Cabins near Jackson, Missouri provide rustic to refined overnight accommodations within the rolling hills of southeastern Missouri. The area sits at the edge of the Ozark foothills with elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for outdoor recreation. Winter temperatures typically range from 25-45°F while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making cabin accommodations particularly valuable during extreme weather.
What to do
Hiking trails: Giant City State Park offers multiple trail options ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains," notes one visitor about the park's geological features that resemble areas near the Mississippi River.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground provides accessible fishing with a 145-acre lake stocked with multiple fish species. According to one camper, "Lots of hot water. Lots of trails (within 10-30 minute drive). Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie)."
River activities: Huzzah Valley offers organized float trips on clear waters with shuttle service. "We floated. They picked us up and dropped us off at our camp sites since we had a large group," explains a visitor who notes that Sunday floats are less crowded than Saturday trips.
Horseback riding: Several parks in the region maintain equestrian trails, with cabins available nearby. "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground," states one reviewer about Giant City State Park's separate facilities for horse enthusiasts.
What campers like
Private cabin options: Touch of Nature Education Center maintains lodges and cabins on Little Grassy Lake with unique amenities. "Camp Amenities include: lodges, cabins, shelters, parking, fire pits/fireplaces all with wood supplied, amphitheaters, fishing along Little Grassy Lake, trails, swing set," according to one visitor.
Full-service cabins: Cabins near Jackson range from basic to fully equipped. "We've also stayed with a large group at Hiller House. Sleeps 20 with its own private, clean shower house connected with normal bathroom," describes a camper at Huzzah Valley, noting the house "has plenty of room outside to do group activities."
River access: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers cabins with easy access to water activities. "Beautiful view. You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids. Park is well maintained," shares a visitor who appreciates the park's natural features.
Reasonable prices: Cabin accommodations vary in price throughout the region. "For the price, you can't beat the view. If I return to the area, I would stay here again," comments a visitor about the cabins overlooking the lake at Crab Orchard Lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking, especially during summer months. "We stayed Easter Weekend here in the campground and had a great time. The campground is clean and maintained," notes a Giant City visitor, adding that "Some sites are gravel and some are asphalt. Not sure if they are upgrading a little at a time."
Seasonal considerations: Crab Orchard Lake Crab Orchard NWR operates year-round with varying availability. "The biggest thing about this campground is first come first serve..and one loop is closed for renovations (as of 2021 camping season, May). Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do," explains a frequent visitor.
Noise levels: Some cabin locations experience highway noise while others are set back in quieter areas. "Right off a hiway (W) and a bit noisey, but all in all a nice park, especially for a night over," shares a visitor about The Landing Point RV Park's location.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations. "The cabin was reasonably sized and not a bad experience," reports a Huzzah Valley visitor, noting "Aside from a microwave and a full size fridge, the cabin didn't really offer any other amenities. We brought our own sheets and campstove."
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas: Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort offers family-friendly lake access near cabins. "Small lake. Has tent camping or cabins. All roads are gravel. Lake has sandy beaches. Small playset in the water for kids," describes a visitor who stayed in the cabins.
Playgrounds: Several cabin locations include dedicated children's play areas. "Giant City is a great place to go with your family! The trails are fun and interesting while the lodge is fantastic," reports a visitor who also notes the "scenery is beautiful and the lookout tower gives amazing views."
Room configurations: Family cabins typically offer multiple sleeping arrangements. "It was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room," explains a Whippoorwill Lake visitor about their cabin accommodations.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin locations provide opportunities for animal observation. "While you are here, check out the Lodge for dinner one night and climb to the top of the water tower observation deck for some amazing views," suggests a Giant City visitor who also recommends exploring the "little hippy town" of Makanda.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney provides both RV sites and cabin rentals with varying access challenges. "The property itself is beautiful. Spots are intermingled in the trees and it is spectacular in the morning," notes a visitor, though they mention highway proximity creates "noise [that] can be heard at all times."
Site spacing: Cabin locations vary in privacy and distance between units. "Sites are reasonably spaced, many with large trees. Not real far off 55. Would stay here again for a night over and even an extra night," explains a visitor to The Landing Point RV Park.
Hookup options: Cabins near RV sites often share amenities. "The campground as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice," shares a Sam A. Baker State Park visitor, though they note "their wifi was very poor and didn't work half the time."
Shade availability: Tree cover varies between cabin sites. "Very quiet family friendly with large mostly level spots," describes a visitor about Crab Orchard Lake cabins, while another notes about Perryville that "There are a ton of big trees and it is really shady."
