Cabin camping options near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area range from rustic to semi-furnished accommodations. Located near the Wyoming-Montana border, this recreation area features dramatic limestone canyon walls rising over 1,000 feet above the Bighorn River. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F during day and 50-65°F at night, with winter conditions requiring heated accommodations.
What to do
Fishing at Lake De Smet: Camp lakeside at Mikesell Potts Recreation Area where cabins provide easy access to the water. "Beautiful lake. You can camp next to the lake. They're doing improvements to the campground," notes one visitor who enjoyed the proximity to fishing opportunities.
Explore downtown Buffalo: Just a short drive from many cabin accommodations, downtown Buffalo offers historical attractions. "Go downtown. See the Occidental Hotel inside. A must. Also, if you are a Longmire fan, this is where the author is from and there is an entire store of all things Longmire," advises a camper who stayed at Indian Campground.
Wildlife watching: The area hosts diverse wildlife including pronghorn antelope and moose. "We saw a moose by the lake one morning," reports a visitor to Lakeview campground. Cabin stays provide a comfortable base for early morning or evening wildlife viewing when animals are most active.
What campers like
Cabin amenities: Buffalo KOA cabins include television with streaming options. "TV also has a Roku adaptor," mentions a reviewer, noting the modern entertainment options not typically found in rustic cabins.
Seasonal flexibility: Some cabin facilities operate year-round. "Very nice, easy access. Highly recommended," notes a winter visitor who appreciated having cabin options during off-season months when tent camping would be impractical.
Creek access: "It's a pretty little park. Not busy the first of May when we were here," reports a guest who enjoyed the peaceful setting. Many cabins sit near Clear Creek, which runs through Buffalo and provides a natural backdrop for cabin stays.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabins fill quickly during peak season. "We stopped here without a reservation in October and we were able to find a space, I don't think it would be the same in the summer and you probably want a reservation," advises a visitor at The Lake Stop.
Highway noise: Some cabin locations experience traffic noise. "I will say that we didn't sleep well due to the noise from the very nearby highway," notes a camper who suggests choosing accommodations farther from I-90 for lighter sleepers.
Cooking options: Cabin cooking facilities vary significantly between locations. Some cabins permit outdoor cooking with personal equipment, while others provide basic kitchen setups. "There was a picnic table, but no fires were allowed (I think if you have a portable gas fire pit you can use that)," explains a visitor describing site restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Deer Park RV Park and Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Lots of trees and with plenty of space for sitting in the shade. Since we make a couple trips this way each year we will plan on being here again, maybe for 2 or 3 days so we can just relax and use the pool and walking trail," notes a visitor who appreciated the recreational options.
Nature walks: Several cabin locations feature walking trails suitable for children. "There are a great walking trail near the front of the CG—about a half-mile loop—where we spotted several deer. A peaceful walk and a nice touch to the stay," shares a family who enjoyed the accessible outdoor activities.
Swimming options: "Very nice heated pool. Pretty quiet but the highway is close," reports a camper who found the swimming facilities important for family enjoyment during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Sheridan/Big Horn Mountains KOA offers both RV and cabin options for travelers. "The sites are small, and tight, but there is grass. They have mostly RV sites, with some tent sites and small cabins," explains an RVer who appreciated the real grass instead of gravel common at many RV parks.
Internet connectivity: "We connected to the first one I saw and got a surprising 279 Mbps upload and 119 Mbps download—an enormous improvement since our last visit about two years ago," notes a camper who was pleased with digital amenities when staying in a cabin while their RV was being serviced.
Laundry access: When transitioning between RV and cabin stays, laundry facilities become important. "Large clean laundry room with 4 washers and 4 driers," reports a visitor who valued this practical amenity during an extended trip.
