Cabin camping near Columbus, Indiana offers outdoor enthusiasts a range of accommodations throughout the forested hills of southern Indiana. Located approximately 45 miles south of Indianapolis, this region features rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. Winters can drop to 20°F while summer temperatures often reach the mid-80s with higher humidity levels.
What to do
Lake activities: Fish, boat, or paddle at CERA Sports Corporation, which includes a peaceful lake for various water activities. "We love the beautiful peaceful lake, our grandkids love the pool with the slide and rock wall, the mini golf, the paddle boats and the amazing playground," shares one camper who has spent multiple summers at the location.
Hiking trails: Explore wooded terrain at Yellowwood State Forest, which offers 5 hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged, plus access to the 43-mile Tecumseh Trail. "Very beautiful yet primitive campground. All the campgrounds are numbered and have their own names. Think there are 80 sites in total," notes one visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Adventure activities: Try zip lining or paintball at eXplore Brown County for an adrenaline rush between cabin stays. A visitor mentions, "They have zip lines, paintball, arrow tag, ATVs, off-road tours, mountain biking, hiking, cabins," making it an excellent option for active families.
What campers like
Affordable cabin options: Starve Hollow State Rec Area offers 13 rent-a-camp cabins with practical amenities. "Each cabin has a front porch with a swing, outside electric outlet and front porch light. Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets," explains a reviewer familiar with the facilities.
Swimming options: Many visitors appreciate the varied swimming facilities at cabin camping locations. At CERA Sports Corporation, one visitor notes: "Pool area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end. My kids always look forward to this campground."
Proximity to Nashville: Cabin campers value the easy access to Nashville, Indiana's shops and restaurants. "The town of Nashville is just 2 miles away with lots of neat shops and food. We had a great time," says a camper at Brown County-Nashville KOA.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for peak seasons, especially fall color season. "If you want to reserve a site, I highly suggest you do it very early in the season, especially if you are including a weekend," advises a regular visitor to Hardin Ridge.
Bedding requirements: Most cabins require guests to bring their own bedding materials. "Air mattress recommended," notes a reviewer about Starve Hollow cabins, while another adds, "Inside there are two small rooms each providing a ceiling fan with light, a heating/cooling unit and electrical outlets."
Seasonal availability: Operating seasons vary by location. Starve Hollow cabins are available "March-Nov (closed Dec-Feb)," while other locations like CERA Sports Corporation operate "Apr 1 to Oct 31," and Brown County-Nashville KOA runs from "April 1 to November 1."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple options for kids at several cabin camping locations. At CERA Sports Corporation, one family notes: "Plenty for the kids to do. And fun activities for the adults as well. Also can't forget the lakeside bar with live music every weekend!"
Water features: Choose cabins near swimming areas to keep children entertained during summer months. "The swim area is super nice with a waterslide, diving boards and a unique rock climbing wall in the deep end. My kids always look forward to this campground," shares a parent at CERA Sports Corporation.
Cabin selection: Request sites away from main roads if traveling with small children. At Hidden Paradise Campground, a visitor advises: "We stayed in site 107 on a Sunday night and had the section all to ourselves. I think the place is quite busy on weekends though. Our son fished and we watched random people float down river."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Check dimensions carefully before booking cabin or RV sites. At Brown County-Nashville KOA, one RVer noted: "We were in the full-hookup, back-in RV sites connected with the cabins but they are across the street so they're not too connected if you don't know who's in the cabin nearest you."
Leveling challenges: Some cabins and RV sites require equipment for leveling. "We did need to use several leveling blocks on our site, which made for a doosey of a bottom step into and out of our trailer," mentions an RVer at Brown County-Nashville KOA.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for potential weather impacts at certain times. "Some campsites flood easy," cautions a visitor to Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, suggesting that spring visitors should consider site elevation when selecting accommodations.
