Camping cabins near Elgin, Texas offer access to the Lost Pines region, characterized by loblolly pine forests and rolling terrain between 400-500 feet elevation. The climate ranges from hot, humid summers to mild winters with occasional freezes. Several state parks and campgrounds within a 45-minute drive of Elgin maintain rental cabins for visitors seeking alternatives to tent camping.
What to do
Hiking through recovering forests: At Bastrop State Park Campground, trails showcase forest regeneration after previous wildfires. "The hiking trails are nice. Visited during the middle of summer, so it was very hot, sunny, and dry. Bring sun screen and plenty of water!" notes Danielle R. The park offers several miles of varied terrain suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Swimming in natural areas: McKinney Falls State Park Campground provides unique swimming opportunities in natural formations. "The water was warm, and it was perfect for new swimmers with floaties and advanced swimmers. There's a place where you can jump off the rocks into the water," mentions Steph C. The park features two distinct swimming holes with volcanic rock formations.
Fishing opportunities: Wilson H Fox campground offers productive fishing spots, particularly for certain species. "You wonder what this lake is best for fishing it's crappie," shares Douglas D. Several lakeside campsites include paths down to the shoreline, allowing easy access for bank fishing throughout the day.
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Austin East KOA receives consistent praise for their clean facilities. "Very friendly staff who were great hosts. You can text to have firewood or ice delivered to your site. Bathrooms and showers were clean," mentions Iris A. The campground maintains individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several cabin rental locations accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. "If you have dogs this will probably be the biggest dog park at an rv resort that you have ever been to," writes Benjamin R. about Austin East KOA. Many cabin sites allow pets for an additional fee, though specific rules vary by location.
Shaded sites: Lake Bastrop South Shore Park provides natural shade for summer comfort. "Nice park with campsites with lots of trees for privacy...good hiking trails," notes AJCOOK. The lakeside cabins benefit from mature tree coverage, helping moderate temperatures during hot Texas summers.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin rentals require advance planning, especially during peak seasons. "Spent 3 nights while we toured Austin. We had a pull through site close to pool and bathhouse," shares Carol J. about Oak Forest RV Park. Weekends from March through October typically book 2-3 months in advance.
Limited bathroom facilities: Some locations have fewer facilities relative to capacity. "Long waits for toilet/shower. All are family type facilities with the toilet, sink and shower as one unit behind a lock door, so one showering person ties up a toilet," explains Napunani about South Shore Park.
Weather variability: The Central Texas climate can fluctuate dramatically, affecting cabin camping experiences. "We experienced the Austin winter storm 2021 and although we were without water hookup for 1 week we never lost power," reports Tammee P. about Oak Forest RV Park. Cabins typically provide better insulation against unexpected weather than tents.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple cabin rental sites include dedicated children's areas. "They have a children's playground and a nice swimming pool," mentions Steve & Ashley G. about Bastrop State Park. Some cabins are positioned closer to playgrounds than others.
Junior ranger programs: Buescher State Park Campground offers educational opportunities for children. "Kids got to do the junior ranger program which they loved," shares Kim B. These structured activities typically run 1-2 hours and provide educational materials about local wildlife and ecology.
Camping activities: Wilson H Fox includes diverse recreation options beyond standard amenities. "Fishing, swimming, animal watching it has it all," explains Elizabeth M. Their cabins include covered picnic areas suitable for family meals and group activities regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Proximity to Austin: Multiple cabin rental locations advertise their convenient access to city amenities. "This is such a wonderful state park! Great hiking trails, two swimming holes, well spaced out camping sites with electricity and water. It was only a 9 min drive [to the airport]. It's about 20 minutes from downtown Austin," explains Eat · See · RV L. about McKinney Falls State Park.
Site spacing: The density of cabins varies significantly between properties. "The campground made a mistake with my reservation, but ended up correcting it and allowing me and my crew to stay for free. Points right there for great customer service!" shares Troy W. about South Shore Park Lake Bastrop. Many cabin areas provide more privacy than typical RV spaces.
Electricity reliability: Power supply stability varies between locations, with state parks generally maintaining reliable service even during weather events. "Getting in and out of the park was smooth for the most part just watch some overhanging limbs," notes Dan H. about McKinney Falls State Park, highlighting access considerations for larger vehicles approaching cabin areas.
