Cabin rentals near Chatham, Louisiana offer access to recreational water sports with boat launches, fishing docks, and designated swimming areas. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, pine forest, and notable lakes including Caney Lake and Lake Claiborne. Seasonal weather affects cabin availability, with some campgrounds adjusting rental options during winter months.
What to do
Water activities on Caney Lake: Caney Lake at Jimmie Davis State Park Campground features excellent fishing with boat launches and fish cleaning stations. The lake is "known for trophy bass" according to camper West D. and provides good opportunities for water sports with convenient boat parking at many sites.
Disc golf courses: Lake Claiborne State Park offers "two of the best frisbe golf courses in Louisiana" as noted by Sarah B. The park maintains well-marked courses suitable for various skill levels among its wooded terrain.
Swimming options: Both beaches and pools are available depending on the campground. Lake D'Arbonne State Park includes "a very nice like a resort" environment with "swimming pool" facilities alongside natural swimming areas, according to Steve S.
Nature trails: Hiking paths wind through the region's forested hills. The King of the Mountain Trail at Lake Claiborne State Park Campground stands out for its "wooden bridge and tiny waterfall" as reported by Sarah B. The park maintains clearly marked trail systems with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive consistent praise at most locations. Jimmie Davis State Park offers "nice shower facility" that is "well lit" as mentioned by Sherrie N. Many cabins include updated amenities while maintaining a rustic woodland setting.
Wildlife viewing: Abundant wildlife inhabits the region, making animal sightings common from cabin porches. Lake Claiborne State Park Campground features "TONS of deer" according to Zack M., along with diverse bird species and aquatic wildlife.
Quiet atmosphere: Many cabins are positioned to maximize privacy and natural surroundings. Brad's Old Ferry Landing offers cabins in "beautiful woods" that prompted one visitor to extend their stay from three nights to "a full month" according to Mollie, who described the location as "isolated, gorgeous."
Resort-like amenities: Lake D'Arbonne State Park provides "tennis courses, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, swimming pool" and more according to Cheri H., who called it a "resort like State Park" with "very reasonable sites."
What you should know
Seasonal rental considerations: While cabins operate year-round, availability varies by season. Winter visitors to Lake D'Arbonne might find "the swimming pool closed for winter" as noted by Steve S., though other amenities remain accessible.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking becomes essential during peak periods, particularly summer weekends and holidays. Some parks like Kels Kove maintain marina access alongside cabin rentals, making them popular destinations that fill quickly.
Cell phone service variability: Coverage differs dramatically between locations and carriers. At Kels Kove, "ATT works best, Verizon and Tmobie are spotty reception" according to Mark H. Some remote cabin locations have minimal connectivity.
Kitchen provisions: Cabin kitchens typically provide basic cooking equipment but require guests to bring their own food supplies. Kels Kove offers a "country store with Beer, Alcohol, and all other essentials" as noted by Mark H., though selection remains limited compared to full grocery stores.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks offer dedicated children's areas. Jimmie Davis State Park includes a "splash pad and park for the kids to play nice beach area" according to Sherrie N., making it suitable for families with young children.
Nature education opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences for children. Midway RV Park & Marina offers riverside opportunities where "fishing is always good from the bank or a boat" according to Jerry H.
Safety considerations: Parks with cabins typically maintain good lighting and security features. Jimmie Davis State Park was described as having "well lit" grounds by Sherrie N., providing reassurance for families with children.
Playground access: Multiple cabin locations include dedicated playground equipment. Lake D'Arbonne State Park features "several playgrounds" according to Cheri H., with equipment suitable for various age ranges.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Terrain throughout the region tends toward rolling hills, affecting parking surfaces. At Lake Claiborne, Cat R. noted their site required "enough blocks to get it level" as they managed the sloping terrain.
Utility connections: Hookup configurations vary between parks and specific cabin areas. Katina T. mentioned that Jimmie Davis State Park has "no sewage hookup, only a dump station" which proved "not a big deal for a weekend visit, but may be an inconvenience if it were a longer stay."
Parking considerations: Some cabin locations offer limited parking or specific pad designs. Brad's Old Ferry Landing Campground accommodates various RV sizes while maintaining the natural wooded setting that makes the location "beautiful" according to visitor reviews.
