Cabin accommodations near Mount Vernon, Indiana range from rustic structures to full-amenity lodging options scattered among state parks and private campgrounds. Located in southwestern Indiana where the Wabash River forms part of the state border with Illinois, this area features rolling terrain with elevations between 375-500 feet. Late spring through early fall brings temperatures from 70-90°F with moderate humidity, while winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Moffitt Rec Area offers lakeside cabin sites with fishing opportunities. "Beautiful scenery. Very quiet," notes one visitor. Water activities are restricted to fishing only as "no swimming is allowed" in the lake according to another camper.
Hiking trails: Harmonie State Park Campground features multiple trail options through wooded terrain. "Nice hiking trails," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the natural setting. Another camper points out there are "various events through the summer season" often centered around these trails.
Wildlife viewing: John James Audubon State Park Campground provides nature observation opportunities. "They have a great museum and nature center," notes one visitor. However, travelers with pets should know "if you have a dog there's only one trail that is dog friendly."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Miles Landing Campground receives praise for maintenance standards. "The bathrooms were probably the cleanest, nicest shower houses I've seen at a campground," reports one visitor. Another mentions it's a "newer campground" with attentive staff.
Family-friendly amenities: Scales Lake Park offers extensive recreation options. "Hiking, mountain bike trails along with pump track for kids, a small petting zoo, and a beautiful lake front for swimming with water slide and diving boards," details one reviewer. Another camper adds there's "a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks."
Seasonal celebrations: Holiday-themed events enhance cabin stays at several parks. One camper notes "we stayed the weekend before Halloween" and enjoyed "a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot" followed by "a hayride in the evening for a small fee and that included making smore's at the bonfire."
What you should know
Cabin furnishing variations: Most cabins require visitors to bring personal items. "No mattress, bring your own," warns a visitor about cabins at Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area. Other accommodations offer basic furnishings but rarely full bedding.
Reservation timing: Securing cabin rentals requires advance planning. "Apparently that weekend has to be reserved the day reservations open for it," notes a camper about Halloween weekend at Harmonie State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Cave-in-Rock State Park and other area campgrounds have active wildlife. "The other restrooms were not so nice (pit toilets with spiders and mosquitoes everywhere)," reports one visitor, indicating the need for insect repellent.
Remote locations: Limited services in some areas require preparation. "There is no place to buy ice or firewood nearby. We crossed the ferry and went to Marion Kentucky and found some there," shares one Cave-in-Rock visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking cabins for family trips, check for nearby play areas. "We camped with 3 other families and had adjacent sites that worked perfectly for us, plenty of space for the kids to play, although a little far from the playground," notes a Harmonie State Park camper.
Swimming options: Diamond Lake Resort Campground offers aquatic recreation for children. "The swimming pool stays pretty full but is nice," reports one family. Another visitor mentions they "enjoyed our time fishing and going on the go carts."
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational opportunities for children. "They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer," explains a Harmonie visitor, detailing options beyond standard recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: Cabin users and RVers sometimes share campground areas. "The sites are very close together," notes a Diamond Lake Resort visitor. Another camper adds "RVs and campers are packed in like sardines," suggesting cabin rentals may offer more privacy than RV sites in some locations.
Utility access: Water and electric connections vary between cabin sites. At Miles Landing, one visitor reports "full hookups on every site," while another notes the need to plan for "water stations throughout" that you "can use to fill up but not stay connected to."
Cell service limitations: Communications can be unreliable near some cabin rentals. A reviewer mentions Harmonie State Park "is located back in the hills, far off the highway. Very little cell phone signal," indicating the need to download maps or information before arrival.
