Cabin camping near Crab Orchard, Tennessee provides access to the diverse ecosystems of the Cumberland Plateau region, situated at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 feet. The plateau's unique sandstone geology creates distinct camping environments with temperature averages 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Most cabin rentals in this area experience moderate rainfall even during summer months, making weather-resistant cabin accommodations practical for year-round visits.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cumberland Mountain State Park Campground features a stocked lake ideal for family fishing. "Canoe and paddle boat rentals, (No Privately owned boats on lake). Several hiking trails in the park," notes Bob T. about the available activities.
Swimming options: The natural swimming areas at Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground provide alternatives to developed pool facilities. One visitor recommends to "swim in the cascades next to the nature center" as a must-do activity, while another camper mentions you can "get wet in the falls and creeks" during summer visits.
Basketball and outdoor games: Several campgrounds offer sports facilities for guests. At Bean Pot Campground, "There were basketball courts and beanbag toss," according to Angela C., providing entertainment options beyond standard hiking and water activities.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Visitors consistently mention the generous spacing between sites as a highlight. "Good state park. Beautiful area and spacious sites," reports Jake W. about Cumberland Mountain State Park, while another camper noted their site had "nice lawn on each side and behind us."
Clean facilities: Crossville / I-40 KOA receives high marks for maintenance. "The lawn was cut and well kept and the staff was very friendly and courteous," writes Brad S., adding that "Wi-Fi and cell service were great!" for those needing connectivity.
Cabin amenities: Cabins at several properties feature unexpected conveniences. At Deer Run RV Resort, cabin accommodations provide "full hookups" according to reviews, while another visitor mentioned appreciating the "huge spots and most are pull through" which creates privacy between units.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential during peak periods at most properties. At Bean Pot Campground, "We were either planning on staying in a motel or the bean pot and we were so glad we stayed in the bean pot," notes Luna P., emphasizing how limited availability affects lodging options.
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies significantly between properties. One camper at Cumberland Mountain observed that "the bathhouses are dated and in desperate need of renovation, and during our stay were void of any cleaning."
Site leveling challenges: Terrain variations affect cabin and RV pad placement. "Our site was very un-level and could not get the camper to auto level," reports Douglas T. about Deer Run RV Resort, suggesting guests should bring additional leveling equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Davy Crockett Campground provides children's recreation areas. "Kids loved the pool, basketball court, playground, and corn hole boards," writes Julia N., highlighting the range of activities available for younger campers.
Water activities: Inflatable water features enhance summer visits for families. At Arrowhead Resort, "they had a huge inflatable slide that our kids spent hours on," according to Angela C., who also mentioned the dive platform for lake swimming.
Evening entertainment: Some campgrounds offer organized activities after dark. One reviewer noted their campground "had a movie in the evening (Jaws) and gave out popcorn," creating memorable experiences for families beyond daytime outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Power considerations: Electrical services vary between locations. At Awakening Adventures, RV hookups include thirty-amp service rather than fifty-amp connections, which requires power management for larger units with multiple appliances.
Road conditions: Access roads present challenges at some properties. A visitor at Cumberland Mountain noted "once you register it's another long drive back to the sites, which is nothing but trees," indicating the need for caution when navigating larger rigs through wooded areas.
Site spacing: RVers appreciate adequate distance between camping spots. "Camp slots on area C are so close to one another that most people couldn't use their fire pits for fear of burning their own tent, or their neighbor's," warns Andrea S. about certain sections at Fall Creek Falls, suggesting RVers should request specific loop assignments.
