Cabins near Washburn, Missouri provide access to the Ozark highlands, characterized by limestone bluffs, clear streams, and heavily forested hills at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F while spring and fall offer milder 60-70°F days, with most rental cabins remaining open from March through November. Water temperatures in Roaring River stay consistently cool year-round at 57°F, creating ideal trout habitat.
What to do
Trout fishing at sunrise: Roaring River State Park Campground offers premier trout fishing with the hatchery releasing fish daily. "There is a siren at the park alerting fishermen you can fish. The campground is okay. Very open and not a lot of shade. The local ozark said are beautiful," notes visitor Tom K.
Mountain biking on Back 40: Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites provides direct access to extensive trail systems. "Such easy access to the Back 40 and Slaughter Pen mountain bike trails! We get on our bikes and ride all day and then come back and enjoy the peaceful campground!" according to camper Savannah T.
Explore Hobbs State Park: Located a short drive from Rocky Branch Campground on Beaver Lake. "We did hike on the trail that is in the campground. It appears to have been a loop at one point but one section of it is closed off and not in use. The starting point is at the shower house," reports Doug G.
Visit fish hatchery: Watch the trout development process at the Roaring River hatchery. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river. There is also a cave you can walk in where you'll find a pool of water that goes for miles underground," shares Wendy M.
What campers like
Waterfront cabins with lake views: Prairie Creek Campground offers excellent cabin accommodations with water proximity. "Spacious sites surrounded by tall oaks & plenty of wildlife. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire pit, stove table & lantern hook. Large variety of sites, including multi-family sites," mentions Kristi A.
Clean, updated facilities: Eureka Springs KOA maintains exceptionally well-kept cabins and common areas. "I couldn't get over how clean this facility was. Very kind and accommodating staff. We stayed in a Kamping Kabin with a bunk bed and a full size bed and it was sparkling clean," notes Rebecca W.
Shady, secluded sites: Lake Leatherwood City Park provides more natural cabin settings. "We had booked one of the sites in what is known as Shady Grove, which is down on the edge of the lake. We kayak and it was a pleasant surprise to find only three powered boats on the lake throughout the weekend," shares Graham B.
Stargazing opportunities: Roaring River Hills Campground and Cabins offers excellent night sky viewing from cabin porches. "Amazing summer night stay. Sunset, frogs chirping, a field of fireflies and relaxing by a campfire. This brand new campground is amazing," reports Charles S.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, particularly during peak fishing season from March through October. "Reservations are highly recommended as this is a trout fishing park and fills up during the summer and on weekends," advises Gary P. at Roaring River State Park.
Pad leveling challenges: Many RV sites with cabins require careful leveling. "Be prepared with as many leveling blocks as you can bring if you have a trailer. All spots seemed to have unlevel pads," warns Mandi R. at Prairie Creek.
Bathroom access codes: Some facilities require entry codes not included in reservation emails. "Make sure you get the access code to the bathrooms before your stay. The code was not included in our email confirming the rearrange," advises Alex S. at Blowing Springs RV Park.
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on provider and location. "Verizon cell is ok, ATT non existent," notes Gary P. about Roaring River State Park. Service improves near towns and deteriorates in remote cabin locations.
Tips for camping with families
Opt for Campground 1: Families seeking more seclusion at Roaring River should choose this area. "Campground 1 is very shady, lots of trees and spacious sites. Trout fishing is awesome. Lots of trails and fish hatcheries," recommends maureen L.
Use trolley services: Green Tree Campground provides convenient transportation from cabins to Eureka Springs attractions. "The site is only a few minutes from downtown Eureka Springs and is one of the stops on the free trolley line in case you don't like driving or trying to find parking downtown," notes Rosemary S.
Consider swimming options: Lake beaches offer better alternatives to river swimming. "The campground has 2 swimming areas. No real beach but the site at the day-use boat ramp is better than the campground swimming area," explains Doug G. about Rocky Branch Campground.
Book cabins with play areas: Select family-friendly properties with recreational facilities. "From swimming in the pool to shooting hoops and climbing in the playgrounds they have had plenty to do. Easy access for our Class A Motorhome and nice level lots with good separation between the sites," shares Craig B. about Eureka Springs KOA.
Tips from RVers
Request specific site types: Wanderlust RV Park offers diverse cabin layouts. "Sites in some of the facility are a little smaller and many others are very good sized, make sure to ask. Pretty level sites once you get squared away," suggests John F.
Consider seasonal visitation: Fall offers optimal cabin camping weather with reduced crowds. "We spent a weekend in early May in campground 1 backing right up to one of the creeks. The sound of running water alone would have me back. Electric only and not very level site but loved it!" shares Jennifer O. about Roaring River.
Pack leveling equipment: Many cabin sites at Prairie Creek require adjustment. "I never was able to get our TT level at site 92. Over 8" difference from side to side. That said, we enjoyed our time here a lot. The sites in the 90's seem to be very short with the exception of 94," cautions Roger H.
Check utility hookups carefully: Water connections vary significantly between sites. "Reserved spots here solely because of availability for Memorial Day weekend. Basically every spot has water hookup EXCEPT the spots in the loop we were in (which is fine, we were aware before we arrived)," warns Mandi R.
