Several campgrounds near Paoli, Indiana provide rustic cabin accommodations tucked into the forested hills of southern Indiana. The region sits within the Crawford Upland physiographic section, characterized by rugged terrain with elevations ranging from 500-800 feet. Most cabin campgrounds in this area maintain operations from March through November, with limited winter availability due to seasonal water shutoffs in the colder months. Water access varies significantly between locations.
What to do
Explore caves and trails: Marengo Cave Campgrounds offers tent camping alongside cabin accommodations, with the main attraction being access to their impressive cave systems. According to one visitor, "I was really surprised that in my 30 years of living in Indiana, I had never been to Marengo Cave. It's both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore." The campground provides easy access to multiple guided cave tours.
Fishing opportunities: At Hardin Ridge, campers can enjoy shoreline fishing at Monroe Lake. "We went fishing down by the ramp and caught a mess of bluegill which we fried up back at the campsite!!!" shares one visitor. The boat ramp with dock provides lake access for fishing throughout most of the year.
Disc golf and swimming: Buffalo Trace Park features multiple recreation options beyond cabin camping. "Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo," notes one camper. The park also offers a lake where visitors can "kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim," making it suitable for water-loving families.
What campers like
Secluded cabin locations: Happy Hollow Homestead receives praise for its peaceful setting. One visitor shared, "The forest is beautiful and we had no problems with ticks or mosquitoes while sleeping in our hammocks. The whole place felt safe and perfect for relaxation in the woods." Several campers mentioned the property's unique features including "a beautiful creek with waterfall, bee hives and sinkholes."
Kid-friendly amenities: Sycamore Springs Park stands out for its extensive child-focused facilities. According to a visitor, "So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff." Another camper noted, "Kids can ride bikes all day long, splash in the creeks, and play on the multitude of playground equipment."
Lakefront sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront cabin options at state recreation areas. "Starve Hollow offers camping from full hookup, electric only (by the lake), tent camping, and cabins. The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse," explains one visitor. These sites allow for scenic views and direct water access for recreation.
What you should know
Cabin amenities vary widely: Most facilities offer basic cabin interiors without plumbing. At Delaney Creek Park, campers note the simplicity: "Nice cabins good fishing and lots of boats to rent or bring your own. Camp how you like, from Primitive to Glam-ping." Cabins typically include electric outlets, some form of climate control, and sleeping surfaces.
Sleeping arrangements: When staying in cabins, bedding is rarely provided. One camper advises, "Bring a mattress or sleeping bags or you will sleep on wood." Most cabins feature wooden bunks or platforms without mattresses, making air mattresses essential for comfort.
Weather considerations: Southern Indiana experiences significant seasonal fluctuations. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures but unpredictable rain. One camper reported, "We unfortunately had poor weather during our stay and had to leave early because of the threat of thunderstorms and tornadoes/damaging winds." Always check weather forecasts before booking cabin stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Families frequently mention the value of on-site recreation. "They had a Smokey the Bear program for the kids and some really fun activities at the nature center while we were there. We were able to rent a paddle boat for $8/hr and saw tons of turtles!" shared one parent about their experience at Spring Mill State Park Campground.
Cabin location strategy: Select cabins with proximity to bathrooms when traveling with children. Many parents recommend choosing sites near restroom facilities: "Our campsite wasn't far from the bathrooms and showers house which were pretty clean. We were near water as well."
Plan for rainy days: Pack indoor games and activities since weather can be unpredictable. "There is no cell service but it was so nice to 'unplug' and enjoy talking with each other and making new friends," noted one family, suggesting the value of offline entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many cabin and RV sites in this region require significant leveling equipment. "Make sure you have plenty of leveling blocks. We used all of ours and was not level," reported one RV camper at Buffalo Trace Park. The hilly terrain in southern Indiana creates naturally uneven campsites.
Utilities positioning: Several campgrounds have non-standard utility hookup locations. "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," warns one experienced RVer.
Access road considerations: Some cabin camping locations have challenging approach roads. One camper noted, "The decent into this park is steep and the road is narrow. I think there is one section that is close to 8%, however it's short." Larger vehicles may need to exercise caution when accessing more remote cabin locations.
