Cabin accommodations near St. Paul, Arkansas feature a range of options from basic shelters to fully furnished retreats throughout the Ozark Mountains. Set at elevations between 1,000-2,700 feet, these cabin rentals provide shelter across all four seasons. Temperatures typically range from 20°F in winter to 90°F during summer months, with spring and fall offering the most moderate camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails and waterfalls: Most cabin locations offer direct trail access, with White Rock Mountain featuring the popular 2-mile Rim Trail. "The views, as other reviewers have said, are impressive and the Rim Trail is worth doing any time of day and any season," notes one White Rock Mountain Recreation Area visitor.
Off-road adventures: Mulberry Mountain Lodging provides direct trail access to extensive off-road networks. "Near the Mulberry River and White Rock recreation area, the facility is an off-road enthusiasts playground! Trails directly into the outback from the facility," explains a reviewer at Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events.
Seasonal activities: Summer months offer additional recreational options beyond hiking. "The recreational area with a playground that is updated. There is a pool at the park as well," notes one Lake Fort Smith visitor about amenities available during warmer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many cabin locations provide adequate separation between accommodations. "Sites are well maintained and within a short walk to the water spigot and vault toilet. Sites 1-4 are well spaced and have large tent pads," reports one White Rock Mountain Recreation Area camper.
Mountain views: Cabin locations often feature elevated perspectives of surrounding landscapes. One reviewer at Mount Magazine State Park Campground states, "But the views ARE the reason to experience this park! They are simply delicious!"
Accessible wildlife viewing: Several cabin locations offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "We've done day hikes there with the kids since, and in a prior visit I saw a bear go lumbering in front of my truck on the road to White Rock. Only time in 40+ years I've seen a bear in the wild in Arkansas," shares one visitor.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many cabin locations require navigating challenging access roads. "It's a slow, beautiful drive. The reviews are correct that the last hour of the drive is only 20 miles. Make sure to stop for gas! It is an unpaved road that in some spots is maybe wide enough for 2 small vehicles to pass each other," warns a Devil's Den State Park Campground visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Cabins require different preparations based on time of year. "Unless you're going in July, I would recommend you pack a pair of pants, long sleeves and maybe even a light jacket. You will probably be cold otherwise," advises a Mount Magazine camper, noting that "the temperature is literally about 10-15 degrees cooler on the mountain than below."
Cabin maintenance: Older cabins may require additional preparation. "One warning on the cabins though - in summer be prepared for some bugs. It's not that they're dirty, it's just that they're old buildings which aren't used every day surrounded by forest. Naturally, you get spiders, rodents, etc.," explains one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Terrain considerations: Not all cabin locations are equally suitable for young children. "For anyone with kids, I would say at the outset that this isn't a very kid-friendly park. No playgrounds, very, very mountainous, and generally just not a park for kids," advises one Horseshoe Canyon Ranch visitor about certain locations.
Family-friendly activities: Some locations offer amenities specifically designed for children. "My favorite camping spot yet. Aside from the extreme humidity this was a great family getaway. Pool, great trails, and the creek/river kept my kids entertained and worn out!" shares a Devil's Den visitor.
Safety planning: Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations. "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 one visitor about foggy conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Certain cabin campgrounds offer superior RV setups. "The entrance and welcome center is grand and very accepting of anything from small vehicles to large diesel pushers. The camping spaces are large and accommodating, most are level and can fit almost anything you travel in," reports a visitor at Lake Fort Smith State Park Campground.
Hookup options: RV sites vary significantly between locations. "Very nice park! Did not expect it to be so picturesque! Very well kept. Campground AAA sites (1-20) offer full hook-ups and are spread out for privacy and offer longer pads. Site 4 is my favorite," advises a Lake Fort Smith State Park visitor.
Road navigation: Vehicle size limitations exist at several locations. "I want to start off by saying... This is an amazing place! BUT, the road to White Rock Mountain driving south on 79 is a minimally maintained one in a half lane dirt road full of rocks, erosion, bumps and a lot of up and down switch backs... Leave your RV or trailer at home," cautions one camper.
