Crawford State Park offers cabin rentals throughout the year in a wooded lakeside setting. The cabins range from basic to fully furnished units with kitchen facilities and climate control systems. Located approximately 10 miles northeast of Pittsburg, Kansas, this state park encompasses a 150-acre lake surrounded by oak-hickory forest at an elevation of 850 feet.
What to do
Fishing at the lake: At Crawford State Park, visitors can fish for bass, crappie, and catfish. "Awesome lake, fishing is decent, the food at the Marina is great," notes Jim S., highlighting the convenience of having dining options near fishing spots.
Outdoor recreation: The park features multiple hiking trails and swimming areas. According to Jeremy G. from Lonesome Point Campground, there are "great primitive spots near the front with no electric but water within walking distance. Remote and lovely."
Visit nearby attractions: The historic Route 66 corridor offers additional entertainment options. "Want to watch an old time outdoor movie drive-in? It's a couple of blocks down the road," shares Mike C. about staying at Camp Mi Casa, which provides both cabin accommodations and access to classic Americana attractions.
What campers like
Large waterfront sites: Cabin visitors appreciate the spacious layout at many locations. "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access," notes Rhonda D. about her experience at Oak Point Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are consistently high across cabin accommodations. One visitor at Joplin KOA found the grounds "clean and well maintained" with "friendly personnel" and noted that "sites are very level with crushed stone pads. Good water pressure. Lots of grass."
Pet-friendly options: Most cabin rentals in the area welcome four-legged companions. A regular visitor to Lonesome Point notes, "We camp here quite often. I like that we can take our fur babies. It's quiet even if there are a lot of campers. People are polite and respectful."
What you should know
Bathroom access varies: Not all cabins include private facilities. "Only drawback is restrooms are sometimes a short walk away," mentions Stephanie D. about Crawford State Park cabins, suggesting guests should check bathroom proximity when booking.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is necessary, especially during summer months. The online reservation systems can sometimes show no availability when spots are actually open. "The online reservation page said this place was full with no availability. I called them and they said they did have some spots," shares Tamisha S. about Camp Mi Casa.
Amenity differences: Cabin features vary significantly between properties. Many include basic kitchenettes, while others offer only outdoor cooking facilities. "I know there are new pedestals and hookups for RVs and they have been working on the swimming pool for 2023," notes Ryan H. about ongoing improvements at Crossroads RVs and Cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple cabins near Pittsburg provide water recreation. "Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant," says Stephanie D. about Crawford State Park, making it ideal for families looking to combine water activities with comfortable accommodations.
Playground access: Some properties offer dedicated children's areas. Jo E. observed at Woody Trail Campground that "they have a really nice playground for the kids," complementing their cabin and RV accommodations.
Educational opportunities: The area provides learning experiences alongside recreation. "Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached," reports Mychele B., describing the balance of cultural activities and natural surroundings available when staying at cabin properties in the region.
Tips from RVers
Hookup quality: Electric service is reliable at most combined RV/cabin facilities. "Good water pressure," notes Mike H. about utilities at Joplin KOA, which maintains both cabin rentals and full-service RV sites approximately 30 minutes from Pittsburg.
Accessibility: Many properties accommodate large vehicles alongside their cabin offerings. Dexter I. points out that at Woody Trail, "Campground roads are paved" and there are various accommodation types from "walking tent sites with or without electricity, RV sites with hook-ups and even cabins."
Site spacing: The distance between accommodations affects privacy levels. "All sites are nicely distanced from each other," observes Dexter I., indicating that guests seeking more secluded cabin experiences should consider properties that emphasize site separation.
