Cabin camping near Elmer, Louisiana offers options within a 30-mile radius for visitors seeking forest and lakeside accommodations. The area sits at approximately 120 feet above sea level with hot, humid summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. State parks and recreation areas provide the majority of cabin rental options in this central Louisiana region.
What to do
Water recreation at Indian Creek Recreation Area: Multiple beaches provide swimming access during summer months. The recreation area features a multi-use trail for hiking with views of the reservoir. "Gorgeous lake, so quiet and peaceful. Campsites are well marked, paved roads and sites. Lots of pull thrus with views of the lake," notes one visitor at Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Chicot State Park offers a long fishing pier with boat rentals available for accessing deeper waters. Bass, crappie, and catfish are common catches in the area lakes. "There is a long fishing pier and boat rentals," mentions one camper about recreational options.
Trail exploration: The North Campground at Chicot State Park maintains several miles of hiking trails through Louisiana forests. "There are miles of beautiful hiking trails, but beware of snakes!" warns one visitor who experienced the park's natural setting.
Visit the arboretum: Located within Chicot State Park, the Louisiana State Arboretum preserves over 300 acres of plant species native to the region. "Don't forget to swing by the Arboretum. Very scenic 'Louisiana' park," recommends a visitor familiar with the area's botanical attractions.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many cabins sit directly on or near lakes, providing easy water access. "We camped near the lake, watched fishermen and boaters during the day," shares a visitor at Lotus Camp about their primitive camping experience.
Clean facilities: Most cabin locations maintain good hygiene standards with regular maintenance. "The bathhouses were cleaned every morning and I didn't see much trash lying around," notes a family staying at Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Family-oriented amenities: Multiple playground areas, sandy beaches, and organized activities keep children entertained. "From the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds, there was lot for my elementary age children to do," explains a parent who visited Indian Creek.
Spacious outdoor living areas: Many cabin sites include concrete patios, picnic tables, and ample room for outdoor furniture. "Ample sized cement sites with picnic tables. Our 42" 5th wheel has 4 slides and the site was roomy," describes a visitor at Red Shoes RV Park & Chalets.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings crowds and higher activity levels at most cabin locations. "Because this campground is geared toward young families, there were a lot of kids running around unsupervised," mentions one camper about peak season at Indian Creek Recreation Area.
Noise levels vary: Some locations experience after-hours activity despite quiet time regulations. "The rules seem to not be enforced, including the no noise times of 10pm-7am. There were golf carts riding around with loud music until 1:30 am both nights," reports a weekend camper.
Wildlife awareness: Local cabins exist in natural environments with native wildlife present. "The cleanliness of the primitive camp sites is unsurpassed. Beautiful views of the lake can be seen from almost all primitive sites. We were visited by raccoons one night," reports a visitor at Bundick Lake Retreat and RV Park.
Transportation options: Some parks require significant walking distances or provide shuttle service between amenities. "They have a 24 hour shuttle that takes to back and forth to casino. That really is all there is to do here as Lake Charles is 44 min away," explains a visitor about transportation at Red Shoes RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose cabin locations with multiple swimming areas for different age groups. "This is a campground that is designed for young families, from the multiple sandy beach areas to the playgrounds," recommends a family camper at Indian Creek.
Activity planning: Visit during organized events for additional entertainment options. "We loved our kids' Mardi Gras weekend here. Lots of cultural fun and activities for kids and family," shares a visitor at Lakeview Park.
Indoor alternatives: Select cabins near facilities with indoor recreation during hot or rainy weather. "The park offers a fantastic blend of outdoor and indoor activities, from mini golf and pickleball to a well-equipped game room," mentions a visitor about amenities at Bundick Lake Retreat.
Transportation planning: Consider renting or bringing bikes for easier navigation of larger parks. "We hit all the 'tourist' activities in our 2 day whirlwind trip to include Bourbon street, Canal street etc... What would we do differently - bring bikes or rent them so we could enjoy and do more of the parks," advises a camper from Pontchartrain Landing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection recommendations: When possible, request specific cabin numbers known for better views or privacy. "After exploring the campground on this first trip, we decided that site 56 would be perfect for us. We felt like 'kings of the mountain' during our second stay at Indian Creek as we were at the top of a hill," shares a repeat visitor.
Utility considerations: Bring extension cords and extra water hoses as hookup locations vary by site. "Be sure to bring extra sewer hose, the sewer is a far reach!" advises a camper at Lakeview Park.
Level site availability: Most dedicated cabin sites feature concrete pads that provide stable foundations. "The sites had concrete pads, picnic tables, and fire rings but no lantern posts," notes a camper describing the amenities at Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort.
Supply access: Dollar General stores exist near many cabin locations for essential supplies. "There is a Dollar General just a few minutes away as well as a well-appointed grocery store should you need any last minute items," mentions a visitor regarding shopping options near Indian Creek.
