Wilson State Park provides cabin accommodations through various areas including Hell Creek/Otoe Areas and Big Bluestem Campground. Located about 33 miles from Hoisington, Kansas, these cabins offer lake access with basic amenities. Most cabin sites are positioned with water views and standard utilities. The Wilson reservoir is known as the clearest lake in Kansas, creating an appealing setting for cabin stays throughout the year.
What to do
Mountain biking on trail networks: Wilson State Park maintains several trail systems for various skill levels. At Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground, visitors can access trails that are "super fun for mountain biking! Quick and flowy!" according to one camper. Morning rides are particularly recommended.
Kayaking to scenic formations: Paddle directly from waterfront cabins to explore limestone formations. "Kayaking over to the rocky cliffs is beautiful!" notes a camper at Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground. Many cabin sites allow for launching kayaks within feet of your accommodation.
Fishing from cabins: Multiple cabin locations provide direct water access for fishing. A visitor at Wilson State Park mentioned, "We like to fish and kayak - sometimes fishing from the kayaks, and we always have good luck at Wilson." Cabin sites with water access make getting watercraft in and out convenient.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin positioning: Cabins at Yarrow Otoe Area Campground are strategically placed for water views. "This campground is one of the most coveted in the park because of its location, its convenience and its size," explains one visitor, noting proximity to swimming beaches and restrooms as major advantages.
Rocky landscape views: The unusual terrain surrounding Wilson Lake creates distinctive vistas. A camper at Grama Hell Creek Area Campground mentioned, "Lake is beautiful and nice to swim in." The striking rock formations remind some visitors of Utah landscapes.
Varied cabin options: From rustic to more developed, cabin selections range across multiple price points. At Creek Side Resort, cabins are part of a well-maintained facility where visitors note "super nice" amenities and "clean and new facilities."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak periods, advance booking is essential. A visitor to Sandyshore Campground noted, "Wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends."
Cabin amenities vary: Basic furnishings are standard, but specifics differ between locations. Bring bedding, cooking equipment, and personal items. Facilities at Wilson State Park cabins typically include electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables.
Weather considerations: Temperature extremes can affect cabin comfort. A camper at Creek Side Resort reported summer temperatures "over 100 until almost 7:30 pm" with air conditioning struggling to maintain comfortable temperatures until evening.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When selecting cabin locations with children, consider proximity to play areas. Yarrow Otoe Area Campground features playground facilities nearby, with one camper noting it's "a perfect retreat for families looking to have a little fun together but still have convenience."
Swimming beaches: Little Bluestem Cabin Area at Kanopolis State Park offers family-friendly water access. "The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill!" reports one family.
Cabin spacing: For family groups, consider cabin proximity to other sites. At Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park, the three cabin sites provide more seclusion than state park options. The "SO sweet" cabins show "a lot of love" in their setup, according to visitors.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites at Wilson State Park vary significantly in levelness and size. At Grama Hell Creek Area Campground, one camper advised, "Anything larger than 20ft should not use Grama site 028," noting they needed "every leveler we had to get it level."
Utility hookups: While most cabin areas offer electric and water connections, sewer connections are limited. At Creek Side Resort, campers noted that "some sites don't have sewer hookups although they have an on-site dump station."
Navigation challenges: GPS coordinates sometimes lead to incorrect locations when approaching cabin areas. A visitor warned, "The GPS location on Dyrt was wrong and brought us to a privately owned farm. Just look the place up online to get correct directions."
