Cabin accommodations near Hensler, North Dakota provide access to Lake Sakakawea, the Missouri River, and surrounding prairies at elevations averaging 1,900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F to 85°F with potential for strong winds across the open landscape. Winter cabin stays require preparation for temperatures that can drop below 0°F, particularly at Fort Stevenson State Park and Cross Ranch where year-round cabins are available.
What to do
Riverside hiking: At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, trails follow the Missouri River with mowed paths for easy navigation. "Amazing site. Clean, friendly staff, private, walking paths are amazing and beautiful," notes one visitor. The park offers both short walks and longer trails with river views.
Canoe adventures: Cross Ranch State Park provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for river trips. "We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful!" reports a family who visited the park.
Historic exploration: Visit Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground to explore reconstructed military buildings and a Mandan Indian village. "There's a playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village. There's a paved bike path that you can take from the campground all the way to Bismarck (10+ miles)," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground offers cabins with separation between sites. "The sites are well spaced, some with beautiful views of the lake. Great breezes from the water," explains a reviewer. Many cabin sites provide lake views while maintaining distance from neighbors.
Winter accessibility: Cabins at Fort Stevenson State Park Campground remain open during winter months. "While there were very few tent sites available, we had our choice of sites as we were the only tent campers. Bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great," mentions a camper who visited outside peak season.
Recreation variety: Beulah Bay Rec Area combines water activities with on-site recreation. "Lots of to do! Boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding. Cabins, primitive campsites with great views and Full hook up RV sites. Fishing cleaning station, playground, basketball, volleyball, frisbee golf, horse shoes, on site store for ice, food and wood," states a reviewer who appreciated the options.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: Many campgrounds with cabin rentals near Hensler open water and toilet facilities later in spring. "Reasonable price. Only downside is the park is open early but no water, flush toilets or showers until May 15! There a few vault toilets so pick your site accordingly," advises a Lake Sakakawea visitor.
Cabin amenities: While most camping cabins include basic furniture, prepare to bring additional items. "The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm. Only downside is the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained," notes a visitor to Cross Ranch's specialty accommodation.
Site selection strategies: At Bismarck KOA, cabin locations vary in terms of shade and amenities. "Most of the sites are pull throughs in trees. It appeared that big rig spots were mostly back in," explains a visitor who appreciated the cabin accommodations. Satellite reception can be affected by mature trees at some sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Cross Ranch State Park provides playground facilities near cabin areas. "This place has it all! Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing," shares a family who stayed at the park with children.
Game options: Pack outdoor games for recreation areas at cabins. "Family friendly campground with horseshoes, basketball court, frisbee golf, and volleyball. Kayak rentals are available as well!" mentions a visitor to Beulah Bay, highlighting the additional activities beyond water sports.
Transportation options: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park features unique transportation that appeals to families. "Running through the park is a cool trolley that takes you to historic points within the park, then on into the town of Mandan 6 miles away," explains a visitor who found this helpful with children.
Tips from RVers
Winter cabin alternatives: RVers use cabins at Fort Stevenson State Park Campground when seasonal camping ends. "This is a very well kept campground with clean bathrooms and showers, well maintained tent, camper, and RV sites, and excellent mountain biking and hiking trails. It also has lake front camping sites for both tents and campers," reports an experienced visitor.
Water access considerations: When selecting camping cabins near Hensler, check boat launch proximity. "There is a marina with a fish cleaning station and a store. Loved this campground!" notes a Lake Sakakawea visitor. Many RVers appreciate cabin options with boat facilities nearby.
Road noise awareness: Consider cabin locations away from main roads for quieter stays. "Position your tent carefully to place trees between you and the airport beacon, and you'll be happier. Still, very nice municipal campground," advises a visitor to Glen Ullin Memorial Park, advice equally applicable to cabin selection.
