Cabins near Nevada, Missouri range from rustic forest retreats to modern lake accommodations within 40 miles of town. The region sits at approximately 850 feet elevation in the Ozark Highland transition zone, creating a diverse landscape of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and numerous lakes and reservoirs. Winter temperatures typically drop to the low 20s while summer highs reach the upper 80s, making cabin camping viable year-round with proper preparation.
What to do
Lake activities: At Crawford State Park, visitors enjoy a swimming beach with modern facilities. "Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant," notes one camper. The park offers multiple recreation options around the lake for day visitors and overnight guests.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple area lakes provide excellent fishing conditions. "Fishing from the shore is great no boats," reports a camper at Gunn Park. The area lakes support populations of bass, crappie and catfish, with many cabin sites offering direct shoreline access.
Hiking trails: Stockton State Park maintains several marked hiking trails along the lakeshore. A recent visitor notes, "There was a short walk less than 5 minutes down a trail to the lake that was gorgeous. And a longer hike that went along the edge of the lake that was absolutely lovely and easy enough for the young kids in our group to do."
What campers like
Dining options: Crawford State Park offers on-site dining that many visitors appreciate. A camper mentions, "Small lake, but everything is clean and well maintained. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk when you simply don't want to cook." Several parks provide picnic areas with grills for outdoor meals.
Peaceful settings: Arrowhead Point RV Park & Cabins receives praise for its tranquil atmosphere. "Pleasant, quiet, and friendly experience," writes one visitor. Another adds, "Off the beaten path, quiet, we love it!" The property features shaded sites and full hookups for cabins.
Swimming pools: Cozy Corner RV Park offers a saltwater pool that guests particularly enjoy during summer months. "Salt water pool, play ground, camp store with onsite storage available for campers or boats, this is a great place," reports a camper. The pool provides recreation options when lake swimming isn't preferred.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance bookings, especially during peak season (May-September). "Increase in the number of RVers has this place packed so a quick call and reservation to hold the site is recommended," advises a Cozy Corner visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. A visitor at Gunn Park notes, "Bathrooms were a bit nasty. There was also a door marked showers, but had a coded lock." Meanwhile, a Stockton State Park camper reported, "Cleanest restrooms I've seen."
Cell service considerations: Cell reception varies across the region. A visitor at Linn County Park warns, "If you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored." Some parks offer WiFi as an alternative connectivity option.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations include playground equipment for children. Stockton State Park receives high marks for family amenities: "Both loops had decent playgrounds for the kids." Parks with combined lake and playground access provide diverse recreation options.
Educational opportunities: Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park offers proximity to educational attractions. "Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached," notes a visitor. The nearby drive-in theater provides evening entertainment for families.
Beginner-friendly options: Stockton State Park includes walk-in sites suitable for families new to outdoor experiences. A camper reports, "We did check out the walk in sites here, but were not able to stay in them. They looked awesome and were a short 5 minute walk from the parking. A great beginner site for walk in camping and there were carts at the start of the trail for your gear."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose your cabin or site location carefully based on specific needs. At Arrowhead Point, a visitor advises, "Shady spots, #22 is best. Full hookups." Each park has sites with varying degrees of privacy, shade, and amenities.
Weather preparedness: Several parks provide storm shelters, an important consideration in this region. A Cozy Corner visitor mentions the "storm shelter which gives piece of mind in crazy Missouri weather." Severe weather can occur with little warning, particularly during spring and summer.
Seasonal considerations: Cabin availability and conditions change by season. In off-season months, rates may be discounted. "Real nice park Especially for what we paid. $8.00 for electric only per night. Senior rate off season, $2.00 discount," notes a visitor to Stockton State Park, referring to campsite costs adjacent to cabin areas.
