Cabins near Perryville range from primitive to modern accommodations with varying seasonal availability. Perryville sits in the eastern foothills of the Ozarks at approximately 600 feet elevation, characterized by dense forests and proximity to both the Mississippi River and smaller waterways like the St. Francis River. Winter cabin reservations often become available 3-4 months earlier than summer bookings.
What to do
Horseback riding access: Washington County State Recreation Area offers trails with convenient cabin proximity. One visitor noted, "Awesome fishing here and boat rentals," making it a dual-activity destination during warmer months.
Hiking with varied terrain: At Giant City State Park Campground, trails accommodate different skill levels. "There are a ton of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders," reports one camper, highlighting the geological formations that distinguish this area from flatter sections of Missouri.
Water activities beyond swimming: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground provides river access for casual wading. A visitor observed, "Beautiful camp sites and a beautiful river to paddle around on. This park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice."
Off-road vehicle opportunities: For cabin campers seeking motorized recreation, specific areas permit ATVs. "Good place to ride your off road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out," mentions a visitor to St. Joe State Park.
What campers like
Camp store conveniences: Huzzah Valley operates a well-stocked store for forgotten essentials. A reviewer highlighted its comprehensive inventory: "The family store offers everything you would expect and more."
Nature encounters: Quiet campgrounds provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Washington County State Recreation Area, visitors report: "We listened to Whip-por-will calls around the campfire," offering a distinctive evening auditory experience.
Lake views: Some cabins provide direct water views. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, a camper noted: "Easy walk to the lake with a gorgeous view, 2 different playgrounds walkable distance from campground."
Dark skies for stargazing: Locations away from urban light pollution offer astronomical viewing. "The sky was real dark, great for picking out constellations," reported one camper at Washington County State Recreation Area, which sits far from major metropolitan areas.
What you should know
Budget considerations: Pricing varies significantly between cabins with and without amenities. At Randolph County State Recreation Area, sites cost "$18 a night" according to one review, but cabin rates at other facilities can exceed $90 per night.
Reservation timing: Peak season fills quickly, particularly holiday weekends. "Advance reservations and I would definitely recommend them in the summer," advises a visitor to Sam A. Baker State Park.
Accessibility limitations: Some parks present challenges for mobility-impaired visitors. A reviewer noted at Giant City: "Trails aren't always maintained it definitely depends on the season."
Water sources: Not all cabin locations provide on-site water. One camper at Randolph County mentioned, "Water fill available with frost free," indicating seasonal availability concerns for some utilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment near cabins. At Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney, a visitor highlighted: "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."
Swimming options: Beyond pools, natural swimming areas provide alternatives. "There are two swimming beaches," notes a St. Joe State Park visitor, offering choices for families with different water preferences.
Educational opportunities: Some parks feature historical components. Giant City offers "a very nice lodge with a good restaurant, and the cabins here are pretty good too," according to one reviewer who also mentioned the educational value of nearby sites.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours while others permit late activities. A Perryville visitor cautioned: "Someone was playing loud music till at least 1130pm when we went to bed," suggesting families with young children may prefer designated family camping sections.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Many cabins share campgrounds with RV sections. At St. Joe State Park Campground, "Really nice pull through sites" accommodate larger vehicles according to one reviewer.
Utility access: Electric-only hookups predominate at state parks. Lake Murphysboro State Park has "Electric only, no water or sewer hookups. Pit toilets," reports a camper, noting limitations relevant to those considering cabin alternatives.
Dump station locations: Strategic planning helps with waste management. A visitor to Randolph County warned: "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. It's approximately a mile before the campground on your left."
Storage considerations: Limited interior space means planning what to bring. When staying in cabins at Huzzah Valley, a visitor mentioned, "It included a kitchenette, full bathroom, fire ring, BBQ grill, picnic table. Aside from a microwave and a full size fridge, the cabin didn't really offer any other amenities."
