Cabins near Jeffersonville, Indiana offer access to the forested hills of southern Indiana where elevation changes create diverse trail experiences ranging from gentle walks to challenging hikes. The Ohio River forms a natural boundary with Kentucky to the south, with cabin accommodations available on both sides. Average summer temperatures reach the upper 80s during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Charlestown State Park Campground, trails vary in difficulty with elevation changes that create physical challenges. "The hiking trails are wonderful, there's lots of paved roads for biking, but the lack of a pool means that there tend to be fewer kids and it's a lot more quiet than some of the neighboring state parks," notes Nicole M. Another visitor found the trails demanding but rewarding: "We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge."
Kayaking on calm waters: Buffalo Trace Park offers a small, peaceful lake for beginners to practice paddling skills. "The lake was beautiful and staff are always so helpful," shares a visitor. Kayak enthusiasts at Deam Lake appreciate the no-wake zone: "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone," explains Brandy A.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks provide access to stocked lakes with various catch potential. "The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only," explains a visitor at Starve Hollow. Another camper reported: "The lake looked very nice and is electric motor only. It will be nice to head back with the kayaks. You may need a permit for all boats, so check before you go."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities. "The cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress the restrooms are definitely the cleanest and well taken care of anywhere I've ever been," notes Brandy A. Another camper highlighted the bathrooms: "Tons of privacy and the best bathrooms I have ever seen. Not a single bug and they even had antibacterial hand soap at every sink."
Lake views: Many cabins offer direct lake access or views. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," reports a camper at Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground. The sites at Buffalo Trace Park are "well-spaced and there's a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc."
Diverse accommodation options: Cabin styles range from basic to deluxe across the region. At Otter Creek Park, "the sites are fairly close together with some only having as little as a few saplings or briars between sites." Louisville South KOA offers "both pull through gravel sites, back-in, and tent sites. The sites were close to each other but provided plenty of space for the average sized rig."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railway disruption. At Louisville North Campground, trains impact sleep quality. "TRAINS. ALL. NIGHT. LONG. OMG, the trains. All night, every night. I'm a heavy sleeper and it sounded like the trains were going to crash into our RV," warns Jenifer K. Another camper noted, "We heard the train, it's super close and loud, but of course it only runs at midnight and 2 am."
Seasonal availability: Many cabin facilities have limited operating seasons. "Starve Hollow has 13 rent-a-camp cabins available March-Nov (closed Dec.-Feb.)," explains a reviewer. Some parks also close swimming areas and boat rentals outside summer months.
Site sizes: Louisville North Campground has particularly tight spacing. "We have never stayed in a place that the spaces were this close. I thought about saying all the facts, but if you read any reviews they are all spot on!! We have a 41' Class A towing and I don't think we would fit of any bigger," notes a camper. Another visitor said, "I could sit on my picnic table facing my camper and lean against my neighbors RV."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many parks offer multiple play areas for children. "Starve Hollow offers a wheelchair accessible playground, basketball goals, softball fields, horseshoe pits and a sand volleyball court located on or near the swimming beach," notes a reviewer. At Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, one visitor notes: "There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon."
Halloween activities: Fall camping includes special events at some parks. "We go every fall with our entire family to enjoy the Halloween activities. The campers all go all out and let the kids trick or treat. There is even a group who does a haunted house and it is so fun!" shares Amber S. about Otter Creek Park.
Tent camping with cabins: Some families split accommodations between tents and cabins. "We stayed last night in the Cardinal Cabin. Tons of privacy and the best bathrooms I have ever seen," notes Angela F. at Deam Lake State Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Leveling needs: Be prepared with adequate equipment. At Buffalo Trace Park, one RVer advises: "Make sure you have plenty of leveling blocks. We used all of ours and was not level." Others noted challenging terrain at several parks.
Dump station access: Otter Creek Park Campground provides dump facilities that may require maneuvering. At Lake Shelby, a camper noted: "To dump afterward was OK to get in but it is a tighter fit and that's the reason for the 4 stars. It would be nice if you could pull through to dump but you have to back in."
Electrical stability: Power quality varies between campgrounds. At Louisville South KOA, "the wifi was strong" while Camp Raintree Lake/Scottsburg KOA "offers, high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works!" At another location, an RVer reported, "water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC."
