Camping cabins near Altenburg, Missouri sit within the eastern Ozark foothills, approximately 60-80 miles southeast of St. Louis at elevations ranging from 400-800 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow. Cabin campers should prepare for rapid weather changes during spring and fall when thunderstorms can develop quickly across the rolling terrain.
What to do
Hiking trails near cabins: Giant City State Park Campground offers multiple trail options within minutes of its cabin accommodations. "The Giant City Nature Trail and Devils Standtable were really pretty, easy strolls. The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," notes reviewer Shana D.
Fishing opportunities: Crab Orchard Lake provides excellent fishing directly from many cabin sites. "Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie). Went into Carbondale a few times," reports camper Tracie E. Many cabin sites around Crab Orchard have direct lake access.
Rock climbing: For adventure seekers staying in cabins, the region offers climbing options. "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else," advises Josh M. from Giant City State Park Campground.
Stargazing: Cabin locations away from urban light pollution create excellent nighttime viewing. "Due to the somewhat rural location you could not beat the view of the stars at night," explains a Giant City visitor. Most cabins provide outdoor seating areas for evening sky observation.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Giant City State Park Campground cabin areas feature mature forests. "All are shaded and quiet. Showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean. In addition to campgrounds, there's a very nice lodge with a good restaurant, and the cabins here are pretty good too," says Kyle K.
Lake views: Many cabin locations provide water views or access. "The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view," explains TJ G. at Crab Orchard Lake, where cabins typically range from $45-75 per night depending on amenities.
Lodge dining: Several cabin locations offer on-site food options. "The park used to have an interp center but I believe the state closed it do to funding. The trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season but the park itself is not to be missed," explains Ashley Y. about Giant City's lodge restaurant.
Educational opportunities: Touch of Nature Education Center provides unique learning experiences with cabin stays. "Stayed in Shawnee Lodge in camp campus. Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set," shares James M.
What you should know
Seasonal availability changes: Cabins fill quickly during peak periods. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained. Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time??" notes Shana D. about Giant City.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some cabin areas have modern facilities while others offer more rustic options. "The main bathhouse is older, but nice and clean! There is a vault only bathroom at the back of the campground," explains a Giant City visitor.
Weather preparedness: Randolph County State Recreation Area and similar locations experience rapid weather changes. "Plenty of tent camping sites. There are primitive also. Great Lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike. Looks like the rv site can get booked up on weekends," reports Michael G.
Highway noise concerns: Some cabin locations experience traffic sounds. "This was a great place. The staff were super friendly and accommodating, and the bathrooms and camp store were extremely nice. The draw backs for us were how close it was to the interstate," explains Christopher B. about Perryville RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabins have nearby play areas for children. "Decorated for Halloween and very kid friendly. Spots are tight (wouldn't want to be here when the park is full). Nice park for kids, hiking trail and jump pad (trampoline)," reports a Perryville camper.
Educational programming: Schedule cabin stays when ranger programs are available. "Giant City is a great place to go with your family! The trails are fun and interesting while the lodge is fantastic! Amazing food there! The scenery is beautiful and the lookout tower gives amazing views!" explains Livia W.
Swimming options: Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground cabins provide water recreation access. "Regular state park stuff. The group camping area was very nice. It is a large, separate area. We had the whole area to ourselves each time we took the scouts. There were pit toilets, but the guys didn't care. Also lots of free fire wood, hiking, fishing and canoeing!" shares Joel R.
Cabin selection for kids: Choose cabin locations with appropriate amenities for children. "The property itself is beautiful. Spots are intermingled in the trees and it is spectacular in the morning. The pool is better then most hotels and the giant trampoline looked like it would be my daughters favorite thing if she were with us," writes Jamey W. about Perryville RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad stability: The Landing Point RV Park offers cabin options with solid foundations. "Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete. ATT & Verizon both worked fine. Wifi & cable included in the price," notes Gary P.
Utility connections: Cabins with utility access simplify extended stays. "Electric only, no water or sewer hookups. Pit toilets. Nice and clean. People kept cutting through our campsite on their way to the playground, which is whatever, but some people are bothered by that kind of thing," explains Chelsea D. about Lake Murphysboro.
Turning radius limitations: Some cabin areas present navigation challenges. "Getting around is a little tight for bigger rigs but still doable as long as you're careful. Make sure you fill up at the dump station before you get to the campground because there's no easy way to turn around if you miss it," advises J.K. at Randolph County State Recreation Area.
