyond wonderful to stay in and well worth the price. Beautiful scenery and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy," shares Josh H. about Lake Ouachita State Park cabin options.
Restaurant access: Several cabin camping areas maintain on-site dining facilities. "I had the Catfish Platter and it was excellent," notes one Petit Jean State Park visitor about Mather Lodge. Multiple cabin locations provide meal options within walking distance of accommodations.
Cabin spacing: Cabins typically offer more privacy than standard campsites. "All the camp sites are close to the lake. The sites are rocky but level and are tightly packed in. The facility is clean and well maintained," explains Chad K. about Cove Lake arrangements, which contrast with the more separated cabin layouts at larger parks.
Camp store convenience: Most cabin areas maintain small stores with essentials. "The Office/General Store has a nice selection of items in case you forget something," reports Chris & Rosanne C. about White Rock Mountain Recreation Area facilities, eliminating the need to pack every small item.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain cabins experience significant temperature changes. "Due to the elevation and drastic temperature change from the base of the mountain and the campground, it frankly isn't safe at all to drive on the mountain in the early morning or evening," warns Donny S. about White Rock Mountain Recreation Area. Pack clothing for temperature swings of 10-15 degrees cooler than valley forecasts.
Road access challenges: Some cabin areas require navigating difficult roads. "The twisty, steep, narrow dirt road makes for quite an adventure. It has many large rocks in the road and the decently sized potholes. I scraped the bottom of my little car quite a bit on the way up," cautions Clarissa F. about White Rock Mountain access. Many cabin locations recommend high-clearance vehicles.
Cabin cleaning expectations: Older cabins may need attention upon arrival. "One warning on the cabins though - in summer be prepared for some bugs. They were pretty thick throughout. It's not that they're dirty, it's just that they're old buildings which aren't used every day surrounded by forest," explains Matt B. about White Rock Mountain cabins.
Reservation timing: Most cabins require substantial advance planning. Area A at Petit Jean State Park "Stays booked 93% of the year," according to the park office, requiring reservations 6-12 months ahead for peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking cabins with children, choose locations near play facilities. Lake Dardanelle State Park is "a beautiful park with lots to do, especially for kids. The information center was large and the employees were very friendly," reports Amy H.
Swimming options: Cabins near swimming areas reduce travel time with children. "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lake Ouachita State Park! We stayed in space 55 and had a great view of the lake and the beautiful sunsets," shares Brenda A. Many cabin areas include swimming beaches within walking distance.
Educational programs: Some cabin locations offer ranger-led activities. "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes," explains Josh H. about Lake Ouachita State Park. Programs typically run May through September on weekends.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Cabins often provide wildlife encounters not possible in tent camping. At Cove Lake, "We were able to listen to a Barred Owl before going to sleep, mature pine trees giving a lot of shade," notes Greg D. Several cabin areas maintain bird feeders to attract local species.
Tips from RVers
Electric considerations: Cabins offer various electrical service levels. At Brady Mountain, "We ended up in site #30. It had a beautiful view of the lake. It was also a plus to have full hookups including 50 amp service and sewer. So unusual for a state park," notes Jill B., highlighting that cabin areas often provide better electrical service than standard campsites.
Satellite reception: Mountain cabins may have limited connectivity. "The cell service was minimal (1 bar) but a cell booster gave us full service," explains Brenda A. about Lake Ouachita State Park. Cabin renters requiring internet access should check coverage maps or bring signal boosters.
Parking limitations: Many cabin areas restrict parking to designated areas. "It was a haul to get all our gear to the end but they have carts available to help," explains Taylor C. about Lake Ouachita State Park, where some cabins require walking from parking areas.
Shared facilities: Not all cabins include private bathrooms. "Bathrooms were clean but a little bit of a hike from where we were," notes Taylor C., suggesting packing flashlights for nighttime bathroom visits at some cabin locations.
