Cabin rentals near Taswell, Indiana offer unique accommodations amid the forested hills of southern Indiana. The region sits within the Crawford Upland section of the state, characterized by steep slopes and narrow valleys formed by weathered sandstone. Most cabin facilities in this area operate between March and November, with limited winter availability due to seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Cave exploration: 45-minute boat tours at Marengo Cave Campgrounds offer a unique way to see underground formations. "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 dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern," notes one visitor.
Fishing: Multiple species available at Buffalo Trace Park where the small lake supports various fish. "Beautiful lake and well maintained park. The lake was beautiful and the park was well maintained. Wished the beach, paddle boats, and petting zoo was open... Still had a great time," shares a camper who visited in October.
Creek swimming: No entrance fee at Sycamore Springs Park where visitors can cool off in natural water. "So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff. Clean bathrooms and showers, and beautiful places to visit also," reports one family who stayed at the park.
What campers like
Private cabins: Spacious accommodations at Happy Hollow Homestead provide quiet surroundings away from other campers. "We stayed over the Memorial Day holiday with our kid and another couple. We were all impressed with the land and how spaced out the camp sites were. The kids loved the tire swing and tree web," explains a recent visitor.
Cabin layouts: Family-friendly designs with sleeping spaces for different age groups. "The cabins at Deam Lake State Recreation Area are cool and cozy just bring a mattress," recommends one camper, while another adds, "We stayed in the Cardinal Cabin. 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."
Cabin affordability: Lower rates compared to hotels make multi-day stays possible. At Starve Hollow, a reviewer mentioned: "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."
What you should know
Bedding requirements: Mattresses not included in most basic cabin rentals throughout the region. At Starve Hollow State Rec Area, cabins have "a front room offers a small table with bench seats, corner shelf, chair, rocking chair, and a loft. The back room offers a bunk bed(single) and a double bed(NO LINENS or MATTRESS PROVIDED). Air mattress recommended."
Seasonal operation: Limited availability after Labor Day at most locations. "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds. Overall there was nothing bad to report. If you want to rent one of the kayaks, get to the office right at 8 or they will be gone for the day," advises a Starve Hollow visitor regarding summer amenities.
Electrical systems: Portable air conditioning in most basic cabins rather than central systems. Several cabins feature heating/cooling units suitable for summer months, but not designed for extreme temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for all ages: Multiple playgrounds spread throughout Lake Lincoln Campground provide entertainment options. "My kids love Lincoln especially around Halloween when they do their trick or treating. Great bathrooms, great sites, lots of walking trails, close to Holiday World, so much to do with kids," shares a regular visitor.
Trail difficulty awareness: Steep sections can challenge younger hikers on some routes. When planning hikes near cabin accommodations, one camper advises: "The Lake View trail was a good and tough hike. If you take young ones, be sure they will be self reliant. It can be very steep in some areas."
Water activities: Electric motors only on most lakes near cabin facilities maintain calm swimming conditions. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner because no wake zone," writes a first-time paddler at Deam Lake, making these waterways ideal for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Verify dimensions before booking cabin or RV sites to ensure adequate space. At Buffalo Trace Park, "The campground is made for smaller sizes but we were able to negotiate the main ring road with our 37' travel trailer. The spot that we had reserved was in an area we could not get into but we went to the gatehouse and they gave us another spot."
Leveling challenges: Bring blocks as many cabin and RV sites require adjustment. "Make sure you have plenty of leveling blocks. We used all of ours and was not level," warns an RVer at Buffalo Trace Park, highlighting a common issue at smaller county parks.
Proximity planning: Book based on amenities needed during your specific stay dates. "The spots are very close together and lined up right next to each other but are aligned along a small stream. Heavy truck and train traffic can be heard at all hours," notes a Marengo Cave visitor about the trade-off between convenience and noise.
