Cabins near Elwood, Kansas offer year-round lodging options with varying levels of amenities across several parks. Situated along the Missouri River basin at approximately 820 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers and cold winters, making climate-controlled cabins particularly valuable during seasonal extremes. Water access is common at most cabin locations, with fishing opportunities available directly from cabin sites at several locations.
What to do
Fishing at the lake: Atchison State Fishing Lake offers primitive cabin accommodations with lake access. "Primitive camping spot. Bugs and geese are rampant there, but it was quiet," notes Christopher S. The Hickory Point Cabin at this location includes electric and water hookups.
Swimming and splashing: Basswood Country RV Resort maintains a swimming pool and splash park for summer recreation. "Nice accommodations from camping spots, motel rooms, cabins and houses. Well ran. Golf carts, a pool, activities for the kids," reports Dave M. The resort also includes multiple small lakes for fishing.
Hiking and biking: Paved trails at Watkins Mill State Park Campground provide recreational opportunities directly from cabin sites. "Great place to make memories," mentions Jolie C., who highlights the "beautiful, easily accessible, hiking, biking, fishing, well maintained" facilities available to guests.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards are consistently high at most cabin locations. At Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, "The park rangers are always cleaning or doing rounds to make sure everything is okay," according to Sabrina E. The campground features climate-controlled restrooms with daily disinfection.
Family-friendly amenities: Mozingo Lake County RV Park cabins provide direct lake access and recreational facilities. "This is a great kid friendly place. We always have a blast when we go. Kids absolutely love it, easy access to the water, quiet, and very nice!!" shares Laci P. The park maintains concrete pads with power and water at cabin sites.
Level, accessible sites: Most cabin locations feature flat terrain with paved or gravel parking areas. "Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp," Jason C. reports about Big Lake State Park Campground, where cabins provide alternatives to tent camping.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many cabins remain open year-round, but some facilities close seasonally. At Pony Express RV, one resident notes: "This is a 12-month open RV Park. I live here full time. Most sites offer 30 and 50 Amp, Water and Sewer. WiFi has improved."
Reservation requirements: State park cabins fill quickly, particularly during peak summer months. AOK Campground demonstrates good reservation management: "When we came in after hours, we had our envelope ready with a map and route to our campsite," reports Soren B.
Proximity to transportation: Some cabin locations experience noise from nearby roads or airports. Regarding Basswood Resort, Angela C. advises: "We booked a site here on our drive back East in August 2023. I saw 'resort' and was like 'Sign me up' after some real hot and grimy parks earlier in the trip."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations maintain dedicated play areas for children. At Big Lake State Park Campground, Carissa H. notes: "Sites are flat, mostly pull through. Bathrooms and showers are nice and clean. Pool was closed for construction when we stayed, but looked nice."
Weekend activities: Scheduled events enhance the cabin camping experience at several locations. Shannon G. reports that Basswood Resort provides "a store which had a pizza place inside, playgrounds, swimming pool, outdoor games, a game room, volleyball, trails, and even golf carts for rent. Very family friendly place."
Budget-friendly options: Basic cabins cost significantly less than deluxe models while still providing essential amenities. White Cloud Casino cabins include water and electric hookups at affordable rates, with Jerry W. confirming: "White cloud casino has six RV site was water 20 30 and 50 amp electric first come first serve."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At larger parks with multiple cabin options, location matters significantly. At Basswood Resort, Angela C. advises: "What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the 'resort' or old-fashioned campground, but where we were placed was in the back with what looked like a lot of long-term, single male residents."
Food preparation options: Kitchen facilities vary widely between cabin locations. At Watkins Mill State Park, campers recommend bringing portable cooking equipment, as Val S. notes about a similar nearby location: "It's great for one night. Site 8 is pull thru. Big shade tree. Owners very nice. Good Sam discount."
Access road conditions: Most cabin facilities near Elwood maintain paved roads throughout the properties. At Lewis and Clark State Park, Tori G. confirms: "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding."
