Cabin camping near Malvern, Arkansas offers a mix of waterfront and wooded sites within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the eastern edge of the Ouachita Mountains with elevations ranging from 300-1,400 feet, creating diverse landscapes for cabin stays. Winter temperatures typically remain mild, averaging 40-55°F during the day, making year-round cabin rental possible at most locations.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Lake Catherine State Park features multiple trail options including Falls Branch Trail with a seasonal waterfall. "We really enjoyed hiking the Falls Branch Trail with my nieces (8 and 10 years old). I would highly recommend this trail," notes a visitor to Lake Catherine State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Most lakeside cabin locations provide boat rentals and water access for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. A visitor to Catherine's Landing shared, "The boat ramp and docks were safe for fishing. The canoe, kayak and boat rentals are in good condition."
Off-road adventures: Hot Springs Offroad Park offers cabin accommodations with direct trail access for ATVs and off-road vehicles. "I really enjoyed my nights here and hours in the woods! Staff were plentiful and friendly," reports a cabin guest who used the park as a base for trail riding.
Disc golf: Several cabin locations feature disc golf courses on property, providing an activity option without leaving the grounds. "Lots of amenities like disc golf, hiking trails, pool, zip line course, lake access and two dog parks," notes a Catherine's Landing guest.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin locations: Lake access directly behind cabins is consistently rated as a top feature. A DeGray Lake visitor mentioned, "We stayed in 102 and 106 and had pretty views of the clear lake. Were able to park boat next to campsite and get kayaks and floats in and out of water easily."
Multi-generation activities: Sites offering activities for various age groups receive high ratings from family groups. At DeGray Lake Resort State Park, "We enjoyed geocaching and deer sighting. Had fun paddle boating, horse back riding and disc golf."
Evening star viewing: Rural cabin locations away from city lights provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. A guest at Jubilee Farms Campground noted, "Great place to see the stars. Fresh eggs to boot! Just a one night stopover for us but would have liked to stay longer!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained cabin interiors and bathhouses consistently appear in positive reviews. "The facilities were clean and well kept. Firewood was a bit pricey$. Overall tho, super place," reports a visitor at Catherine's Landing.
What you should know
Advance planning required: Popular cabin sites fill up months ahead, particularly during summer. "Lake Ouachita State Park will fill up quickly in the spring and fall, reservations are recommend," advises one visitor.
Site leveling challenges: Some cabins at certain locations may require additional equipment for comfort. A visitor to Lake Ouachita State Park Campground noted, "Many sites were on an incline, so there was a lot of terracing w great use of railroad timbers and crushed rock."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across cabin locations with many sites having limited or no service. At DeGray Lake, "AT&T coverage was basically nonexistent with 1 bar of LTE service but very little if any throughput. The CG is heavily wooded, so Starlink was unusable."
Road conditions: Access roads to some cabin locations may present challenges. A visitor mentioned about Treasure Isle: "Low hanging wires were scary pulling into our site, scraping up against our ac units (13.5')."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: For summer visits with children, several locations offer swimming pools in addition to lake access. A visitor to Catherine's Landing shared, "Kid friendly. Great upkeep and sites that are easily accessible. Playground, splash pad, and pool."
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide ranger programs particularly suited for children. A Lake Ouachita State Park visitor noted, "The rangers were great and offered a variety of informational classes and hikes."
Play spaces: Natural play areas near cabins offer extended entertainment for children. "Along the river there's a trail and fun places for the kids to play and play. They made a 'treehouse' and it was hours worth of fun!" reported a family staying at Catherine's Landing.
Site selection for families: Strategic site selection can enhance the family experience. "Next time I will choose site 286-288 to have the perfect access and view of this play spot," advised a parent after staying at Catherine's Landing.
Tips from RVers
Overnight conveniences: For travelers using cabins as stopover points, certain locations offer smoother experiences. A guest at Arkadelphia Campground & RV Park shared, "Got there after hours, picked up an envelope to pay when we left & you can drop it in their office mail slot or mail it in. Easy peasy!"
Site spacing considerations: Cabin proximity varies significantly between locations. A visitor noted about Treasure Isle, "The RV park is kinda small and all of the camper pull through spots are right on top of one another."
Laundry facilities: For extended cabin stays, on-site laundry access can be valuable. "At $1.50 per load the laundromat was one of the least expensive I've seen (and the dryers were great!)" reported a Catherine's Landing visitor.
Internet reliability: Connectivity varies by time and location. "Wifi was good during the week and we were able to stream movies, except on the busy weekend evening when it bogged down. We had 2 bars cell service with T-Mobile," noted another Catherine's Landing visitor.
